RoadVitals

2008 BMW 335I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
201
Latest Apr 26, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 3, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14
7 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 201 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 335I, most frequently naming the fuel system, airbags and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 130 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jul 3, 2024
394,029 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 25, 2017
702,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Apr 26, 2026

"I am reporting a failed safety remedy by BMW of Macon regarding Recall 13V-044 (Battery Cable Connector). Following the recall service, the vehicle suffered a systemic digital failure and a legal odometer discrepancy of approximately 20,000 miles 73,547 to around 53,000k (The 53k miles was seen on the dash after the service, but the exact number wasn’t documented by me, but was reported to my service advisor at BMW of Macon) Specifically: 1. Module De-Sync: The recall was allegedly performed without proper voltage stabilization, causing a communication failure ('brownout') between the CAS and Instrument Clustermodules. 2. Vehicle Immobilization: The resulting digital handshake failure has triggered a security lockout, rendering the car unable to crank and locking the transmission in Park (No Neutral). 3. Misdiagnosis: The dealership is refusing to reconcile the software corruption they caused, instead attempting to charge for a mechanical starter motor that was fully operational (CAS 1/1) prior to their intervention. This vehicle entered the dealership for a safety recall and was returned in a digitally compromised, legally unmarketable, and non-operational state. I request a federal investigation into the dealership's failure to provide a safe and effective remedy."

NHTSA ID
11733910
Incident
Apr 17, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Sep 29, 2024

As of recently I've been smelling a gas smell after driving my vehicle. No matter the distance or time I smelled the odor of gas. I am a certified automotive technician, so I decided to diagnose the problem myself. I put my vehicle in the air and spotted a wet spot of gas on the bottom left side of my fuel tank. To continue my diagnosis process I googled to see if anyone dealt with a similar issue. Seen a decent amount of people confirming the problem. A leak from the D/S fuel sending unit. So I take off my rear seats, and takeoff the fuel sending unit cover. Once the cover was off seen multiple cracks along side top of the unit. No warning lights was present, however did notice MPG was getting worse and worse. the little cracks makes my vehicle a fire hazard. I was able to have the replacement part ordered for about $140.

NHTSA ID
11617068
Incident
Sep 28, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 11, 2022

The engine and all electrical components including power steering spontaneously cutout while driving, usually while engine isnt being stressed at all, sometimes while idling. If the car is rolling, i have to restart the engine while driving and using manual power to steer. Obviously, this is a huge safety problem. I've just had the alternator and battery replaced, and they test fine. This has happened at least 50 times and I've reduced time driving vehicle until I solve the issue, which has persisted at least 6 months. I asked the BMW dealer about the following recall, and they claim they already performed it years ago after I already owned the car, without my recalling being told it was done. However, the symptoms are back, and BMW refuses to do anything about it at this time: Report Receipt Date: FEB 07, 2013 NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 504,545 All Products Associated with this Recall Details 2 Associated Documents Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW is recalling 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle. CONSEQUENCE: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2013.

NHTSA ID
11460407
Incident
Apr 11, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 18, 2021

I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part of the recall. What is happening is on cold starts or even idle the car is shaking and has a very apparent misfire, I have checked the spark plugs and they indeed have fuel on them. The injectors are causing excessive fuel in the cylinder this leads to a host of problems that are potentially, catastrophic like the engine seizing while driving due to oil dilution from the fuel

NHTSA ID
11444214
Incident
Nov 22, 2021
Filed Aug 25, 2020

WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR OF MY CAR AND EXIT. I COULD NOT UNLOCK IT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THE UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAILED. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW AN REACH OUTSIDE TO THE DOOR HANDLE. EVIDENTLY THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT REPAIRED IT BY INSTALLING AN "UPDATED DOOR LATCH ON BOTH FRONT DOORS." I AM GRATETFULL THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO GET OUT OF THAT CAR BECAUSE OF AN EMERGENCY.

NHTSA ID
11351274
Incident
Jun 17, 1920
Mileage
99,550 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 20, 2020

I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC MY FUEL INJECTORS HAVE GONE BAD AND I BELIEVE THIS IS FROM A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AS I KNOW VARIOUS PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE SAME ENGINE, YEAR AND MAKE. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AFTER I TURNED IT ON TO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING A BIT MORE THAN NORMAL, WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR WAS VERY VAGUELY RESPONDING TO ME. THIS IS WHY MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO MISFIRE, BECAUSE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. I WILL KEEP ALL RECEIPTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE OF THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID
11340293
Incident
Jun 16, 2020
Mileage
89,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 16, 2020

ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTY EXITING THE CAR. MANUFACTURER'S DEALER HAD TO INSTALL "UPDATED DOOR LATCH ON BOTH FRONT" DOORS. AT THE TIME THE VECHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY.

NHTSA ID
11339810
Incident
Jun 15, 2020
Mileage
99,559 mi
AirbagsBody & structure
Filed Jun 7, 2020
Crash reportedFire reported3 injuries reported1 death reported

THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DUE TO THE FRAME BEING WAPED RADIATOR BUSTED SUSPENSION WARPED ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR THIS WAS THE 1ST FIRST OF MY 4 BMWS TO LEAVE ME OWING MONEY ON A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T DRIVABLE LOCATION AND ISSUE UNKNOWN

NHTSA ID
11327649
Incident
Apr 5, 2017
Mileage
90,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B610322

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

B011321

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al

B011321

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 335I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017001
2016201
2015103245.1
2014205265.4
2013432265.1
2012223048.7
2011977047.8
2010414056.0
2009854052.9
2008Viewing2014049.1
20072885153.4
2006030

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.