RoadVitals

2008 BMW 335I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 335I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

76
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 29, 2024

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 · filed Apr 11, 2022
All 76 reports naming fuel system

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

43
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 7, 2020

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE COULD BE THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NOT SO SURE GOT CODES P3090 CONFIRMED AND P142E PENDING. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN DOING A TURN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO BOG OUT AND ROUGHLY IDLE I IMMEDIATELY TURNED TO THE RIGHT AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF TRIED TO START IT ABOUT THREE TIMES IN ONE MINUTE INTERVALS CAR WOULD BOG OUT AND SHUT OFF THREW ME THOSE TWO CODES AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

NHTSA ID 11290225 · filed Dec 19, 2019
All 43 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

38
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 11, 2022

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 · filed Dec 18, 2021
All 38 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"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 · filed Apr 26, 2026

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 · filed Apr 11, 2022
All 35 reports naming electrical

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAULT. THE PROBLEM BEGAN WHENEVER A PASSENGER WOULD SIT ON THE SEAT, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD GO ON. AFTER SOME TIME PASSED THE LIGHT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. I NOTICED RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS YEARS. UPON RESEARCHING, IT SEEMS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT JUST ISN'T REPORTED. IT LEADS TO MANY JUST FIXING IT THEMSELVES, OR JUST BUYING BYPASSES TO AVOID FORKING OUT OVER $1200 TO GET IT FIXED. THE PROBLEM DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR SITUATION, AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED

NHTSA ID 11063808 · filed Jan 19, 2018

THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. THE LIGHTS FLASH ON THE OUTSIDE BUT EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE UNLOCK BUTTON FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THE DOORS STAY LOCKED. WIFE HAD TO EXIT MY CAR WAS BY CRAWLING OUT OF THE WINDOW. ABLE TO USE THE KEY FOR MANUAL UNLOCK OF DRIVER DOOR ONLY; GAS TANK DOOR REMAINS LOCKED SO I CANNOT PUT GAS IN MY CAR AND, THEREFORE, CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10704402 · filed Apr 8, 2015
All 10 reports naming interior & seats

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED IN 2011 IS PROBLEMATIC AGAIN. WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL HARDER, THE CAR STUTTERS AND DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE EXTRA POWER REQUESTED BY FLOORING THE GAS PEDAL AND MAKES PUT ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT CAME UP AS WELL. I PULLED THE CAR OVER WHEN I COULD, STOPPED AND STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT DISAPPEARED. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE BACK IN 2011 AND RECURRING AGAIN. I SUSPECT THIS HAS BEEN THERE FOR A LONG TIME, BUT AS MY WIFE DOES NOT PUNCH THE GAS AS HARD AS ME, SHE NOTICED THIS ONLY ON FEW OCCASIONS. I NOTICED THIS TWICE IN THE LAST MONTH AND SO, CALLED THE STEALERSHIP AND LOGGING A COMPLAINT HERE. IN 2011, THEY SAID BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS AND SO, THIS SHOULD BE COVERED NOW AS WELL, BUT THE STEALERSHIP ABVIOUSLY WOULD NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. HOPE OUR GREAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOW GERMANY THEIR PLACE, AND HOPE BMW PAYS FOR THE TERRIBLE ENGINEERING TILL ELON MUSK MAKES THEM GO BANKRUPT.

NHTSA ID 11300487 · filed Jan 20, 2020

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER, AND THE POWER WAS GONE; IT WAS BARELY MOVING; AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH DIMINISHED SPEED. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME ON AN ACCESS ROAD; AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO GLOBAL BMW IN METRO ATLANTA; AND PAID CLOSE TO $3000 FOR REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER I HAD A PROBLEM AGAIN. THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION; REDUCED POWER, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. IN DOING RESEARCH THIS MORNING; I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I DID NOT KNOW IT; BUT GLOBAL BMW HAD TO KNOW IT. I CALLED BMW RECALL AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PARTS. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2010; SO THEY MUST HAVE THE PARTS. MOST OF THE LAWSUITS WERE SETTLED OUT OF COURT WITH A GAG ORDER; SO IT APPEARS THAT BMW DON'T RESPOND UNLESS THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT; AND THIS IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOUR OFFICE. I WILL APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU MAY PROVIDE.

NHTSA ID 11121587 · filed Aug 22, 2018
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WENT TO REPLACE AN OBVIOUSLY BURNED OUT BRAND NEW XENON HID BALLAST. CONFUSED ABOUT WHY IT BURNED UP(FAILURE RATE OF 1 PER 1,000 QUOTED BY THE MANUFACTURER) I TOOK OFF THE BACK COVER FOR THE HOUSING. TO MY SURPRISE, THE POWER CABLE'S THAT PLUGS INTO THE HID BALLAST INSULATION WAS COMPLETELY GONE. BARE. WIRES. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY AN EXTREME FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD. CURIOUS IF MY OTHER HEADLIGHT WIRING WAS THE SAME WAY, I POPPED THE BACK HOUSING OF IT TO INSPECT FOR ANOTHER HAZARD. LORD AND BEHOLD, IT WAS EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. NOT JUST THE POWER SUPPLY INSULATION ON THE WIRES FOR THE BALLAST WAS CHIPPING, ALL OF IT WAS CHIPPING. THE DRL, ANGEL EYE AND TURN MAKER WIRING INSULATION WAS ALL..GONE. SOMEONE HAD RECENTLY DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE BEFOREHAND AS THERE WAS ELECTRICAL TAPE & SOLDER ON SOME OF THE WIRES KEEPING THEM TOGETHER. ---------------------------- THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD! ----------------------------

NHTSA ID 11183713 · filed Mar 3, 2019

AFTER DRIVING UP TO 75MPH AT HWY, I PARKED MY CAR AT PARKING LOT AND 15 MINUTES LATER , SOMEONE NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE'S SMOKE COMING OUT FROM MY ENGINE BAY. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED THE HOOD AND THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS ON FIRE ALSO SPREAD TO THE HEAT SHIELD (ATTACHED TO THE HOOD). I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISED THE FIRE BUT THE TOP PART OF THE HEADLIGHT MELTED THRU THE WIRES. I READ THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS HEADLIGHT AND WANT TO KNOW IF BMW HAS RECALLED THIS LIGHT. I LOOKED IT UP AND THE PART ITSELF COST AROUND $1,100 PLUS LABOR. IF THIS IS A DEFECT, BMW SHOULD REPLACED THIS PART AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER.

NHTSA ID 10970087 · filed Apr 3, 2017
All 9 reports naming exterior lighting

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

"PASS. RESTRAINT PASSENGER" ERROR MASSAGE, APPEARED THE FIRST TIME, I REPLACED THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER, THE ERROR MASSAGE DISAPPEARED, THEN CAME BACK ON ABOUT 5 MONTHS AFTER. I HAVE A CONVERTIBLE MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10615608 · filed Jul 23, 2014

DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TENSIONER SYSTEM FAIL LIGHTS CAME ON. WE DROVE HOME AND THE LIGHTS STAYED ON EVER SINCE. TRIED RESETTING THE COMPUTER SYSTEM BUT LIGHTS REMAIN ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10557854 · filed Dec 30, 2013
All 9 reports naming seat belts

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR, BUT LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S JOB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V067000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

NHTSA ID 10978894 · filed Apr 17, 2017

I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON WOODALL ROGERS FWY IN DALLAS, WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO START AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW. THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP AND GAVE ME A $3,000 QUOTE. I HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED A WATER PUMP AND OTHER ITEMS. HOWEVER, THE RECALL INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN READING DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. WHENEVER I DRIVE MY CAR NOW AND I ACCELERATE, IT STILL GIVES ME AN ENGINE WARNING AND STARTS SHAKING. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS "SUFFERING" FROM THE WATER PUMP ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 10909457 · filed Sep 24, 2016
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE WALKING TO THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED THROUGH THE DASHBOARD AND GLOVE BOX. THE DEALER (HANSEL BMW OF SANTA ROSA, 2925 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) STATED THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT TO HEAR FROM THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY COULD MAKE ANY DECISIONS ON HOW TO HANDLE THE FAILURE. THEY ALSO DIRECTED THE CONTACT NOT TO TOUCH ANYTHING IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE BLOWER MOTOR CATCHING ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V670000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID 11154846 · filed Nov 29, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER INADVERTENTLY FAILED TO FUNCTION WHEN ATTEMPTED TO BE USED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LAUDERDALE BMW-MINI SERVICE CENTER (2601 S ANDREWS AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316), BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11065868 · filed Jan 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER 20000 MILES. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD COST $4800 TO FIX BUT THAT BMW WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING AND TYPICALLY OFFERED A BREAK ON THE COST OF THE PARTS AS A "GOODWILL" GESTURE. THIS SO CALLED "GOODWILL" WAS NOT OFFERED TO US AND WERE ADVISED THAT THE CAR COULD BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE REPAIRS AS LONG AS WE REALIZED THAT WE "WERE DRIVING A CAR FROM THE '70S". HOW CAN YOU GARAGE KEEP A $52000 CAR AND HAVE SUCH A SYSTEM/SAFETY BREAKDOWN AFTER 20,000 MILES. IN ADDITION, HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER RECOGNIZE THIS FAILURE IN THE FORM OF "GOODWILL" GESTURES UNTIL THEY TIRE OF DOING SO? I WOULD ASK THE NHTSA TO PLEASE ENCOURAGE THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS VEHICLE (BMW) TO FIX THIS FAULT IN THEIR PRODUCTION/DESIGN AT THEIR COST. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID 10714786 · filed May 5, 2015

ABS UNIT FAILED, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON. PER MECH. COMMON PROB, BMW EVEN SELLS REPAIR KIT SO COMMON. VERY EXPENSIVE FIX, I AM SURE PEOPLE DRIVING WITHOUT ABS/TRACTION CONTROL. VERY UNSAFE BMW FROM 2006-2009. *TR

NHTSA ID 10561327 · filed Jan 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER, AND THE POWER WAS GONE; IT WAS BARELY MOVING; AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH DIMINISHED SPEED. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME ON AN ACCESS ROAD; AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO GLOBAL BMW IN METRO ATLANTA; AND PAID CLOSE TO $3000 FOR REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER I HAD A PROBLEM AGAIN. THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION; REDUCED POWER, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. IN DOING RESEARCH THIS MORNING; I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I DID NOT KNOW IT; BUT GLOBAL BMW HAD TO KNOW IT. I CALLED BMW RECALL AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PARTS. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2010; SO THEY MUST HAVE THE PARTS. MOST OF THE LAWSUITS WERE SETTLED OUT OF COURT WITH A GAG ORDER; SO IT APPEARS THAT BMW DON'T RESPOND UNLESS THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT; AND THIS IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOUR OFFICE. I WILL APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU MAY PROVIDE.

NHTSA ID 11121587 · filed Aug 22, 2018

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. (VIDEO WAS TAKEN) THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. I ALMOST WREAKED. I CHECKED MY STEERING WHEEL FLUID AND IT WAS BROWN, AN INDICATION TO ME THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. A BELT ALSO SNAPPED. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT BMW IS TELLING ME DOES NOT COVER THE A/C COMPRESSOR. I AM BEING TOLD THAT IN ORDER FOR BMW OF FRESNO TO MAKE A PROPER ASSESSMENT OF THE STEERING ISSUE I FIRST HAVE TO REPLACE THE A/C COMPRESSOR AT $2535.34. AS A FLEET MANAGER, I KNOW MY CHAIN IS BEING YANKED.

NHTSA ID 10846503 · filed Mar 14, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD TO REPLACE TWO TIRE, ONE FRONT AND ONE REAR, FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS THAT BOTH TIRES HAD SIDEWALL SEPARATION IN THE SAME LOCATION, WHERE THE SIDEWALL ATTACHES TO THE TIRE BEAD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10515373 · filed Jun 5, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 RUN-FLAT TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EXHIBITED SMALL PUNCTURES AND WOULD BECOME FLAT FREQUENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE CAUSE OF THE CONSTANT TIRE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10472790 · filed Aug 28, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 7, 2020

ONE OF THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED AND CAUSED A FUSE TO BLOW. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE DRIVER DOOR COULD ONLY BE UNLOCKED WITH THE METAL KEY AND NOT BY THE ELECTRONIC LOCK REMOTE. WHAT WAS SO DANGEROUS IS THAT NONE OF THE OTHER 3 PASSENGER DOORS COULD BE OPENED EITHER FROM OUTSIDE OR EVEN FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. ESSENTIALLY ALL THE PASSENGERS WERE TRAPPED IN THE CAR AND HAD TO CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR WHICH COULD BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. HAD THERE BEEN AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY IT COULD HAVE TAKEN TOO LONG TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE 3 PASSENGER DOORS DID NOT BEGIN WORKING UNTIL THE FUSE AND DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF NEARLY $700. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. SI B51 19 07 FACTORY SERVICE BULLETIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10475086 · filed Sep 11, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2008 BMW 335I 4 DOOR. THERE IS A MALFUNCTION WITH FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE. IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE THAT BMW NOTIFIED THIS AGENCY OF ON 12/11/13. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN # IS 13V-564. COMPONENTS: AIR BAGS FRONTAL SEAT SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT ACCORDING TO THE RESEARCH DONE, BMW DID NOT INCLUDE MY MODEL YEAR IN THE RECALL. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE IT BUT DID NOT FORMALLY ISSUE THE RECALL ON MY MODEL YEAR. NOW THE BMW SERVICE SHOP WANTS APPROXIMATELY $2800 TO FIX THIS ISSUE THAT IS THEIR FAULT. THEY SHOULD REPAIR THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT AT NO COST TO ME AS THE CONSUMER. THE MFR'S REPORT DATE: 11/8/13. I WOULD LIKE BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO CORRECT THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT/COMPONENTS AT NO COST TO ME. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT THE SYSTEM WILL FAIL IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, DEACTIVATING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY AND EVEN DEATH. I WAS TOLD THE SENSOR COMMUNICATES THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGER FOR THE CAR TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG AT THE CORRECT SPEED AND PRESSURE, IF THE AIRBAG DOES HAPPEN TO WORK, BUT MOST LIKELY WILL NOT DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THE NHTSA SHOULD ENFORCE BMW TO RECALL ALL MODELS THIS ISSUE IMPACTS. PER THE ARTICLE: "IN 2008, BMW RECALLED 200,000 VEHICLES DUE TO A SIMILAR PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT RECALL THESE VEHICLES AT THAT TIME. BMW SAID IT DID NOT RECALL THE ADDITIONAL 77,000 VEHICLES RECALLED THIS WEEK IN 2008 BECAUSE ?THEY HAD SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER WARRANTY CLAIM RATES.? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10583550 · filed Apr 18, 2014

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2010. I AVERAGE LESS THAN 650 MILES PER MONTH AND DRIVE ONLY ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY STREETS. A MONTH AFTER LEASING MY VEHICLE, ALL FOUR OF THE TIRES SPLIT AND I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER NOT MAINTAINING THE ALIGNMENT. I IMMEDIATELY REPLACED ALL FOUR (4) TIRES WITH BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RUN-FLAT TIRES, AS REQUIRED BY MY LEASE. SIX MONTHS LATER, IN OCTOBER OF 2010, I AGAIN HAD NUMEROUS TIRE PRESSURE ISSUES, AND RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP NOVEMBER 19. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO ISSUE WITH THE TIRES, BUT A TIRE SENSOR ISSUE. WHEN I PICKED-UP THE VEHICLE, THE SENSOR WAS ON. I HAVE NOW BEEN INFORMED THAT THE REAR WHEEL RIMS ARE CRACKED AND THAT THE REAR TIRES MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH, MY ISSUES ARE COMMON AMONG OWNERS WITH THE BMW FACTORY RIMS IN COMBINATION WITH THE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RUN-FLAT TIRES, AND CAUSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY RISK. FURTHERMORE, MY FIRST SET OF TIRES WAS SO DAMAGED FROM THE INTERIOR WALLS (NOT VISIBLE UNLESS ON A LIFT) THAT THEY COULD HAVE EASILY SPLIT IN NORMAL DRIVING, PLACING ME AGAIN AT A SEVERE SAFETY RISK.

NHTSA ID 10370149 · filed Dec 7, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

1) TRANSMISSION JERKS FORWARD WHEN LETTING FOOT OFF BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY 2) CAR HAS LONG STARTS; I BELIEVE IT TO BE A FUEL MANAGEMENT PROBLEM 3) CAR HAS REDUCED POWER INTERMITTENTLY PROBLEMS OCCURS ABOUT EVERY TWO DAYS; THE TRANSMISSION JERKING FORWARD AND REDUCE POWER IS UNSAFE. IT CAN'T BE FORECASTED DURING EVERYDAY DRIVING. I HAVE IN CONTACT WITH BMW NA AND MY LOCAL SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES; BMW CLAIMS NO ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM. FUEL/TRANSMISSION ISSUE MAKES THE CAR HARD TO PREDICT. BMW DEALER RECOMMENDED A DIFFERENT FUELING STATION DUE TO ETHANOL CONTACT; SINCE I STARTED USING THEIR RECOMMENDED GAS STATIONS, THE PROBLEM HAS GOOTEN WORSE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THE CAR HAS NOT TECHNICALLY FAILED YET. I'VE CREATED AN EXCEL CHART TO TRACK THE ISSUES, EVENTS AND DATE/MILEAGE/STATUS OF CAR CONDITIONS. I WILL KEEP IN CONTACT WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER OF THE DEALER WITH THE RE-OCCURING ISSUES. VEHICLE TYPE 2008 BMW 335I COUPE (MODEL WAS NOT LISTED IN DROP-DOWN BAR LATER IN COMPLAINT). *TR

NHTSA ID 10239718 · filed Aug 25, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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