RoadVitals

2008 BMW 335XI

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.
61
Latest Oct 15, 2024
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.
3
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.
6
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 61 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 335XI, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 128 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

3 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
24V513000

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
20V017000

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
17V676000

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

View all 61
Fuel system
Filed Oct 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 335xi. The contact stated while her son was driving at various speeds, the engine was misfiring and making an abnormal loud knocking sound. No further information was provided. The driver pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to BMW Campaign Number: SIB130120. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was unsure whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11619884
Incident
Oct 11, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jul 18, 2023
Fire reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 335xi. The contact stated after parking the vehicle at a parking lot, he noticed smoke exiting the center dashboard. The contact detached the plastic kickboard and saw the fire located in the wires. A bystander had a fire extinguisher available and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact burned his left hand but declined medical attention. The fire department arrived at the location and filed a fire report. The fire department informed the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System). A police report was not filed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where they associated the failure with the recall. The contact stated a manufacturer inspector, later on, informed the recall was not associated with the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ID
11532997
Incident
Jun 6, 2023
Mileage
123,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Dec 3, 2022

My car hasn't start up for 2 years now. 1st it started with a dead starter, then alternator, then the radiator and water pump bursted, and as i was standing outside of my car the passenger air bag deploys while the car was off and key out of the ignition. Luckily no one was in my car but now my car doesn't and wont crank or turnover, it makes a buzzing noise for a split second when i hit the start/stop button and thats all. I'm getting full voltage to it. Every time i run my scanner, i get different codes every time, i bought a 2nd scanner (carly) to compare and both threw out different codes every time but the main ones was the starter and pcv code; which i got 3 different starters put in, all new and the code was still ahowing. Ive spent more time researching and more money buying parts to fix my car then what I bought the car for which was $6k. Worst part is that My car wont even start so i cant take it to the shop and im definitely not paying a toll fee just to have the shop tell me what i already know. Ive looked up forums and multiple people is facing the same issues as i am with their results ending with a "please help if anyone finds out what this issue is". I've replaced the battery 3 times and registered the batteries each time. I have a new starter, alternator, radiator, radiator fan, water pump, thermostat, reservoir, crankshaft and camshaft position sensor, battery, ibs cables, power distribution box, ground straps, oil filter, oil filter housing, spark plugs, coil packs, manifold and gaskets, pcv valves, start/stop switch, relays, fuses, and I still get the same results which is no crank/no start and a buzzing noise. When i spoke with BMW customer support i told them that the closest BMW repair shop is 2 hours away from me and the lady replied "that's going to be a huge chunk of money for towing". I mean seriously, BMW should be paying for or that and fixing their mess but won't own up to it.

NHTSA ID
11495879
Incident
May 1, 2020
Fuel system
Filed Oct 21, 2020

I WRITE REQUESTING THAT MY VEHICLE 2008 BMW 335XI VIN NUMBER [XXX] BE TAGGED/LISTED AS NEEDING THE REVISED SIB 13 01 20 -EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 10E-A02 ISSUED BY BMW ON 01/17/2020. THIS REVISED 2020 BMW INTERNAL AMENDED RECALL INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ALL ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTORS. IT AMENDS WHAT WAS BEING DONE SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL SIB 13 14 20 FROM THE YEAR 2011 WHICH REQUIRED ONLY INDIVIDUAL FAILING INJECTORS BE REPLACED. BACK IN 2011, THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT WORKED ON MY CAR, REPLACED TWO (2) FAILING INJECTORS AND REMOVED THE CAR FROM THE RECALL LIST PREMATURELY. THAT WAS WRONG BECAUSE FUEL INJECTORS ARE ?INDIVIDUAL? PIECES OF EQUIPMENT, AND MY CAR NEEDS SIX (6) OF THEM. IN THE YEAR 2013, BMW REPLACED THREE (3) FUEL INJECTORS IN A DIFFERENT BANK UNDER WARRANTY. MAKING IT THAT WAS STILL ONE MORE ORIGINAL INJECTOR LEFT (INJECTOR NUMBER #5) IN THE CAR. THIS REMAINING INJECTOR #5 IN MY CAR IS AN ORIGINAL INJECTOR AND SHOULD STILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. I CALLED BMW USA ASKING FOR THE UPDATED 01/17/2020 RECALL BE COMPLETED ON MY CAR AND THEY DENIED MY REQUEST STATING THEY HAVE PROPERLY COMPLETED THE ORIGINAL RECALL BACK IN 2011. I HAD THEM REVIEW THE RECORDS WHICH INDICATE THAT BACK IN 2011 DURING THE ORIGINAL RECALL SIB 13 14 20 ONLY FUEL INJECTORS 4 & 6 WERE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE INJECTORS. INJECTOR NUMBER 5 IS STILL ORIGINAL AND IT IS SUBJECT TO THE 01/17/2020 SIB 13 01 20 -EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 10E-A02 ISSUED BY BMW. CURRENTLY, THIS FUEL INJECTOR LEAKS FUEL DOWN INTO THE CYLINDER HEAD AND CREATES POLLUTION. I AM ATTACHING SERVICE RECORDS. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND HAVE BMW DO THE RIGHT THING BY REPLACING THIS OLD ORIGINAL INJECTOR THEY LEFT BEHIND BACK IN 2011. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. --- [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11365595
Incident
Aug 6, 2020
Mileage
190,217 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STARTER SLOWLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, HE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK INTO THE SPARK PLUGS. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ORANGE COUNTY BMW LOCATED AT 101 MAHER LN, HARRIMAN, NY 10926, (845) 782-4269 AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH MANUFACTURER RECALL 10EA02, HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

NHTSA ID
11348644
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
102,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 23, 2020

CAR HAS ISSUES WITH COLD START, LONG CRANK, RPM SURGE, CYLINDER MISFIRES. CAR HAS INDEX 5 AND INDEX 8 FUEL INJECTORS. THE CAR IS SHOWING CODES FOR ISSUES WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID
11325671
Incident
Dec 26, 2019
Mileage
127,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Apr 16, 2020

FUEL INJECTORS ARE DUMPING EXCESS FUEL INTO THE CYLINDERS. ENGINE WILL SURGE CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. SURE HAPPENS ON COLD START AND ALSO CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
11321294
Incident
Jan 2, 2020
Mileage
128,900 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CASEY BMW LOCATED AT (12861 JEFFERSON AVE. NEWPORT NEWS. VA) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11317471
Incident
Jun 2, 2015
Mileage
120,000 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 335XI by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016001—
2015211—
2014721—
2013911—
2012210—
2011233049.7
2010113040.5
2009183050.2
2008Viewing613049.3
2007204056.6
2006030—
2005003—

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.