Model year guide

2008 BMW 3 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 BMW 3 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 657 on record.

2008 BMW 3 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 BMW 3 Series at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints690
Typical price$11,039

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 BMW 3 Series recalls 3

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor o…

Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #09V257000 · 08/07/2009

BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 52…

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 BMW 3 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 690 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2008 BMW 3 Series safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 BMW 3 Series Wagon w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2008 BMW 3 Series worth?

Low
$7,200
Typical price
$11,039
High
$14,900

From 644 comparable 2008 BMW 3 Series listings.

2008 BMW 3 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
328i · 335i · 328xi · 335xi
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 230 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 300 hp · 4.0L 8-cyl 414 hp

2008 BMW 3 Series vehicles on record

Other BMW 3 Series model years

2008 BMW 3 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW 3 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 3 Series?

Based on 690 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, air bags.

What is the 2008 BMW 3 Series safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 BMW 3 Series crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2008 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $7,200–$14,900, typically around $11,039 (from 644 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.