Most common 2008 BMW 328 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328 complaints by model year
Best 328 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2008 BMW 328 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 BMW 328:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2008 BMW 328 owners say
Air bags
Takata recall. I have called dealer five times and they do not know when they will get the repair part. I own two 2008 BMW's with same recall. Columbia sc BMW [phone]. Surely someone knows the status of the new part. They seem to be ignoring me, never had that happen before.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted at: advantage BMW, houston, tx, and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system
Pulled into driveway, smelled melted plastic, parked car and turned it off. Looked and saw flames from under the passenger side glovebox area. Car ignited in flames. Attempted put out but fire spread rapidly and called 911.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V676000 (electrical system) and 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact called paul miller BMW (1515 nj-23, wayne, nj 07470) and was informed that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (engine and cooling). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time as the recall notice was received over three months ago. The dealer (thompson BMW, 680 n main st, doylestown, pa 18901, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V676000 (electrical system) and 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact called paul miller BMW (1515 nj-23, wayne, nj 07470) and was informed that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
2008 BMW 328 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 328 a good car?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 328 rates better than average: 60% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 328 at the same age. It is one of the best 328 years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 328?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 328 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 BMW 328, the most recent from February 5, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 328?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011. See the full BMW 328 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 328 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.