Most common 2008 BMW 335 problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 335 complaints by model year
Best 335 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2008 BMW 335 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 335:
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 335 owners say
Electrical system
I owned a 2008 BMW 335i for about 4 years. Last month I was driving the car home after picking it up from dealer. I brought the car to the dealer because the crankshaft sensor failed and also went for the battery recall. Driving back from the dealer back to my apartment was about 30-40 minutes. So right when I pulled into the apartment parking lot, I noticed my trunk was smoking through my rear view mirror. I quickly tried to park somewhere empty, then I got out and I saw the rear end of the car was flaming up. It took less than 20 minutes, the entire car was covered with fire. Since the fire started from the rear, I am sure that's the battery wire connection that caused this. I am frustrated because I dd this car and only happen after the service from the dealer. Also why BMW design and position the freaking battery and wires behind the gas tank?
Driving my car at 65mph the whole car shut down I had no control of the vehicle. Was barely able to power the steering wheel to the right and coast into a parking lot. Where I was still not in a safe place because my brakes had no response as well. Finally snatched up the ebrake and the car began to slow down. This is the second time this issue has occurred with me driving and I'm lucky to have my life after two horrific incidents like this. Also I have no air bag so if I wouldn't of been so lucky to not hit anything head on I would of not even had a airbag deploy. I was told by BMW my car shut down because of the water pump but when this was replaced after a $950 bill my car still doesn't work and now I'm being told by BMW now it will be another $500 to figure it out. I have not been able to drive my car free of concern for more than 6 months. …
2008 BMW 335 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 335 a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 335 rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 335 at the same age. It is one of the best 335 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 335?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 335 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 BMW 335, 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 335?
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 335 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 335 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 106,000 miles; 25% 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.