Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 BMW 335i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
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. …
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). …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 335i. While driving, the vehicle started to overheat. The contact noticed smoke under the hood while the vehicle was idling. Upon further inspection, the contact could not determine the location of the smoke. The engine malfunction indicator illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. There was no fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that, due to the auxiliary cooling fan overheating, the radiator cracked and the auxiliary cooling fan and radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V676000 (electrical system). The contact called momentum BMW at [phone] (10002 southwest fwy, houston, tx 77074), but the call was disconnected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
While driving at 35 MPH in an area where there was no pull off and a blind turn and the temperature gauge was well within the normal range, an overheat engine light indicator came on and the car immediately lost power leaving us in the middle of the road obstructed around a turn. The time between the warning and the car last power was a few seconds with no other warning. This was an extremely hazardous and dangerous situation. After about 5 minutes, we were able to restart the car and get it about 1/2 mile, thus removing it from the middle of the road, again losing power with no warning. A qualified car repair center said it was a faulty water pump (the car has 56,000) and they said that many other BMW owners with my type of car are having the same issue; in fact they told me another owner had their car in for repair with the same issue and BMW was not cooperating. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 335i. The contact stated that the vehicle was extremely slow to pick up speed. The contact applied force to the accelerator pedal to pick up speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
I was told by my mechanic my fuel injectors have gone bad and I believe this is from a manufacturer's issue. Please investigate as I know various people that have the same issue with the same engine, year and make. I took it to the shop after I turned it on to drive and the vehicle was shaking a bit more than normal, when I accelerated the car was very vaguely responding to me. This is why my vehicle began to misfire, because of the fuel injectors. I will keep all receipts until further notice of this issue.
I purchased this vehicle and the waterpump I changed two times, keep overheating and almost getting in fire flames, I need help please can someone help me, it should not happen to get to this level, I spend all my money most of the time on my car. The waterpump stop working smoke comes out of engine,become so hot that burned my face two time,when waterpump when wrong,hit my oil cooler,radiator,and much more stuff alone.
Tl contact owns a 2008 BMW 335i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the message displayed the engine over heating warning. As a result, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine complaints in other 335i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 BMW 335i?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 BMW 335i, 19% of the model year's 201 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 BMW 335i engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 BMW 335i, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 335i engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.