general problems of the 2008 BMW 328 - part 1

108 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2008 BMW 328. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 BMW 328 based on all problems reported for the 2008 328.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2024

Wiring inside headlamp is not up to standards. For the cost the replace the headlight the wiring should not be falling apart causing shorts. One night I was driving and got a warning on my dash for my headlights and noticed it was a bit harder to see. Pulled over and noticed the headlight was out. Went to replace the bulb and noticed the wires have zero protection on them and are all touching. . This is not safe as wire shorts can cause a fire and not to mention the visibility issues. The driver side is not the bright at all and flickers while I’m driving. Both sides are having this issue and that’s unacceptable saying the headlights are over 800 dollars each and that’s used. . I do not feel safe driving this vehicle knowing that the wire short can cause a fire while I’m driving.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/08/2023

On all e90 series 3 (2008 BMW 328i), the pcv valve fails and is welded into the valve cover, thus if it leaks or gets cracks in the orange membrane, it will cause car to stall. . I almost crashed 2x and this part should be recalled. . It affects the fuel air ratio in BMW e90, and the car will run lean and not receive enough gas as air is leaking from the broken membrane in the pvc valve. BMW will throw engine codes with lit check engine light on dash. This should be a recall as the whole valve cover has to be replaced to replace a defective $10 pcv valve which is ludicrous. . . The dealer charges thousand dollars and up to replace a ten dollar part. The car has rough idle and will stall, creating a dangerous driving situation and fatal accident . Please recall to have BMW dealer fix these plastic pvc valves on e90s. . . I have enclosed pic of the valve . . It also has a spring but the plastic orange mebrane cracks, breaks and leaks air inside valve, causing check engine codes, rough idle and stalling of vehicle. . The valve is located on top of valve cover, welded into valve cover. Please help. . Thank you state florida p. S. Heat causes the pcv membrane to crack more~~pic enclosed of pcv valve its welded into top valve cover. . No other car has a pcv valve mounted this way so whole valve cover needs to be replaced~ thank u.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

My vehicle engine cooling fan caught fire one evening while following behind someone to make sure they made it to a parking lot safely due to their own vehicle having problems requiring them to stay under around 20mph. Once we made it to a parking lot, I exited my vehicle to check on the other person, and realized there was smoke starting to come out from under my hood. My husband waited for me to pull the hood release and then proceeded to lift the hood, only to discover my car was on fire, and it was coming directly from the cooling fan. After almost a minute we were able to put the fire out, and discovered the whole electrical area for the fan was melted and destroyed. There was never any type of warning light or any information at all that would have told me a problem was imminent. Im thankful it wasn;t myself alone or with my kids just driving down the highway because it would have taken over the whole vehicle before I would have known it was having any issues at all. The part is still on the vehicle, which has become inoperable and now any attempts to check the vehicle out have realized that another issues with BMW's is also causing problems with my vehicle. It appears an actual recall was never issued for my actual VIN, rather a collection of years and makes. Any further information or remedy that might get me the ability to actually use my vehicle again would be greatly appreciated. I can also include photos and witness statements if needed,. Thank you for your time.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2023

BMW bi xenon headlights wires harness. Insulation on wires peels off and start touching each other. Malfunction high beam, low beam, turning light.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2022

The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few Bmws however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in uk where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot be used to warn other drivers. How has their not been taken car of already. I am extremely disappointed in our system, and in BMW. My mind is completely blown that this is not cared about.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/10/2022

Due to the crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater problem and BMW claiming they have no remedy for it yet, this has caused my engine to overheat smelling like burning electrical, the container holding reserve antifreeze has broken off plastic components that may somewhere be in the cooling system. The valve cover gasket that was replaced only 3 years ago is beginning to fail and is leaking oil into the brand new spark plugs and coils. This is unacceptable. They say to stop driving the car if you smell burnt electrical. Heck, I have smoke coming from the engine at times. How are people who only have this 1 car suppose to get places when BMW delays repairing people's vehicles. They are wasting our money! they should have to repair all of the parts that this issue has caused damage to while they have us wait for remedy that seems to never come!.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2022

My car will not start up to show ignition lights… blinks fast then shuts off / will not crank / after flashing lights on dash service engine light appears & car has smoking from under hood.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2022

Its been more than 5 months since the recall is out and manufacture is still not able find the remedy for the recall. I feel scared and not able to drive the car.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2022

Unknown since I have bought my 2008 BMW 328i I had one recalled fixed on my dash I have the air bag light and the brake light tire light service engine soon light on my door locks would work some times and then I had to open my car from the driver side manually then my drivers side window won't roll all the way up only half way then my car just wouldn't start out of the blue replace the starter ran for three weeks and wouldn't start again and has been sitting for a month now my passenger seat belt won't click in sometimes and my warranty is out but the recalls I have read are just what my car is doing I would like this matter to be looked in to and my car repaired at no cost its a safety issue an inconvenience and has cost me money wise extremely .

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/14/2021

The plastic power pieces that goes over the battery melted. Ever since then I have had electrical problems. My concern is when that pieces melted it could have caused a fire. I dint even know it melted till I started have electrical problems and had to look at my battery. As far as the fuel problems I have a n51 and from what I understand the parts for it are hard to find I would like to know more about the BMW 15yr/150,000 mile warrenty that the BMW forms are talking about.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/27/2021

With no warning my car just shut down as I was driving thank god I was able to pull over and park after not knowing what the problem was I inspected the battery and saw the positive cable was damaged how I don't know but it needs to be replaced I have had the car for 2 years and never had a problem it is available for inspection.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2021

The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at an undetermined speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the pcv valve heater was melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had since been sold. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2021

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v044000 (electrical system) 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted bit did not inform the contact on the status of the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2020

The fotwell modules on these cars are defective. . There was an extended waraanty covering this to replace the defective frm(or footwell module)but it does not include this car. . The car's headlights, brakelights, domelites stay on with car off, thus drainig the battery. The car then lacks power and can shut off even when driving causing a serious accident. In this model car, these are fmr2 modules that can't be rebuilt. BMW 328i has a supeceeded part and I called them and they wont cover the cost or honor the warranty for this car. Thus I am submitting this as I heard several other BMW onwners with similar models have experienced defective footwell modules. . I strongly feel my car should be included as a recall or extended warranty on this part. You cannot replace it as BMW parts no longer carries it, thus how to you get this car to run with the battery draining with lights on?? this poses a danger if vehicle stalls with battery voltage declining as car will no longer run,,even when driving.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2020

Car caught on fire for unknown reasons. When the car was turned on smoke came out from the air conditioning vents and all doors locked from inside. There were 2 occupants inside that needed assistance to get out while the car was catching fire. The vehicle was parked.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/12/2020

My vehicle started shutting down from the radiator where it can only be started manually.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2019

Vehicle was parked overnight and a fire started under the dashboard.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2019

While car was parked in a strip mall parking lot and shut off, car ignited in flames and is now a total loss.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/18/2019

I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good shape after looking it over. I have always inserted a new one but the issue remains. I have had to replace the whole headlight unit because of the melted plastic not holding the plug any longer and the issue remains. The passenger side seatbelt light has been on for the past several years and will not go off. It shows a light stating the airbag is off. Every time I use the ac unit, I end up with a whole lot of ac condensation pouring out each side of my console soaking the floor of the vehicle and smelling horrible the next day. I don't understand how such a supposedly high quality car can have such stupid problems that cant seem to be fixed. I have had this car since 2013 and barely drive it as I have only put approx 9000 miles over the last 9 years.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2019

Tl takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16v071000 (air bags), 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling), and 17v676000 (electrical system). The previous owner had not had the recall repairs performed prior to the contact purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated that the abs and emergency brake indicators were flashing. In addition, the air bag warning indicator flashed and then remained illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle stalled more than once. The contact was unsure if the vehicle would restart after it was shut off. Kovacs motors (707-996-4149, located at 19190 sonoma hwy, sonoma, CA 95476) was notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was not available.

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2019

Two years ago, the driver side door would not open from the inside or outside of the car (pulling on both handles didn't open it) and attempting to unlock it by the dash unlock button didn't work. . The only way to exit the car was to crawl across the front of the car and exit out the passenger side. Was told that the problem was caused by a faulty door actuator. Fast forward to today and the same thing is happening again. I can't open my front drivers side door from the inside or outside which is obviously a major safety issue. Pulling on the handle on either side doesn't open the door and using the dash unlock button doesn't help unlock it either. After doing some research on this, it looks like this is a chronic problem with BMW e90 models (mine is a 2008 328i). With this being a major safety issue and is common with this model of vehicle, is there the possibility of a recall?.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2019

My vehicle while driving will shut off but with power at least two times. Once I restart the car and continue to drive the car then shuts off completely and loses all power. The vehicle then will not have any head lights, turn signals or hazard lights won't work either. To try and remedy the problem, the power adapter had been replaced only for the vehicle to have the same issues.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. Less than an hour after the contact parked and exited the vehicle, it caught fire under the hood. When the contact returned to the vehicle, the key fob failed to unlock the vehicle and the key had to be manually used to open the driver's side door. The interior of the vehicle was filled with white smoke. Upon further inspection, it was noticed that an extensive fire erupted from the driver's side near the engine. The fire department extinguished the flames and provided a fire inspection report. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After the failure, the manufacturer did not send the recall notices concerning NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the fire department mentioned that these models have recalls. The contact verified the recall information directly from the internet. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/28/2018

My car jerked and stalled and give difficult start. Took it to mechanic shop and it was diagnosed with crank pcv valve problems.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/06/2018

Had the car checked out for over heating problems, everything checked out fine but my car is running super hot and it has started to melt some cables.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact received recall notifications for NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact detected a burning odor outside and inside the vehicle while waiting to receive the recall repairs. Orange county BMW (101 maher ln, harriman, NY 10926, 1-(845) 782-4269) stated that there were no available dates to schedule the recall repairs until mid February of 2019. The dealer did not mention if the parts were available. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was not available.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/05/2018

Passenger side front seat caught fire.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2018

Tl-the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) 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 contact stated that the while driving various speeds, the strong odor of an electrical burning sensation entered into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that when the brakes were applied the fume-like odor intensified. Part distribution disconnects for NHTSA campaign number 17v676000 (electrical system and VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). Towne BMW - 8215 main street, williamsville, new york (716) 505-2100 - was made aware of the recalls via a voicemail message but the contact stated that there was no response from the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Ad.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2018

After sitting over night the BMW 328i was driven approximately 2 miles and then parked. About 10 to 15 minutes later the car caught fire.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/20/2018

"BMW recall" on 8/20/18 Monday morning I drove my 2008 BMW 328i approximately 2. 3 miles and parked the car at 7:00 am. At approximately 7:10 am I was notified that my car was on fire.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2018

On 11/12, my 2008 BMW 328xi caught fire in a parking lot. Two private appraisers deemed this a manufacturer error based on a faulty electrical system.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2018

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer (cain BMW, 6461 whipple avenue NW, north canton, ohio 44720, 330-494-5588) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedies. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/19/2018

Vehicle spontaneously combust in a rural driveway after sitting for hours. Fire started in the central dash. The vehicle is a total loss.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2018

I've been trying to get this taken care of for a while now, and the manufacturer is saying that the remedy isn't available. I feel unsafe, especially now during the summertime when I'm using my heating and ac. I experienced better customer serivie back when I had a chevy.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2018

Driving my car for short distance makes engine hot and smell electrical wire burning. The same model and year with different VIN has recall of problem described. Attached photo describes same problem I have. Please provide a solution.



328 Service Bulletins
328 Safety Recalls
328 Defect Investigations