2008 BMW 328XI problems
Owners have filed 152 complaints about the 2008 BMW 328XI with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 30.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 21.1%.
Complaints152
Crashes1
Fires30
Injuries8
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 30.3% · 46
Engine 21.1% · 32
Air bags 10.5% · 16
Unknown or other 7.9% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 4.6% · 7
Fuel/propulsion system 3.9% · 6
Power train 3.9% · 6
Structure 3.9% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash, 30 describe a fire and 8 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 21 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 67,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My car suddenly stopped, engine turned off, started the car again and it work. Came back after dropping the kids and after the car in park, removed the key and fan was on. Tried starting the car and white smoke started coming out of engine compartment. Now the battery drain, car wont start, the dashboard flickers. Called BMW and told them and said the symptoms point to recall issue, no response. Electrical system · reported at 60,000 miles
I was trapped in the car. The cars locks would not unlock using the unlock button or using the key fob, nor would pulling the handle unlock or open the door. I called BMW assist and they indicated that they had heard of several similar issues and that the only option may be climbing out the window. Vehicle was purchased as a cpo from a BMW dealership approximately 2 months prior. Electrical system · reported at 52,000 miles
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. Electrical system · reported at 159,684 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…