2008 Bmw 3 SERIES - Ratings, Complaints and Recalls

The 2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB has received a mixed safety rating based on the data provided. While it achieved a good score of 4 out of 5 for both the front crash driver side and passenger side ratings, as well as a top score of 5 out of 5 for the overall side crash and side crash driver side ratings, the overall safety rating is listed as "Not Rated" by the NHTSA.

On the positive side, this BMW model comes equipped with standard electronic stability control, which is an essential safety feature that helps prevent skidding and loss of control. Unfortunately, it does not have forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems, which are increasingly becoming standard in newer models to help drivers avoid potential accidents.

In terms of reported issues, there have been a significant number of complaints, totaling 675, which could be cause for concern. Additionally, there have been 8 recalls issued for this vehicle, indicating potential safety-related defects that need to be addressed.

Overall, while the BMW 3 Series shows strength in certain crash test categories and features electronic stability control, the lack of an overall safety rating, absence of advanced safety features, high number of complaints, and multiple recalls suggest that potential buyers should exercise caution and look into these factors further before making a purchase decision.

auto generated summary, may be inaccurate.

Top stats at a glance

Complaint Count

675

Recall Count

8

Investigation Count

1

Safety Rating

Not Rated

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Safety Features

2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Features

Here are the safety features that come as standard on the 2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC is an advanced safety feature in vehicles designed to help drivers maintain control during challenging driving conditions. By continuously monitoring various factors such as steering angle, vehicle speed, and individual wheel speeds, ESC can detect and reduce the risk of skidding or loss of control. It achieves this by automatically applying brakes to specific wheels to stabilize the vehicle.

Standard
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent frontal collisions by alerting the driver of an imminent collision with a vehicle or obstacle ahead. Using sensors such as radar or cameras, FCW monitors the distance and speed of vehicles in front, and if it detects a potential collision, it provides visual and/or auditory warnings to prompt the driver to take evasive action.

No
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is a safety feature in vehicles that alerts drivers when their vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane without signaling. Utilizing cameras or sensors to monitor lane markings on the road, LDW detects when the vehicle crosses these lines and triggers visual, auditory, or haptic alerts to notify the driver of potential lane departure.

No

2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB Safety Ratings

Here we have the crash and rollover ratings for the 2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB Where possible we've included the ratings for the oldest and latest models of this car so you can compare how the safety ratings have changed over time.

Frontal Crash Ratings

Combines Driver and Passenger star ratings into a single frontal rating. The frontal barrier test simulates a head-on collision between two similar vehicles, each moving at 35 mph.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2022 Score
Overall Front Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Front Crash Driver Side Rating Not Rated 4 5
Front Crash Passenger Side Rating Not Rated 4 5

Side Crash Ratings

Combines Side Barrier and Side Pole Star Ratings into a single side rating.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2022 Score
Overall Side Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5
Side Crash Drivers Side Rating Not Rated 5 5
Side Crash Passenger Side Rating Not Rated 5 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Front Not Rated Not Rated 5
Combined Side Barrier Pole Rating - Rear Not Rated Not Rated 5
Overall Side Barrier Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Rollover Ratings

The Rollover Resistance test measures the risk of rollover in a single-vehicle, loss-of-control scenario.

Test 2005 Score 2008 Score 2022 Score
Rollover Rating Not Rated 4 5
Rollover Possibility % 0% 0% 0%
Dynamic Tip Result No Tip No Tip
Side Pole Crash Rating Not Rated Not Rated 5

Complaints for the 2008 Bmw 3 SERIES

This chart show the number of complaints for each car component. A Higher number of complaints could indicate that this car might have a common fault. Something to look out for when purchasing one.

Component Complaints

Choose a component to see what complaints people have made about them.

Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 328i. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and slowed down a significant amount but crashed into another vehicle. the damage was minimal. the vehicle had only received scuff marks on the bumper, however, all air bags, front and rear, had deployed. the driver was the only person in the vehicle. the vehicle was designed to shut off during any impact therefore it was unable to restart. the vehicle was towed. a police report was not filed. the contact stated they only received an injury from the air bag on their right forearm. medical attention was not needed. the contact contacted the dealer (bmw of las vegas 6900 w sahara ave, las vegas, nv 89117; (702) 570-0279) who informed the contact that there were no recalls on their vehicle relating to the air bags. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the manufacturer confirmed that the vin was not included in the recall and opened a case regarding the matter. the approximate failure mileage was 159,000.*dt consumer stated airbag lights came on and off before the incident. vehicle has not been repaired.*jb"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2022-03-09
Complaint:
"the 2008 bmw 3 series with sport seats, has the same issue outlined in recall #08v384000, action number ea08001. the front passenger seat airbag sensor mat is defective, and airbags may not deploy in an accident. the 2008 328i with sport seats should be added to the aforementioned recall. this issue occurs when the front passenger seat is occupied, due to cracks in the mat."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2020-09-12
Complaint:
"the passenger seat detection meant to disable the air bag for a child does not work properly. the "air bag off" light does not illuminate while my 55 lb child sits in the seat. infrequently, the light will illuminate briefly while she is in the seat, and then go dark again. attempting to test the seat sensors, i used a sack of 20 lb potatoes placed both directly on the passenger seat, and in a car seat. in both cases, the seat would inconsistently detect the "child" and illuminate the "air bag off" light, and sometimes would not. sometimes it would detect the "child" initially after engine start up and subsequently the light would go dim.other times the light would cycle on and off at engine start up (normal bulb check) and remain off at engine start up -- i.e., not detected -- but if the sack of potatoes was lifted off the seat and placed back down, or if pressure was manually applied next to the potatoes on the car seat, the "air bag off" light would illuminate and detection would trigger. these results were confirmed both sitting in driveway in neutral, and operating at low speed."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2018-01-10
Complaint:
"i have the airbag light on that causes warning sign on the information center. i took the car to crevier bmw in santa ana, california to have it checked. they told me that the passenger seat detection mat sensor needs to be replaced. this is the problem that's existed before in previous years of the same model, according to nthsa publication on 2013-12-14. would you please extend the years of the coverage since basically 2006-2011 is the same body type and components for bmw vehicle. thank you so much."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2019-10-10
Complaint:
"passenger restraint system failure. the passenger seat occupancy mat sensor is bad, and bmw has recalled it for my 2006-2007 cars, but i have an early 2008 production car that has the problem. i believe this to be a dangerous safety problem and as it stands i do not believe my airbags will deploy."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2020-06-10
Complaint:
"tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 328i. the contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated for the front passenger side air bag. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13v564000 (air bags); however, the vehicle exhibited the same failure as listed in the recall. the dealer (bmw of fort myers, 15421 s tamiami trail, fort myers, fl 33908, (844) 283-1830) diagnosed that the front passenger occupant detection mat needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 68,750. *tt updated 12/20/18*jb"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2018-01-10
Complaint:
"tl* takata recall. the contact owns a 2008 bmw 328i. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the dealer (bmw of dallas, 6200 lemmon ave, dallas, tx 75209, (972) 763-5528) was contacted 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. *tt consumer stated it took over 3 years to replace the air bag. after replacing the air bag consumer also had more recalls related to electical which could cause fire. it was replaced. updated 10/16/18*jb"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2016-08-03
Complaint:
"takata recall issue has not been resolved from dealship. contact dealership to follow up when repair can be made and always being informed of parts backed ordered and was told they will contact me when they receive parts. never once heard back and i would call back again for follow up and keep getting told the same thing, parts back ordered and they will get parts within a week and will contact me when they get the parts. being told the same issue over and over again every time i contact to schedule repair on this recall. and never will i get a followup notice and have been this way for nearly a year."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2017-01-05
Complaint:
"takata recall. i have not been able to have the defective airbags removed. i call my local dealer and all they say is that the airbags are backorder. when they receive them they will call me. i have waited over one year and no answer."
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2017-03-12
Complaint:
"i haven't received my date i can take my car for repair"
Components Involved: AIR BAGS
Date of incident: 2019-05-01

Recalls for the 2008 Bmw 3 SERIES

Component Recalls

Choose a component to see what recalls people have made about them.

Recall:
"this recall involves aftermarket parts sold by valeo. valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 bmw 1-series, 2006-2011 bmw 3-series, 2000-2009 bmw 5-series, 2004-2005 bmw 6-series, and 2006-2007 bmw 7-series vehicles. a metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. this primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short."
Consequence:
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy:

Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Component(s) Involved: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING > COOLING SYSTEM > FAN
Date of incident: 2012-08-10

BMW Overall Complaint Ranking

This table shows the ranking of car manufacturers when it comes to most complaints and recalls. The manufacturer with the most complaints is at the top. However this doesn't necassarily mean they should be avoided. Some manufacturers might just have more popular or affordable cars which a lot of people have bought. Which means there's more scope for a complaint to be made. Use the ranking table below as a part your wider research into buying a car.

BMW ranks 12 out of 44 in the complaints ranking table.

Manufacturer Complaint Count Recall Count Ranking
FORD 208,358 3,259 1
CHEVROLET 111,306 2,082 2
TOYOTA 81,019 1,852 3
HONDA 61,937 1,268 4
NISSAN 56,226 930 5
DODGE 45,756 827 6
HYUNDAI 44,150 649 7
GMC 34,441 1,410 8
KIA 29,832 501 9
CHRYSLER 27,698 254 10
TESLA 26,230 730 11
BMW 24,890 1,877 12
VOLKSWAGEN 23,125 829 13
MERCEDES-BENZ 19,066 2,925 14
SUBARU 18,513 703 15
MAZDA 10,599 364 16
PONTIAC 10,430 138 17
CADILLAC 9,434 444 18
AUDI 7,865 1,093 19
BUICK 7,851 279 20
SATURN 7,672 84 21
MERCURY 7,374 135 22
LEXUS 6,373 408 23
LINCOLN 5,897 423 24
ACURA 5,722 382 25
MINI 5,585 366 26
INFINITI 4,000 187 27
MITSUBISHI 3,912 397 28
VOLVO 3,875 727 29
PORSCHE 2,646 1,231 30
SUZUKI 2,272 123 31
FIAT 2,205 80 32
SAAB 1,536 76 33
JAGUAR 1,195 198 34
SMART 528 17 35
GENESIS 436 42 36
ISUZU 249 37 37
ALFA ROMEO 161 37 38
MASERATI 76 46 39
BENTLEY 46 159 40
POLESTAR 42 2 41
LUCID 14 6 42
CODA 4 2 43
MAYBACH 0 0 44

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