2008 BMW 3 Series Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2008 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2008 Bmw, electronic door locks stuck in locked position, must open driver side door with valet key. Remaining doors stuck in locked position, making it impossible for passengers to leave vehicle in an emergency situation. Related problem is that gas cap (which locks when doors are locked) will also not open.”
NHTSA complaint #10328882, filed 2010-05, 11,000 miles“Driver exited car to pump gas. Passengers remained in vehicle. Gas door could not be opened as main door lock was engaged (though drivers door was unlocked). Key fob unlock function would not work to unlock car / gas cap. Driver pushed key fob buttons to attempt unlock, drivers door became locked during this activity. Now no doors could be unlocked. Due to failure all doors experienced 2 pull door unlock system failure, this 2 pull system, that is supposed to ensure doors can be opened from inside if lock is engaged apparently require same power as general locking system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466934, filed 2012-07, 59,500 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw 320i. The contact stated that the electronic keys failed and passenger side doors would not lock; the driver side door was the only one to unlock. The passengers had to exit from the driver side. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the vehicle was repaired (repairs were unknown) under warranty. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10363520, filed 2010-11, 20,000 miles“2008 Bmw 328i. Consumer states when power is lost to the doors, for any reason, the passenger doors remain locked with no way to open them from the inside or the outside of the vehicle the driver's side door opened from the inside when the handle was pulled.”
NHTSA complaint #10329633, filed 2010-05Related service bulletins
- 10030626Oct 2, 2009Bmw vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. *pe updated1/4/10. *pe updated 5/24/10.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 3 Series
19 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology