2008 BMW 3 Series Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the body and structure of the 2008 BMW 3 Series, 4% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Black mold formed on rear seats, dashboard intermittently worked (1/2 of dashboard active, 1 fuse powers the dash), 6 of water pooled in rear back passenger footwell (location of main electrical unit); water was dripping on my foot when resting on petal of my 42000 mile, $50,000, 2008 Bmw 328xi coupe. I contacted Bmw of na who advised me not to use the car because it was dangerous. After several attempts to work with Bmw of na & Bmw dealership (place of purchase) a vapor barrier leak was found but more was believed to be at cause. The dash needed to be removed, for $1800. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679453, filed 2015-01, 42,000 miles“The auc sensor under the hood is not well secured. The bracket securing the sensor is broken leaving the sensor loose under the hood. The loose sensor wire rubs against sharp edge of the car body, breaking the outer protective shield of the wire. The exposed wire is a fire hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10550906, filed 2013-11, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10143557May 1, 2018Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10039592May 1, 2011Bmw: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 10041277Nov 1, 2010Bmw: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. Lubrication of the door can cause defects.
- 10037068Sep 1, 2010Bmw: on e91 models the instructions for repairing/removing the tailgate hinge has been revised.
- 10037067Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the tailgate opens slower in low temperatures and doesnt fully open.
- 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.
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 30 | 34% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
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 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaintsBrakes
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 29, 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