2008 BMW 328I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 239 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 BMW 328I, 3% of the 239 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“4/19/2019 driving at varying speeds in traffic, probably between 35-45mph on hwy 280 northbound in the fastest of 4 lanes 5pm with my passenger during rush hour the vehicle stalled and the power steering and engine power stopped. Trying to restart, the engine made noise but no power returned. Fortunately, traffic had slowed and we were on a down hill slope and I managed to hit the warning flasher button-and moved thru 3 lanes of traffic to stop on the shoulder. The wonderful highway patrolman was behind me in minutes and pushed the vehicle to a hwy rest stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11202547, filed 2019-04, 70,000 miles“Vehicle downshifts to a complete or near complete stop on turns or when coming to a stop. The issue is dangerous when turning as the transmission stops mid turn which can cause someone to rear end you. It then kicks into gear suddenly. I have had it checked out at Bmw dealer service and another Bmw re-seller shop and both have advised it is fine but it is not.”
NHTSA complaint #11019532, filed 2017-08, 91,000 miles“This is well-documented on Bmw forums. The adaptive driver memory logic causes a throttle lag of up to 1 second. This lag can be temporarily eliminated by resetting the throttle body adaption. The unnecessary throttle lag causes an unnecessary safety hazard by delaying the car's throttle response. Bmw should issue a software update that allows owners to permanently disable or lock down the feature. The problem happens mainly when the car is stopped an in-gear. When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal, the computer delays the signal to the throttle body by up to 1 second. …”
NHTSA complaint #10824440, filed 2016-02, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw 328I. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle's speed decreased and forced the contact to pull the vehicle onto the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. ...updated 05/03/17 updated 09/21/2017”
NHTSA complaint #10959863, filed 2017-03, 100,000 miles“The driveshaft connection to the differntial has unusual movement that causes a clunking noise when changing low gears. This means the internal differential parts are subject to fail in the long term and can cause injuries to the driver if not fixed and vehicle gets out of control”
NHTSA complaint #11454487, filed 2022-02Related service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10149361Oct 1, 2014DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat…
- 10148034Sep 1, 2014"Intelligent Battery Sensor Diagnosis Hints. The vehicle enters the workshop with one or more of the following complaints: * Check Control Message related to battery discharge *…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 14% |
| 2015 | 13 | 10% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 15% |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 27 | 24% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 328I
85 complaintsAir bags
83 complaintsEngine
54 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSeats
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 328I
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