The 2008 3 Series is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 BMW 3 Series owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"Oil pan is leaking but too expensive to fix."
Anonymous, FL (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Endemic N54 engine problem; $2000+ to fix"
Anonymous A., CT (2008 BMW 3 Series 335xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"leaking valve cover gasket early 2025, replaced by mechanic"
Anonymous, NY (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"flanges between exhaust manifold and catalytic convertor , local independent shop was able to fabricate repair so entire system didn't need to be replaced. May buy a few years?"
Anonymous, OH (2008 BMW 3 Series 328xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"Motorized headlights do not align on start-up. Get occasional error messages. Repair is $8500"
Anonymous, AZ (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"Turbo replacement"
Anonymous, PA (2008 BMW 3 Series 335xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"cracked drive shaft"
Anonymous, OH (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
"Car was overheating in very hot weather and slow traffic. Water pump and thermostat was replaced but problem is still there"
Anonymous, (2008 BMW 3 Series 328xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"Water pump failed and had to be replaced for the second time. Original pump lasted only 78000 miles. First replacement pump lasted only 40000 miles. Highly unreliable and very expensive to fix. BMW recalled water pumps on many vehicles, but my model year was not included. I expect better from BMW."
Anonymous, MA (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Third or fourth water pump; crummy to change as 4WD cR"
Anonymous A., CT (2008 BMW 3 Series 335xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"Battery dead and can not open trunk (electric powered trunk lock release) to jump start vehicle."
Anonymous, NY (2008 BMW 3 Series 328xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl)"The headlight went out and I was told by BMW that it would cost $7000 to remedy the problem. Non-BMW repair shops do not want to try to fix it."
Anonymous, LA (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)""My driver's window control switch cluster failed with the driver's window in the down position. Fortunately, it was a nice day. Unfortunately, when I took it to the dealer, they failed to shelter it from the rain and the driver's side seats and floor (front and rear) got soaked. But they didn't tell me, so I found out after the car sat in the hot sun for three days and I found the interior glass fogged up, the passenger compartment like a sauna, and the carpeted floor mats beginning to grow mold.""
Anonymous, VA (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Recharged coolant system and system operated normally"
Anonymous A., CA (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i Unsure)"Have to recharge refridgeramt every 3 years"
Anonymous, NY (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
"rear shocks started leaking around 100,000, had to replace"
Anonymous, OH (2008 BMW 3 Series 328xi 3.0-L 6 Cyl)""Had to replace all struts, shocks, tie rods, and control arms.""
Anonymous, IL (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"I went to a non dealer shop since Ive heard the BMW dealers are very expensive. After some investigation I was told replacing the Bluetooth interface box would cost $1700 due to cost to purchase BMW factory replacement unit."
Anonymous A., CA (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i Unsure)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"Due to the low tire profile and the sport suspension, the car is very sensitive to potholes, and tire longevity is compromised"
Anonymous, MD (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Seal around convertible rear window leaked into trunk"
Anonymous, FL (2008 BMW 3 Series 328i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
""Since my 'check engine' light first appeared seven years ago, my BMW dealer has been unable to successfully diagnose and address the issue. A mechanic who thought he had figured it out six months ago has since left the shop, and the service department now says they have to start over. This is the first, last, and only BMW I will ever own.""
Anonymous, VA (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
BMW 3 Series
Infiniti G
Lexus IS
""replace the oil pan gasket, and valve cover gasket""
Anonymous, IL (2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)