2008 BMW 3 Series electrical system problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2008 BMW 3 Series — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My 2008 bmw 335xi with 42000 miles was stored in my heated shop. The car started on fire and destroyed the contents of my shop and the car. Bmw sent an inspector to check the damage and took hundreds of pictures. Clearly the fire started under the glove compartment area and continued to burn until…”
filed Jun 3, 2019
“I received a recall letter telling me to stand by for another recall letter to then tell me to have the car fixed. The car blown up parked outside of my house it has not been used for 24 hours prior to the incident. I have just now recently recieved the second recall letter months later no. 17v-676”
filed Dec 13, 2018
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
B012016 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Mar 13, 2025The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
B012016 · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Feb 20, 2025The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 16, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information…
B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2024
Electrical System problems in other 3 Series years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 3 Series | 7 | 33% |
| 2010 3 Series | 5 | 17% |
| 2009 3 Series | 8 | 15% |
| 2007 3 Series | 31 | 27% |
| 2006 3 Series | 32 | 16% |
| 2005 3 Series | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 3 Series | 12 | 16% |
| 2003 3 Series | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 3 Series | 6 | 23% |
| 2001 3 Series | 6 | 17% |
| 2000 3 Series | 4 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 BMW 3 Series
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.