2008 BMW 128i

Routine

Owners filed 18 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 6 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags6
000
Electrical System2
000
Visibility › Windshield1
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor1
000
Seat Belts1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
000
Firerelated1
010

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)22V119000
Filed Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V017000
Filed Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring19V579000
Filed Aug 6, 201941,981 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)17V683000
Filed Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V071000
Filed Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers13V044000
Filed Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

What owners reported

Newest filings
FirerelatedFire
Filed Mar 7, 2023120,000 milesPA

The contact owned a 2008 BMW 128i. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed in inclement weather, she parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle later caught fire when she returned. A bystander witnessed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact noticed there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered credit toward the purchase of another vehicle. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 16, 2022SC

I was out of town and my Drivers Side Door locked and would not open, not even with the key. It is making a sound when I try to unlock and once I start the car and drive, it makes the same clicking sound. If I were in a wreck and both doors locked and would not unlock, is that not a safety problem if I could not get out of the car? Who would design such a locking feature that the door would not unlock from the inside for sure. I realize that things will break, but, all cars should be able to be unlocked from the inside no matter what. But, now I have to pay to get fixed when I don't have the money and if I could just unlock the door, I could live with that, but that can't be done.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 29, 2022CT

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated no contact from dealer in regards to the part being available.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 22, 202277,250 milesMA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local BMW dealer. The dealer diagnosed the root cause of the warning light to be a failure of the passenger seat occupancy detection mat. When this part fails the passenger side air bags will be permanently deactivated. This will increase the risk of personal injury for any passenger in the event of a crash. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air Bags), 17V428000 (Air Bags), and 17V605000 (Air Bags). However, these NHTSA campaigns, for the exact same issue, only cover various other BMW models, but not any BMW 1 series cars. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the very high dealer estimate of over $3,300 for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 77,250.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 27, 202067,500 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITHOUT A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT. BRIAN HARRIS BMW LOCATED AT (12336 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70817, (225) 612-0285) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED NOR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,500.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 1, 2019108,000 milesUT

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT KEPT BURNING OUT. SO I DECIDED TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. ON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE INSULATION FOR THE WIRES INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT HAD COMPLETELY DETERIORATED IN SOME AREAS LEAVING THE BARE METAL WIRES EXPOSED. IN OTHER AREAS THE INSULATION WAS CRACKING OR FALLING OFF. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE IN A SEALED ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING? THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS TO CEASE FUNCTIONING LEADING TO A CRASH, OR A SHORT WHICH WOULD CAUSE A FIRE.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 13, 2018147,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" MESSAGE APPEARED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE. A PLASTIC BURNING ODOR PERMEATED THROUGH THE VENTS AND SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER SOME TIME, THE CONTACT WAS FINALLY ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (ATHENS BMW, 3040 ATLANTA HIGHWAY ATHENS, GEORGIA 30606). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCV HEATER HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE BMW FALSELY STATED THAT THE CONSUMER'S PCV VALVE WAS OK BUT THE CONSUMER STATED IT WASN'T. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 5, 201767,325 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FAILED TO OPEN AND THE LOCK FAILED TO OPERATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,325.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 4, 2017KS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (BARON BMW IN MERRIAM, KS) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED. *JS

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 5, 201743,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IN THE RAIN, BOTH SIDE VIEW MIRRORS TURNED BROWN. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE OUT OF THE MIRRORS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 7, 2016FL

TAKATA RECALL. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY SPECIFIC INCIDENT REGARDING THE RECALL- HOWEVER, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, BMW HAS MISSED THE DEADLINE SET BY THE NHTSA TO AMASS PARTS FOR AND REPAIR AFFECTED VEHICLES LIKE MINE. I OWN A 2008 BMW 128I. I CURRENTLY LIVE IN FLORIDA (A VERY HUMID STATE) AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER LEFT THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THIS SHOULD PLACE MY VEHICLE IN PRIORITY GROUP 1 FOR THE AIRBAG REPAIR- HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY INDICATION THAT THE REPAIR WILL TAKE PLACE ANY TIME SOON. MY LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER HAS SAID THAT IT MAY BE SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS STATED THAT I MAY RECEIVE A LETTER NOTIFYING ME THAT THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE NEXT 2 MONTHS, BUT THAT IT MAY BE LONGER. I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH A FAULTY AIRBAG, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE SAME TYPE OF AIRBAG HAS KILLED 11 PEOPLE SO FAR. TRADING IN THE VEHICLE (AT LEAST FOR ANOTHER BMW) IS NOT AN OPTION DUE TO THE STOP SALE PLACED ON RECALLED VEHICLES BY BMW. THE LACK OF A REMEDY ON BMW'S PART CONTINUES TO COST ME TIME, MONEY (VEHICLES WITH AN ACTIVE RECALL ARE WORTH SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THOSE WITHOUT) AND PEACE OF MIND. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 27, 2016WI

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 2016MI

RECEIVED LETTER FROM BMW MARCH 2016 GIVING DESCRIPTION OF RECALL DUE TO AIRBAGS. CALLED DEALERSHIP, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST, NO PARTS TO FIX IT, NO IDEA WHEN IT CAN BE FIXED. EMAILED BMW, CUSTOMER RELATIONS, TOLD PARTS WOULD BE IN END OF SUMMER, EMAILED AGAIN END OF AUGUST, TOLD PARTS WON'T BE IN UNTIL NEXT YEAR. UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, CAN'T SELL THIS CAR, NO ONE CARES.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 24, 201557,000 milesGA

WARNING LIGHT SAYS SOS WITH A BAR THROUGH A TELEPHONE HANDSET. THE HANDS FREE FUNCTION STOPS WORKING AND THE GARAGE DOOR FUNCTION WILL NOT OPERATE.

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Filed Jan 2, 201579,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNIT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 18, 201426,000 milesTX

I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO GO INTO LOWES. WHEN I LOCKED THE DOORS THE WINDOW WENT DOWN MAKE A POP NOISE. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO THE CAR BECAUSE I NOTICED THE WINDOWS DOWN. ATTEMPTED TO LET THE WINDOW UP WITHOUT SUCCESS. THIS COULD HAVE CREATED A THEFT ISSUE IF I WOULD HAVE NOT NOTICED THE DEFICIENT WINDOW. WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES PURCHASED NEW THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE SUCH ISSUES. *TR

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 9, 201436,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REARVIEW MIRROR SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT AN ORIGINAL EQIPMENT MANUFACTURER'S WINDSHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. P

Air Bags
Filed Aug 2, 201351,235 milesGA

WARNING LIGHTS FOR SEATBELT TENSIONER AND AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. MANUAL SUGGEST THAT AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TENSIONER MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY IN A CRASH. *TR

18 of 18 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201336310Routine
201231500Routine
201150730Routine
201022720Routine
200926610Routine
2008 — this page18620Routine
20071000Routine

Compare every 128i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 2, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.