The 2008 BMW 128i has 6 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (7 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints18filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
NHTSA recall 22V119000 · Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 module
NHTSA recall 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 › Wiring
NHTSA recall 19V579000 · Aug 6, 2019 · 41,981 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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)
NHTSA recall 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 module
NHTSA recall 16V071000 · Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 breakers
NHTSA recall 13V044000 · Feb 7, 2013 · 516,791 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables; Electrical system
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
128i
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel
128i
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
128i Convertible
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 28 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
128i Convertible
21mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Air bags
7
0
0
0
77,250 mi
Seat belts Front › Retractor
3
0
0
0
67,500 mi
Structure Body; Body › Door
2
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
2
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling
2
0
1
0
—
Visibility Windshield
1
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
1
0
0
0
—
Visibility/wiper
1
0
0
0
—
Latches/locks/linkages
1
0
0
0
—
Engine
1
0
1
0
—
Exterior lighting
1
0
0
0
—
Firerelated
1
0
1
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 9, 2022 · 120,000 miles · fireFirerelated 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…
Dec 9, 2022Electrical system 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.
Jul 29, 2022Engine and engine cooling 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.
Mar 22, 2022 · 77,250 milesAir bags The contact owns a 2008 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passengerâs 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…
Aug 1, 2019 · 67,500 milesSeat belts 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.
Sep 24, 2019 · 108,000 milesElectrical system 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.
Apr 9, 2018 · 147,000 miles · fireEngine 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…
Oct 3, 2017 · 67,325 milesLatches/locks/linkages 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.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021 · openDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…