CarRecallWatchThe 2008 BMW 135i has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (14 reports).
2008 BMW 135i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles contains an ammonium nitrate propellant that was not properly dried.
Overheating Wiring Can Melt Connectors and Cause Fire
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash
BMW is recalling certain vehicles because the driver's frontal air bag inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys.
Most common 2008 BMW 135i problems
Problem areas named in the 51 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 14 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 10 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 |
| Wheels | 6 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 |
What owners report
When the car was in a local Tire Discounters for an unrelated repair the mechanics noted that the rear subframe had significant degradation and the car was unsafe to operate without immediate replacement of the entire subfrane - at a cost of roughly $5,000. I know there have been subframe recalls of BMWs in the past. While this vehicle was not part of those recalls its obviously been an area of concern with this auto maker.
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, (CHMSL), lense breaks/detaches repeatedly.
The owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated to approximately 35 MPH. The contact performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger occupancy sensor mat to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,850.
MY VEHICLE IS A LOW MILEAGE (36K) WELL MAINTAINED CAR. MY LOCAL DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AIR BAG UNDER A RECALL JUNE 29, 2020. SHORTLY AFTER WITHIN 250 MILES/2 MONTHS A SRS/AIR BAG SYSTEM FAULT/WARNING STARTED HAPPENING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY PASS OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT THEY WANT $3600 TO REPLACE. UNFAIR, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PASS OCCUPANCY SENSOR RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME VINTAGE (2006-2008). THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE 15 YR EXTENDED LIMITED WARRANTY OFFERED TO OTHER BMW MODEL OWNERS.
2008 BMW 135i questions
Does the 2008 BMW 135i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW 135i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Overheating Wiring Can Melt Connectors and Cause Fire; Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash; Electrical System; Electrical System:12V/24V/48V Battery:Cables; Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 135i?
Based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (14), Fuel System, Gasoline (10), Fuel/Propulsion System (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2008 BMW 135i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.