2008 BMW 1 Series recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW 1 Series has 2 safety recalls and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW 1 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW 1 Series recalls

Recall 10V-254: Seat Belts

Reported Jun 10, 2010 · 31,935 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 1-series vehicles. In a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the front pre-tensioner and load-limiter occurs.

Risk: The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.

Fix: Vehicles produced up through december 2009 will receive new front safety belt retractor units and a modification to the sound insulation near the units, while vehicles produced between january 2010 and may 2010 will receive a modification to the sound insulation near the units. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 23, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 09V-257: Seat Belts, Air Bags

Reported Jul 8, 2009 · 2,350 vehicles affected · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Problem: Bmw is recalling 2,350 my 2008 1-series and 3- series passenger cars. Incorrect crimp connectors may have been used on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. As a result sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug may not occur which could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of that connection.

Risk: If that happened, it would be possible for the side air bag and/or the safety belt tensioner not to deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

Fix: Bmw will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services toll-free at 1-800-525-7417.

2008 BMW 1 Series problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	6
Exterior Lighting	5
Fuel/Propulsion System	3
Seats	3
Engine	2
Electrical System	2
Power Train	1
Steering	1
Seat Belts	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 82,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 BMW 1 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 140,000 miles · reported May 1, 2019

Major fueling issues with my car. So far I've had to replace injectors, low pressure fuel pump, fuel control module, and now I'm being told I need to replace the high pressure fuel pump. From reading the forums online it seems to be that all these parts are very faulty on the car especially the injectors and high pressure fuel pump.

Air Bags · at 145,000 miles · reported Mar 30, 2019

The passenger seat occupancy sensor mat is defective and is a quite common occurrence on all bmw vehicles. The mat will send a trouble signal to the dash that brings up the airbag light on the instrument panel that will not go off.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 93,000 miles · reported Nov 9, 2018

Car goes into limp mode when passing car and goes into limp getting on interstate. The car has shown bad high pressure fuel pump but bmw will not stand behind there bad pumps.

Exterior Lighting · reported May 16, 2017

"3rd brakelight" lens continues to break. I purchased the car in july of 2008 and will soon be on its 3rd lens. This is a bmw defect and is a very expensive part. I'm concerned about re-replacing this defective part over and over again and if I choose not to, others being able to see me when I apply the brakes! This has happened to numerous owners who I'm sure like me, have had no fault(Like an accident) in the breakage. No specific date on when it breaks as it is probably cause by normal road vibrations. Light has broken due to normal driving a few occasions already.

Electrical System · at 82,000 miles · reported Feb 1, 2017

Wiring insulation (In engine compartment) to headlights is deteriorating. Now, many exposed and uninsulated wires in the engine compartment. Headlights are now rendered unreliable and unworking. I have tried to wrap electrical tape around the exposed wires (See photo). I will next try liquid tape. Safety and fire hazard.

Other BMW 1 Series years

2012 2011 2010 200920082007 2006 2005 2004

Compare all BMW 1 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW 1 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 1 Series: 10V-254 (seat belts), 09V-257 (seat belts, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 1 Series?

Owners report air bags problems most often (6 reports), followed by exterior lighting (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 82,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.