DecodedCars2008 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD, 335i 4dr Sedan RWD, Cabriolet 328i RWD, Cabriolet 335i RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 230–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 28 hwy
- Length
- 178.3–180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,946 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 BMW 3 Series is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 178 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,274 lb (323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway), 4% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,750 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 33 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 3 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 3 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Munich, Germany · Rosslyn, South Africa · Regensburg, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 3 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 323i/328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,274 lb | 50/50 |
| 335i 4dr Sedan RWD | 178.3 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 3,594 lb | 50/50 |
| Cabriolet 328i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,792 lb | 50/50 |
| Cabriolet 335i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 58.7 / 59.1 in | 3,946 lb | 50/50 |
| Coupe 328i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 59.1 / 58.7 in | 3,351 lb | 50/50 |
| Coupe 335i RWD | 180.7 in | 70.1 in | 54.3 in | 108.7 in | 58.7 / 59.1 in | 3,572 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328ci | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328ci | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -4% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328i Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -7% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 328ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328cxi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328cxi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335ci | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335ci | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335ci Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335cxi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328xi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328xi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335xi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328i Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 27 / 20 | -11% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328xi Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -11% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 328xi Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -11% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 335cxi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 335xi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -13% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW 3 Series under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2008 Audi A4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Volvo S60 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S4 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 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.
Not every 2008 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 7 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 3 Series | 35 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →