2008 BMW 3 Series Review: Sporty and Dependable Compact Luxury Car

Aug 3, 2022

The 2008 BMW 3 Series lasts around 200,000 miles with only some minor belt tensioner and A/C issues. At $6,229 to $9,852, it’s a good value for an entry-level luxury car.

The Good

The engines offer excellent power for its size, the handling is very responsive and the seats offer enough room for tall drivers.

The Bad

Parts are very expensive if something breaks, the stereo system is clunky to use and the suspension is very firm.

Is the 2008 BMW 3 Series a Good Used Car?

Yes, 2008 is a good year for the 3 Series. Owner reviews praise the power, responsive steering, and advanced technology.
Interior quality is above average, the cloth and leather options are both very nice, and the infotainment system offers good features for a vehicle its age.
Reliability ratings are above average. Models from 2007 have a few more mechanical issues, but nothing widespread, so models from 2007–2012 are good choices.
Performance is above average from the standard 6-cylinder, and the twin-turbo 6-cylinder offers excellent power.
The 2008 3 Series is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash tests, with 4 stars in the front impact score as well.
Fuel economy is very good for a luxury car at 22 MPG, and with the 16.1 gallon fuel tank owners can expect to get about 354 miles out of a tank of gas.

Positive Owner Reviews

SHA B

It is really cool to drive. It handles incredibly well too. It isn't too expensive to put gas into.

I like to drive it in any weather, including snowy conditions.

Christine Y

It's a fabulous car and I'd recommend it to anyone

Very dependable. Even though it's old it still looks classy. It's got great get up and go.

Candice K

Greatest car I ever bought!

Con: the interior door handle can become sticky & the rubber has started to come off almost like it is melted. Pro: everything else, this car handles very nicely & there have been no major engine issues. We would definitely buy another BMW, this car is awesome.

Alex H

The BMW 3 series experience.

I haven't came across any problems with my vehicle except for, there is not a spare tire place in the trunk. The tires that came with the car are suppose to last until you can replace them, even if you run over something. I do like my car because its small and rides very smoothly. It's great on gas and loves that it tells me when something is wrong with the car, for example, it tells me when my cooling is low and when my tires need air.

Susan K

Great drive and handling!

I absolutely love this car. Bought it used and it drives and performs great!! I would definitely buy a new one when I am in the market to purchase a new vehicle.

Roger W

They say the valve covers leak easily on my make, so be weary of that.

It's sleek and cool. Very fast. Coup style which is my favorite. Solid and reliable.

Leslie R

It's expensive but worth it. It goes very fast but is very low

My car is very comfortable. I would recommend it to anyone who can afford it. It's old so all the maintenance is due

Brittany L

You must take care of it.

BMW 335i is very comfortable and reliable. I have never had any issues with breaking down or anything of that sort. It's a very smooth ride. The right side view mirror will turn to the ground so you can see as you reverse. There is a sunroof, AUX connect, charging port, 3 cup holders available upfront. Twin turbo.

Negative Owner Reviews

Simona V

Always breaking and the part are expensive to get fixed.

There’s always something that needs to be fixed and the parts to get it fixed are ridiculously expensive. Also the car is very low to the ground so every little bump hits the bottom of the car so very hard. It is only a car that you can drive on a perfectly paved even road.

Elizabeth J

Pretty car but has some EXPENSIVE mechanical problems

Lots of mechanical issues and a lot of buttons that aren't useful/do weird things

Jordon M

Luxury seats, enjoyable ride, and nice interior

The car is a very sporty and luxury like car. It was my parents car but they gave it to me. It has some problems here and there but it still drives very good.

Beth P

BMW 3 series is fun to drive but expensive to own.

Love the way it handles & rides. Hate how once the warranty is over it is so expensive to own. Tires are very expensive since only 2 options. I onl6 have 50k miles on it but am getting ready to have to put another set of tires on it. Overall love it while it is under warranty.

Candace B

It has less than 50, 000 miles on it.

I like the reliability, but not happy with the boot style of the car. . Have always had sports cars, and this car does not meet my expectations.

Ling W

Good quality, last long, comfortable driving.

It last pretty well for its age, BMW has very good customer services so no need to worry much, gas assumption is big but the car drives very stable. So far no big problems, I choose leather seat and I am happy with my choice, it still works very well.

Wai i

It runs fast. It takes premium gas.

I like the performance and acceleration of my car. I do not like it being so small

Nick P

BMW 335i has pretty good performance

Performance-wise this car has so much potential. From the factory you get a fairly quick quarter mile time. As long as you take good care of it by performing standard oil changes and make sure you put the right kind of oil, gas, and engine coolant, then you really shouldn't run into any major problems. My car has 140k miles on it and I've only had to replace the fuel pump, water pump, and some oil gaskets. Not bank-breaking maintenance, although I have to replace the tires often and that can be expensive.

What Do Critics Say About the BMW 3 Series?

Consumer Reports says the 3 Series is the quintessential sports sedan, and owner satisfaction scores are average.
Edmunds gives the 3 Series a 4.5/5 and praises the luxurious cabin, but doesn’t like the complex iDrive infotainment system.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the 3 Series at 4.6/5, enjoying the sporty driving experience, but owners don’t like the overly firm suspension.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 BMW 3 Series Have?

The most common problems found on the 2008 BMW 3 Series include a broken belt tensioner, air conditioning system issues, and problems with the fuel pump. Overall, the problems are not widespread, and aren’t as bad as on other luxury cars. One downside is that parts are expensive if something does break.

A broken belt tensioner is the most common problem reported by owners at around 60,000 miles. The spring in the tensioner wears out as the car gets older and has to be replaced, costing around $650.

Air conditioning system issues are reported by some owners at around 75,000 miles. The source of the issue is with the A/C compressor. Replacing the compressor is relatively expensive, costing about $1,100.

Fuel pump issues are another complaint from some owners at around 50,000 miles. The fuel sending unit in the tank fails in some vehicles. Replacing the entire assembly costs around $1,200 depending on local labor rates.

There are 8 recalls, which is average for a car from 2008. The most serious recall is for the A/C blower motor wiring which may overheat and increases the risk of a fire. Many other recalls cover air bags and seatbelts, and are not a concern once they’ve been replaced.

How Long Will the 2008 BMW 3 Series Last?

A well-maintained 2008 BMW 3 Series should be able to last around 200,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles more than rivals like the Mercedes C-Class. Regular annual maintenance costs are high at $726 per year according to Repair Pal, but similar to other German luxury cars.

Since most 2008 3 Series models will have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the alternator for $750, the A/C electronic control module costing $550, and the transmission mount which costs around $150.

Donna M

It's reliable. I haven't had many problems with it. Though sometimes the problems are complex because of the computer system, so I'd have to take it in to the BMW center; which costs more.

Edith S

Mine currently has no issues. When I got the car it did need a new headlight and a sensor. Plus an oil change but that is normal wear and tear

My C

So, far I have not had any problems. I bought it used and have only had it a year, so it's too soon to tell.

Julie B

My car is super reliable. My car has absolutely no problems & drives perfectly fine. It has never broken down on me or given me any issues

Wendy M

The 2008 BMW 3-Series is very reliable. This vehicle hardly ever gives me problems. It works very well

How Much Is the 2008 BMW 3 Series Worth?

Blue book values range from $6,229 to $9,852, making the 3 Series about $1,000 more than an Audi A4 or Volvo S60. When new, the price range was $32,700 to $49,500. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 14% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the BMW 3 Series?

There are two models of the BMW 3 Series available for 2008, and they’re offered with rear-wheel, or all-wheel-drive.. The 2008 3 Series is part of the E90 generation which was made from 2005 through 2011.

328i is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leatherette Seating
Wood Dash Trim
10-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack

335i is the performance model and adds:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Sport Tuned Suspension
Aluminum Interior Trim
Paddle Shifters

Optional Features On Both Include:

Full Leather Seating
Heated Front Seats
iDrive Navigation System
Bluetooth Connectivity
Harmon Kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound System

328i

230 HP 25-25 MPG

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328xi

230 HP 24-24 MPG

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335i

300 HP 24-24 MPG

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335xi

300 HP 22-22 MPG

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414 HP 17-17 MPG

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What Engines Come In the BMW 3 Series?

The base engine is a decently powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder which makes 230 horsepower and gets up to 22 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the very strong 3.0L 6-cylinder twin turbo which produces 300 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is excellent, taking only 4.9 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the BMW 3 Series Come In?

How Big Is the BMW 3 Series?

The 2008 BMW 3 Series is a compact car, offered as a 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door coupe, and 2-door convertible, and is similar in size to the Infiniti G37 and Acura TSX. Passenger room is a bit cramped in the backseats of all models for taller adults.

Cargo space is good for a compact car and there’s enough space for 2-3 suitcases in the convertible, 3-4 in the sedan, and 5-6 in the wagon.

How Does the BMW 3 Series Compare to the Competition?

The 2008 BMW 3 Series is average compared to other luxury cars on the market from 2008, and focuses more on sporty driving dynamics rather than an upscale interior.

The Lexus IS is a competitor which costs about $1,200 more. Reliability ratings are better in the Lexus IS, but the BMW 3 Series is more exciting and sporty to drive. We recommend the Lexus IS since the ownership costs are lower for a used car, and they last longer.

The Mercedes C-Class is another rival which costs about $1,300 more. Where the Mercedes C-Class stands out is with a more luxurious interior, but the BMW 3 Series is faster. We recommend going with the BMW 3 Series since they have fewer mechanical problems.

Ranks #10 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

2008 Volvo V50

2008 INFINITI G37

4.7

2008 BMW 3 Series

4.37

Do Owners Recommend the BMW 3 Series?

Brittany M

Yes! It drives well and I haven't had many problems with it. It's a little expensive to maintain though.

Shelby W

Yes but made difficult for anyone but a mechanic to work on. And high maintenance. But a beautiful, reliable car.

Mark W

Yes. Good quality, it is fun to drive, has a good stereo system, comes with standard alloy wheels, and has a moonroof

Jasmine V

Yes I love this car! It’s decent on gas.. however the sporty exterior and interior make it stunning. Love the push to start button. Car has great sound system as well

Jenny M

Yes the 2008 BMW 3 series is a great vehicle. Hardly any problems with it and it drives extremely well

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Betina D on April 2, 2021

There is some sort of leak and it tries to cut off while sitting at a light.

I dislike how this car seems to continuously have some sort of problems. The lights always come on even after work is done to resolve the problem.

Brittany L on March 30, 2021

You must take care of it.

Brandi H on February 23, 2021

It is turbo charged with the most comfortable seats. It's luxurious.

I like the luxurious feel to it, however there are a few things that bug me. The cup holders are cheap & break easily & the seats are light tan when I prefer black interior.

Jeff M on February 20, 2021

Good AWD car and solid power and responsiveness.

Water pump/ transmission/ issues along with random check engine lights and vibrations from the drive train fuel mileage is poor due to the AWD as well the inside door handle has deteriorated and is sticky the stereo is well balanced and has great audio and the seats are comfortable the ride is stiff and precise steering is very responsive as well.

Vanessa S on February 18, 2021

Timeless, Sleek and Reliable Performance Vehicle

I enjoy the reliability, comfort and performance agility of my vehicle. I especially love the classic and sleek appearance.

Jill B on February 15, 2021

It is reliable. It would be good for someone who didn't have to load things.

I enjoy driving my car and the luxury additions but it is very expensive to repair. I do not like that I have to use premium gas because it is so much higher than regular gas.

Luke H on February 12, 2021

It is a lot more powerful than you would expect, so be careful!

It is very comfortable! And it is also very reliable, and functional, and fast. The leather seats help to keep it cool if it is in the right amount of shade, and it is also very easy to clean and take care of. The only issue I have got is the cost of maintenance and gas, but even that is doable.

Nick P on January 14, 2021

BMW 335i has pretty good performance

CHEUNG L on January 10, 2021

Powerful torque and acceleration, feels great driving it around town.

It's a sporty car with powerful acceleration. Some reliability problems and the repairs are about 3x as expensive as their Japanese cars.

Pat E on January 4, 2021

Fun to drive car that is reasonably priced.

Very reliable car, the BMW 328xi is all wheel drive, 3. 0 6 cylinder 230 hip plenty of power and it corners very well, I get about 17 mpg city 24 mpg hwy. It looks very good and fun to drive. Plenty of room in the front. Seats are very comfortable. The back seat is kind of cramped but plenty of room for children or small adults. Only issues I have with the car is finding parts. I have only had a few repairs that needed to be done and I did find the parts but it took me a little bit and some repairs need special tools.

Bradley C on January 1, 2021

California summer party car

Very smooth ride, love the handling and the speed. The acceleration is nice with the twin turbos. Car has had a few problems and recalls but besides that I love this car. The air conditioning works very well and the parking meter helps a lot while parking. All around a very nice and enjoyable car.

Christine Y on December 12, 2020

It's a fabulous car and I'd recommend it to anyone

Very dependable. Even though it's old it still looks classy. It's got great get up and go.

Karen M on December 12, 2020

Great gas mileage. To get good gas mileage you sacrifice for room.

Drives great, easy to handle, tight steering, powerful engine. Only complaint is repairs and maintenance are expensive.

Kathy P on November 30, 2020

Good gas mileage love convertible looks nice when cleaned up love to drive it.

I love driving this car but when something goes wrong with it, it is expensive to fix. Gas mileage isn't bad and I love the convertible top. I bought my car in 2012 so I've had it for 7 years. It is a little small only two people fit comfortably and only small people in the back seat.

Susan K on November 17, 2020

Great drive and handling!

I absolutely love this car. Bought it used and it drives and performs great!! I would definitely buy a new one when I am in the market to purchase a new vehicle.

Suzanne S on November 12, 2020

THe expenses after the warranty wears off. It seems as if something goes wrong all the time. It gets very frustrating.

Love the way it looks and it is very sturdy. However, always seems like it needs repairs and is very expensive. Like the way it handles on the road.

Jim P on November 5, 2020

Ultimate driving machine but money pit

Electrical problems throughout the car, some mechanical problems here and there. However it's the bet driving car I've ever owned

Dave N on November 1, 2020

BMW 3 series older models.

It is ok runs good but does have high maintenance and is starting to have more problems after 100k miles.

Wai i on October 14, 2020

It runs fast. It takes premium gas.

I like the performance and acceleration of my car. I do not like it being so small

Odner P on October 11, 2020

That it's very low to the ground

It's a silver car. And it has a sunroof on the top that's pretty awesome. It also has wheels for it to move.

George S on October 8, 2020

People should know the BMW maintenance costs are higher than average. But are well worth it.

No complaints. The BMW is a very nice car. I love the 338i. It's fast but luxurious. The ride is smooth. And the engineering is superb.

Janelle N on September 30, 2020

It's great for heavy drivers - put 200k miles on it in 5 years and it's still running strong at 270k

I love the stance/way it hugs the road. I also love the interior design and comfortable seating. I dislike how expensive it is to fix, even minor cosmetic issue are insanely high.

Alex H on September 26, 2020

The BMW 3 series experience.

Lynne P on September 24, 2020

It was my dream car for as long as I could remember and It is a car that never goes out of style.

I like that even though it is ten years old it still looks new and in style. It is a classic style that looks premium. I don't like the high maintenance costs to keep it. They're customer service is not great.

Lindsey R on September 22, 2020

Driving the fabulous 2008 BMW 328i: 10 years later.

Only problems I have had with my car were a starter going out, engine coils and spark plugs needing to be replaced, and a new coolant system, due to my car being 10 years old. Other than that, it drives flawlessly, still looks brand new, and is so reliable. I have fallen in love with BMW after owning this car! It is so comfortable to drive, and the special features like how the passenger side mirror shifts to face the ground when put in reverse, and how the windows can all roll down without me in the car are so handy and cool.

jackson j on September 8, 2020

The reliability of a vehicle is more important than its mechanical properties.

The appearance is compact, the fuel consumption is not very high. Generally, it is open motion mode, the power is quite strong, comfortable entry, the induction of the trunk is started, the electric seat is quite satisfactory.

Kelly P on September 8, 2020

BMW 3 Series is an overall good purchase with the exception of the repair costs as well as the paint failure on both the hood and the trunk.

Enjoy the interior of the BMW 3 series however the paint has not held up in both the hood and the trunk areas which has resulted in getting a new paint job.

Esther C on September 1, 2020

The BMW are very good cars and reliable.

My car is dependable and reliable. I get good mileage out of my car. It is comfortable for me. I have a nice size truck space. It holds the road very good and I love the way it handles. Excellent for road trips, does not need a lot of maintenance. The value is worth the money.

Jasmine R on August 26, 2020

Baby Got Go Power to make you feel like a woman

I have on my BMW for the past eight years. It was very comfortable, reliable to always start, the driving performance is amazing I often feel like I am one with the road. Inside of my car the leather with chrome on the handles on the dash. Since I live in the desert one of my handles on the passenger side melted.

Cynthia A on August 24, 2020

Electronic issues and undercover

Electronic problems with the door on driver side is give me problems seems weeks. A lot of people tell me that happens with BMW. Always have issues with the electronic parts. And under the car on front the cover is pushing my front wheels when I'm on the streets driving. Is like driving in a bunch of hoops.

Mike M on August 21, 2020

My favorite part is the twin turbos and the paddle shifters.

The car is very reliable. It is good on gas and take premium gas. It's a luxury car with leather seats that are electric and heated. It has twin turbos so it's very quick. It puts up very good with daily driving and is a very smooth ride. Never has any problems, and I love it.

Ida A on August 16, 2020

BMW honest review for 3 series

It is very reliable and safety is an assurance. The engine does not consume that much gas and it is comfortable to use for short travel.

Jess F on August 3, 2020

My love for BMW is lifelong

The luxury you experience driving a BMW is unparalleled (it is called the ultimate driving machine). Handling and performance is excellent, as is expected for a sports sedan of this nature. Aesthetically, I love the lines of BMW's design; even with some scrapes and dings after 11 years, I always catch myself staring at my own car in the parking lot. Admittedly, maintaining a car with 140k+ miles on it that happens to be European can be expensive at times, but with a great mechanic it has been less than what people warned me about. The only complaint I really have is having very low ground clearance living in an area with rougher roads.

Leslie R on July 30, 2020

It's expensive but worth it. It goes very fast but is very low

My car is very comfortable. I would recommend it to anyone who can afford it. It's old so all the maintenance is due

Hannah S on July 22, 2020

BMW - long-lasting performance you can trust.

For a decade-old car, the performance is still pretty amazing! I love the road feel, and the stiffer steering allows me to be a more alert and involved driver. The only issues I have are with the interior - the leather of the seats is starting to rip and peel away, and some parts of the computer system no longer work.

Cindy G on July 17, 2020

It is a hardtop convertible that folds into the trunk.

I love how it handed. I also love the hardtop convertible. The sound system is really great. There isn't really anything I don't like about the car. Now the service is another story. BMW dealerships service departments are horrible. I have used 3 different dealerships and they are horrendous. The worst was in downtown Portland.

Susan B on June 27, 2020

My BMW cars pros and cons.

The car has amazing pickup and acceleration. It handles very well. Unfortunately I because of those things, it is horrible in the snow. It is too powerful. It is a beautiful car, and it is very comfortable. The stereo system is great too. Another bad thing is that the air conditioner stopped working two summers ago and my mechanic cannot seem to find a permanent fix for this.

Connor F on June 20, 2020

BMW 328’s are a comfortable sports sedan at a reasonable price.

I love it. The car is comfortable, quick, and reliable. The only negative point is that repairs can be very expensive.

Nina I on June 18, 2020

Make sure you take it to a legit car maintenance shop.

Parts are expensive and there is not enough body shops but overall it is an amazing car reliable and everlasting.

William V on June 11, 2020

My 328i sedan gets an estimated 21/30 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic transmission and 20/29 mpg with the manual.

My 2008 BMW 328i, styling; the 2008 BMW 3-Series wears sculptured lines, while its cabin is more sedate.

Frances M on June 5, 2020

Always dependable. Starts on first try. Love my SUV.

I like that the look and features of the car. It feels classic and something that I can pass on to my kids. I dislike the maintenance.

Natalie V on May 31, 2020

Great handling, solid, safe car.

My car handles very well and I feel it is a very well made, safe car. The only downside is that repairs can be very costly. For a small sedan I feel it is roomy and has a good size trunk. The radio and speakers are 'adequate ', I have had better systems with other cars. Though I highly recommend.

Candace B on April 26, 2020

It has less than 50, 000 miles on it.

I like the reliability, but not happy with the boot style of the car. . Have always had sports cars, and this car does not meet my expectations.

Ralph J on April 9, 2020

It is pretty fast and low.

I love the sound system. I love the speed. I hate the maintenance. I love the looks. I love the leather seats.

Kortez M on April 1, 2020

This vehicle is very comfortable for me being a tall guy it suits my special needs for a car. Drives smoothly as well.

That it's great on gas and requires a person to keep it running well.

Sami C on March 23, 2020

Information on 2008 BMW 328i

I purchased the car used and have had it for almost a year now. It had over 100k miles when I bought it and was only owned by one other person. I had to replace the starter eventually and the dealership I bought it from replaced the fuel pump. Both interior passenger door handles in the front and back were made with some type of artificial material that melted and leaves behind a sticky substance if touched. Other than that, if you take care of the car and keep up with regular maintenance check ups it could be a reliable vehicle.

mike l on March 13, 2020

It has been pretty reliable with only minor problems

I like the style of the car. It has good handling and it accelerates well

Karen B on March 5, 2020

My 2008 BMW is a gorgeous car!

It is expensive to maintain the BMW, but overall I really love the car. It is a good size, and there's plenty of trunk room. It is good on gas, though it requires premium gas. I like the size and style of the car. It could use some cosmetic tlc.

SHA B on February 9, 2020

It is really cool to drive. It handles incredibly well too. It isn't too expensive to put gas into.

I like to drive it in any weather, including snowy conditions.

Thieu N on February 5, 2020

BMW is a Brand Name Recognized Vehicle. It performs well

Great performance. Fun to Drive. Expensive to maintain and repair.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.