2008 BMW X3 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW X3 Sav: 2 recalls, 56 owner complaints.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (29): the most common themes are warning light on (5).
- Engine (9): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), stalls / loses power (3).
- Seats (5): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 2008 BMW X3 Sav has 56 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 6 X3 Sav model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 46). Complaints peaked in 2016 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 68,995 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (160 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (16 complaints, 2 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 BMW X3 Sav.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW X3 Sav have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW X3 Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 BMW X3 Sav problems?
Owners have filed 56 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (29), engine (9), transmission & drivetrain (6).
Where can I get a 2008 BMW X3 Sav repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.