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2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 6MT

The 2008 BMW 3 Series 335i 6MT is a 300-hp twin-turbocharged inline-6 with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $38,900 MSRP and is rated at 20 mpg combined.

It makes 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1400-5000 rpm, spinning to a 7,000 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway (20 mpg combined).

The 3 Series measures 178.2 inches long on a 108.7-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$38,900 ($58,720 *)
MSRP with Destination$39,675 ($59,890 *)
Destination Charge$775
Engine
Engine Type3.0L Inline-6 twin-turbo (N54B30) High Precision Injection
Horsepower300 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Redline7,000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24V Double-VANOS
Bore and Stroke84.0 x 89.6
Compression Ratio10.2:1
Injection TypeHigh Precision Injection (direct)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed manual
1st Gear4.055 (42 mph **)
2nd Gear2.396 (70 mph **)
3rd Gear1.582 (107 mph **)
4th Gear1.192 (142 mph **)
5th Gear1 (169 mph **)
6th Gear0.872 (194 mph **)
Reverse3.677
Final Drive3.08
Fuel Economy
City17 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined20 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium
Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble-pivot strut
Rear SuspensionFive-link
Turning Diameter36.1 ft
Brakes
Front Brake Disc13.0 x 0.94 in ventilated
Rear Brake Disc13.2 x 0.87 in ventilated
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 x 8.0
Wheels Rear17 x 8.0
Tires Front225/45R17
Tires Rear225/45R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length178.2 in
Width71.5 in
Height55.9 in
Wheelbase108.7 in
Front Track59.1 in
Rear Track59.6 in
Cargo Volume12 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front37.4 in
Headroom Rear37.1 in
Legroom Front41.5 in
Legroom Rear34.6 in
Shoulder Room Front55.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.1 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover ★★★★★ (10.3 % risk)
Tested variant: 2008 BMW 3 Series Wagon w/SAB
Other tested variants (3)
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series Convertible w/SAB: overall not rated
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 2-DR. w/SAB: overall not rated
  • 2008 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB: overall not rated

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 3 SERIES. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Mar 2, 2022 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 22V119000

Aug 10, 2012 · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Consequence: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

NHTSA campaign 12E029000

Jul 8, 2009 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 09V257000

691 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 3 SERIES

Owner Complaints

691 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 3 SERIES (15 mention a crash, 63 a fire, 19 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System212
Air Bags164
Engine146
Fuel System82
Gasoline73
Engine And Engine Cooling59
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical System
“The ibs sensor on the negative battery cable failed on me causing the car to die and not start back up. It also caused my new battery to die within a year due to charging information it was sending to…”
Apr 26, 2026 · Electrical System
“"I am reporting a failed safety remedy by BMW of Macon regarding Recall 13V-044 (Battery Cable Connector). Following the recall service, the vehicle suffered a systemic digital failure and a legal…”
Mar 3, 2026 · Air Bags, Engine
“RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been…”
Jan 16, 2026 · Air Bags, Seats
“The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy…”
Oct 26, 2025 · Visibility/Wiper
“The wipers will wipe 5-6 times then stop. Sometimes mid windshield. Does not reset at any setting on the washer arm. Leads to an urgent stop on side of the road. It is available for inspection. I have…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2008 BMW 3 SERIES. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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