2008 Bmw 135i problems

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The first generation of the BMW 1 Series consists of the BMW E81 (3-door hatchback), BMW E82 (coupe), BMW E87 (5-door hatchback) and BMW E88 (convertible) compact cars. The E81/E82/E87/E88 generation was produced from 2004 until 2013 and is sometimes collectively referred to as the E8x. The E8x replaced the 3 Series Compact as the entry level models of the BMW range.

The chassis has an aluminum multi-link suspension, and a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinally-mounted engine giving 50:50 weight balance, which was a rare configuration for a hatchback as most cars in this market segment use front-wheel drive. The engines available were four-cylinder turbo-diesel, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol (the latter only available on coupe and convertible models).

The highest performance trim is the 1 Series M Coupé which was powered by the BMW N54 turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It was produced in only the coupe body style and is considered the predecessor to the BMW M2.

Following the introduction of the F20/F21 1 Series in 2011, the E81/E87 hatchback models began to be phased out, while the E82/E88 coupes and convertibles remained in production until 2013, when they were replaced by the F22/F23 2 Series models.

2008 Bmw 135i

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Common 2008 Bmw 135i problems

The BMW 135i, introduced in 2008, has garnered a reputation for both its performance potential and common problems. The N54 twin-turbo straight-six engine, which powered the 135i from 2008 to 2010, offers approximately 300HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. While this engine has been praised for its potential, it has also been criticized for its issues.

One common problem with the N54 engine is the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP). This issue has been well-documented, with numerous owners reporting failures. The HPFP is responsible for supplying fuel to the engine at high pressures, and its failure can lead to a loss of power, poor performance, and even engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Another issue that has been reported is the rocker cover gasket leak. This is a common problem on many BMWs, not just the 135i, and is caused by the failure of the gasket that seals the rocker cover to the engine

. When this gasket fails, it can lead to oil leaks, which can cause damage to other engine components if not addressed.

The oil filter housing and oil cooler are also prone to leaking. This can be a significant issue, as oil leaks can lead to engine damage if not addressed promptly. In addition, if the oil cooler leaks, the oil can drip onto the auxiliary belt, causing it to soften and potentially leading to the belt slipping off the tensioner and damaging the engine

The charge pipe is another component that has been reported to fail. The charge pipe is responsible for carrying the pressurized air from the turbocharger to the engine. When this pipe fails, it can lead to a loss of power and poor performance

The water pump and thermostat are also known to fail. This can be a significant issue, as a failed water pump can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly. In addition, a failed thermostat can cause the engine to run at the wrong temperature, leading to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency

In addition to these mechanical issues, the 135i has also been criticized for its fuel consumption. The car is known to be quite thirsty, with some owners reporting that they were filling up every 11 days, even when driving conservatively.

In conclusion, while the BMW 135i is a capable and fun-to-drive car, it is not without its issues. Owners of this car should be aware of the common problems, such as the HPFP, rocker cover gasket leaks, oil filter housing and oil cooler leaks, charge pipe failures, and water pump and thermostat issues. In addition, the car's fuel consumption should also be taken into consideration when purchasing and owning this car.

2008 Bmw 135i engine

Are BMW 135i reliable?

The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 18% for the BMW 135i, compared to an average of 11% for luxury compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

Is the 135i a good daily driver?

It's very usable from day to day and makes manoeuvres such as overtakes incredibly safe and simple. By holding down the left shift paddle you can automatically downshift to the appropriate gear for a burst of maximum performance.

What engine is in a 2008 BMW 135i?

3.0 L 6-cylinder2008 BMW 135i / Engine

The two available engines, a 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six and a 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six, are direct hand-me-downs from the current 3-series, as are the six-ratio manual and automatic transmissions.

How many miles per gallon does a 2008 BMW 135i get?

The EPA rates the 135i at 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, numbers that don't sound particularly impressive. But in our driving, we saw our average range from 22.8 to 23.5 mpg, economy we just wouldn't expect to get from a car this fast.

Is a BMW 135i reliable?

Severity. The probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 18% for the BMW 135i, compared to an average of 11% for luxury compact cars and 12% for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

Is the 135i a good daily driver?

It's very usable from day to day and makes manoeuvres such as overtakes incredibly safe and simple. By holding down the left shift paddle you can automatically downshift to the appropriate gear for a burst of maximum performance.

What is the top speed of a 135i 2008?

Top speed will be limited to 155. Pocket rocket? More like musclecar. For a small two-door-8.9 inches shorter end to end, 1.4 narrower, and 0.3 taller than the 335 coupe, with a 4.0-inch-stubbier wheelbase-the 135 puts up big numbers, placing it in the same ballpark, ironically, as the aforementioned Bullitt.

What fails on N54?

Turbocharger Failure / Wastegate Rattle

Symptoms include reduced power, black smoke from the exhaust, and a grinding noise from the engine. The wastegate may also rattle, which has become a bit of a notorious issue for older N54 engines. To resolve this issue, the turbocharger needs to be replaced.

2008 Bmw 135i complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Bmw 135i.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2008 Bmw 135i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2008 Bmw 135i.

2020-01-15
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019-08-06
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
  • Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
2016-02-05
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • Remedy: 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013-02-07
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
  • Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Bmw 135i problems:

2008 135i problems - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series ...
2008 135i problems - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series ...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=546252

Jun 17, 2011 ... In addition the above mentioned problems, there have been many issues with the third brake light cracking and/or falling off, passenger side ...

Looking into a 2008 135i, how unreliable is the n54? : r/BmwTech
Looking into a 2008 135i, how unreliable is the n54? : r/BmwTech
https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/13jmx5a/looking_into_a_2008_135i_how_unreliable_is_the_n54/

May 17, 2023 ... The question remains, how unreliable is the n54? And what can be done to improve its reliability?

135i common issues and advice | BMWFanatics
135i common issues and advice | BMWFanatics
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/135i-common-issues-and-advice.83533/

Nov 9, 2017 ... The water pump, injectors, waste gate rattle are an issue. Generally these items are changed under motorplan to the newer revisions so make sure ...

What are the
What are the "common" 1 series convertible problems? - BMW 1 ...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366410

What are the "common" 1 series convertible problems? Chonkapotamus 08:36 PM 03-24-2010. Hi all, new guy here. I currently drive a e93 335, and won't bore ...

How Reliable is the BMW 135i N54 – ECS Tuning
How Reliable is the BMW 135i N54 – ECS Tuning
https://blog.ecstuning.com/how-reliable-is-the-bmw-135i-n54/

Jan 18, 2022 ... The 135i was capable as a track day toy as well as a spirited commuter car, but it does have a few common issues besides rear legroom that were ...

Other years of Bmw 135i

bmw 135i 2009 photo
135i 2009
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2008 Bmw 135i photo