2008 BMW 128i
VIN: WBAUL73548VJ74710 | 2008 | Bmw Ag | LEIPZIG, GERMANY
2008 BMW 128i — 3L 6 Cyl, See owners manual. Convertible/Cabriolet.
C
65/100
Safety & Recall Score: Fair
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 6 open recalls (high)
⚠ Not yet NHTSA crash-rated
⚠ 15+ year old vehicle
✓ Low complaint history
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: PASSENGER CAR
- Body: Convertible/Cabriolet
- Plant: LEIPZIG, GERMANY
NHTSA Recalls
6 Open Recalls- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain...
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain...
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain...
Owner Complaints
No complaints found- No complaint patterns found.
Fuel Economy
22 MPG Combined- City: 19 MPG
- Hwy: 28 MPG
- Combined: 22 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
WBAUL73548VJ74710
Model Year
2008
Make
BMW
Model
128i
Trim
Not available
Series
1-Series
Body Style
Convertible/Cabriolet
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Doors
2
Seats
Not available
Seat Rows
Not available
Drive Type
Not available
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
See owners manual
Engine
3L 6 Cyl
Manufacturer
Bmw Ag
Plant Location
LEIPZIG, GERMANY
Country of Origin
GERMANY
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
W → Germany
Position 2 — Manufacturer
B → Bmw Ag
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
A → PASSENGER CAR
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
UL735 → 128i Not available
Position 9 — Check Digit
4 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
8 → 2008
Position 11 — Plant Code
V → LEIPZIG, GERMANY
Positions 12–17 — Serial
J74710 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
Not available
Engine Manufacturer
Not available
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3 L
Displacement CC
2995.5552992
Displacement CI
182.8
Engine Config
Not available
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
230 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Not available
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Yes (inferred)
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Not available
Transmission Speeds
Not available
Drive Type
Not available
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
22 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
19 MPG
Hwy MPG
28 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,450
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$17,250
GHG Score
Not available
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
404 g/mi
Barrels/Year
13.52
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Not available
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Not available
Daytime Running Lights
Not available
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Not available
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
Unknown
Curtain Airbags
Unknown
Knee Airbags
Unknown
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Not available
Steering Location
Not available
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Doors
2
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
Not available
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
Not available
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
Not available
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Bmw Ag
Manufacturer ID
966
Make ID
452
Model ID
1707
Plant Company
Not available
Plant City
LEIPZIG
Plant State
Not available
Plant Country
GERMANY
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
WBAUL735*8V
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
6
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
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Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the BMW dealer with this VIN to confirm all 6 recall(s) are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
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Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 6 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$12,100–$17,300
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Front Crash Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Side Crash Rating
Not rated by NHTSA
Rollover Risk
Not rated by NHTSA
Safety Recalls
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
Risk: 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...
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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...
Risk: 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...
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for...
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners...
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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,...
Risk: 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...
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....
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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...
Risk: 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...
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,...
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...
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...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2008 BMW 128i
$2,710/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$13,550
Maintenance (5yr)
$12,000
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$17,250
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$7,265
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find BMW Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized BMW dealer.
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Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
No complaints found
No complaint data returned for this vehicle.
Maintenance Schedule
Due Soon
Oil & Filter Change
Every 10,000 mi
Bmw recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2008 BMW 128i based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2008
$14,700
2009
$12,900
-12%
2010
$11,500
-22%
2011
$10,000
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$2,710/yr
26%
Maintenance
$2,400/yr
23%
Fuel/Energy
$3,450/yr
34%
Depreciation
$1,453/yr
14%
Registration
$250/yr
2%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$10,263/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.5
/ 10
Rank #15 overall
48 issues / 100 vehicles
Bmw Reliability
BMW earns top marks for driving dynamics. Extended ownership costs — especially cooling system and electronics — can be substantial.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
06/08/2019
15/01/2020
30/10/2017
05/02/2016
07/02/2013
02/03/2022
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2008 BMW 128i:
Private Party
$10,600–$15,900
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$12,700–$19,000
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$13,100–$19,900
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 6 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
38 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
40 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Bmw Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
4yr/50k
Powertrain
4yr/50k
Corrosion / Rust
12yr/unlimited
⚠ At 18 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2008 BMW 128i.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2008 BMW 128i:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
👥 Know your options list
Luxury buyers want to know exact packages and options. Pull the window sticker or build sheet before listing.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 6 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
✓ No specific known issues found for the 2008 BMW 128i in our database. Low complaint count supports good reliability.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
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VIN WBAUL73548VJ74710:
6 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $2,710/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN WBAUL73548VJ74710 decode to?
VIN WBAUL73548VJ74710 decodes to a 2008 BMW 128i, assembled in LEIPZIG, GERMANY.
How many recalls does this 2008 BMW 128i have?
This 2008 BMW 128i has 6 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2008 BMW 128i with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a BMW dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2008 BMW 128i?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2008 BMW 128i is estimated at $12,100–$17,300. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2008 BMW 128i get?
According to EPA data, the 2008 BMW 128i gets approximately 22 MPG combined (19 city / 28 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $3,450.
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