EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
25 September 2025 (updated) Table of Contents
The timing chain in the 1.2 PureTech 130 engine shows the first signs of wear from 80,000 km and can lead to serious engine damage. Second and third generation models (II and III), in which the reliability of the timing chain is severely limited, are particularly affected. The service life of the original timing chain is often only 100,000-150,000 km, well below the expected 200,000 km. Symptoms include characteristic rattling noises during cold starts, rough idling and metallic noises from the engine compartment. With advanced wear, the timing chain can break and cause a total engine failure.
A systematic check is essential for the early detection of timing chain problems. The sensitive Peugeot 308 timing chain systems require regular inspections every 20,000 km and engine oil changes at shorter intervals than prescribed. Professional maintenance with high-quality 0W-20 engine oil can significantly extend the life of the timing chain and avoid costly repairs.
Article number: 837522
£364.50
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
BOSCH Oil filter
Filter Insert
Article number: 1 457 429 249
£5.59
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-46%
ELRING Gasket, cylinder head
1,4 mm, Ø: 76,3 mm, Multilayer Steel (MLS), Notches/Holes Number: 4
Article number: 718.341
compared to
RRP
£45.60
£24.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-19%
FEBI BILSTEIN Rocker cover
with gasket/seal
Article number: 102602
compared to
RRP
£176.99
£142.99
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
SKF Bellow Set, drive shaft
146 mm, with clamps
Article number: VKJP 01001
£9.99
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
The air conditioning system no longer cools properly, especially in SW 2015, SW 2016 and SW 2017 models with a mileage of 60,000-100,000 km or more. Frequent faults are caused by defective air conditioning compressors, leaking condensers or blocked expansion valves. In SW 2009 and SW 2014 models, there are also problems with the air conditioning control unit, which affects temperature control. Complaints range from poor cooling performance to complete failure of the air conditioning system. The SW GT and GTI are particularly affected by this problem, as the powerful engines put additional strain on the air conditioning system.
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of the air conditioning system. The complex Peugeot 308 air conditioning systems require annual inspections with refrigerant level checks and condenser cleaning. Preventive treatment every 30,000 km with air conditioning disinfection and filter replacement prevents major damage and ensures optimum cooling performance.
The Start-Stop system no longer functions reliably, especially in automatic variants and models with a 1.5 BlueHDI 130 engine with a mileage of 40,000-80,000 km or more. Typical symptoms are deactivation of the system for no apparent reason, error messages in the display or the system no longer starts. BlueHDI 120 and HDI 150 engines also have problems with battery management, as the AGM battery is not charged properly. The reliability of the system decreases rapidly, especially with frequent short journeys, which leads to premature battery wear.
A professional inspection is required to diagnose the Start-Stop problems. The sensitive Peugeot 308 Start-Stop battery sensors must be checked every 50,000 km and calibrated if necessary to ensure correct functioning. Professional maintenance with special AGM battery chargers can significantly extend the life of the system and avoid costly repairs.
The heater does not heat up, especially in SW 1.6 HDI, SW 2.0 HDI and 2.0 HDI 150 hp models with a mileage of 70,000-120,000 km or more. Frequent causes are defective thermostats, which open at only 60-70°C instead of the required 90°C, or blocked heating valves due to coolant residues. In CC models with 156 hp, there are also problems with the electronic heating control, which leads to uneven heat distribution. The service life of the original thermostats is often only 80,000-100,000 km, well below the expected 150,000 km.
Professional maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of the heating system. The sensitive Peugeot 308 heating systems require regular cooling system flushing every 60,000 km and replacement of the coolant with original specifications. Preventive treatment with cooling system cleaners can prevent blockages and ensure optimum heating performance.
The Peugeot 308 does not start or the key is not recognized, especially on models with 120 VTI and 1.6 petrol engines from 50,000-90,000 km. Frequent symptoms are intermittent starting problems, error message "Key not recognized" or complete failure to start despite a working battery. Diesel variants such as the GT Diesel also have problems with the glow plugs, which impair cold starting behavior. The electronic immobilizer can show faults after just 60,000 km, especially if different keys are used frequently.
A systematic check is necessary to identify the starting problems. The complex Peugeot 308 immobilizer systems require regular battery changes in the radio keys every 2-3 years and antenna cleaning on the ignition lock. A professional diagnosis with original Peugeot diagnostic equipment can reveal hidden faults in the control unit and restore the reliability of the starting system.
BOSCH Fuel filter
Filter Insert
Article number: F 026 402 359
£17.49
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: VE18320
More
£25.99
£25.99
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: EK720
£125.99
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
-32%
FANFARO Transmission fluid
75W-80, Capacity: 1l
Article number: FF8710-1
More
compared to
RRP
£11.22
£7.59
£7.59
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-8%
Article number: K16HPR-U11
compared to
RRP
£5.04
£4.59
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Based on the experience of Peugeot 308 drivers, the following problems also occur:
| Strengths | Weak points |
|---|---|
| Comfortable chassis | Timing chain problems with PureTech engines |
| Modern infotainment systems | Air conditioning failures |
| Good use of space | Start-Stop system malfunctions |
| Low emission values | Heating problems with HDI engines |
| Attractive design | Electronics glitches |
| Wide range of engines | Automatic transmission shortcomings |
| Good build quality | Turbocharger wear |
The Peugeot 308 presents itself as a modern vehicle with contemporary equipment, but suffers from specific weak points that require regular attention. The PureTech engines and electronic systems in particular require intensive maintenance to ensure reliability. With consistent care and timely rectification of known problems, the 308 can certainly achieve a satisfactory service life.
TRW Brake hose
200 mm, M10x1
BOSCH Fuel filter
In-Line Filter, 8mm, 8mm
DR.MOTOR AUTOMOTIVE Inlet manifold
MAHLE EGR cooler
without gasket/seal, with EGR valve
GATES Belt Tensioner, v-ribbed belt
FEBI BILSTEIN Camshaft adjustment valve
both sides
GATES Water pump and timing belt kit
with water pump, G-Force Redline™
FEBI BILSTEIN Crankshaft pulley
6PK, Ø: 138mm, Number of ribs: 5, for crankshaft
TRW Brake hose
200 mm, M10x1
VAICO Timing belt kit
with gaskets/seals, with crankshaft seal, with bolts for crankshaft pulley, with oil, with oil filter, with oil drain plug, with bolts/screws