KnownCarProblems2008 BMW 5 Series Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 5 Series, most often about the fuel system (46% of complaints, typically around 22,500 miles). It is the most complained-about 5 Series model year since 2000 and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2008 BMW 5 Series problems
Fuel system
48 complaints · 46%Half of these problems showed up before 22,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
2008 BMW 535i, with sport package with 3.0 ltr twin turbo engine. Twice since purchasing new on 1 august 2008 the "engine malfunction-reduced power" warning appeared. In both cases warning light disappeared after driving between 25 and 40 miles as did the lack of power. Car also occasionally starts with rough idle…
I have a 2008 BMW 535 xi that has shown the reduced engine power/engine malfunction while on the highway twice. The car refused to accelerate and became very hard to maneuver. Thankfully, both times I was within a mile of the highway exit. I am hesitant to drive this car on long travels because a reduced engine power…
Engine
40 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
Car in for service for the third time. The first two times, high-pressure fuel pump was replaced. This time, 2 fuel injectors and plugs will be replaced. Symptoms have been the same each time - engine light comes on, low power message is displayed and car runs extremely rough. One incident required the vehicle to be…
I purchased a certified, pre-owned 2008 BMW 535xi with approx. 22,000 miles on 10/23/10. Subsequent to my purchase, I discovered the high-pressure fuel pump in the vehicle had earlier failed and been replaced. On 10/28/10, just 5 days after purchasing - I was driving on a surface street when the car began violently…
Electrical
16 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles.
The grounding wire in the connector to the tail light bulb holder melted and melted parts of the connector. This resulted in no signal, brake and running rear lights. A recall has been called for BMW e46 3 series for this exact problem. The recall should be expanded to cover the 5 Series as well.
( I am the original owner this vehicle) while replacing a burnt out headlight, I noticed that the insulation in the sealed headlight was missing. When I checked the opposite side, I found the same thing, the insulation was broken and missing. Being that this is a sealed headlight housing, I am unable to remove and…
Transmission
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
Transmission locked in parked and vehicle blocking moving truck. Unable to tow auto because dealership was unable to provide assistance for unlocking mechanism. Necessary to contact BMW directly for assistance to unlock transmission and vehicle subsequent towed to dealership.
My 2008 BMW 528i has now shifted into neutral, and then down-shifted, at high speed (60mph) without warning 4 times. Three of these incidents occurred on the freeways of los angeles. This latest incident almost caused me to be hit by multiple cars as I coasted to a gorepoint at a freeway offramp.
Lights
7 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 83,500 miles.
Ground wire for passenger side tail light burned up. Ground wire, both sides of electrical connector, and tail light bulb holder all burned up. Passenger side brake light, tail light, turn signal and back up light do not function at all. Improperly rated fuse did not blow before circuit burned up and melted. This…
Just bought a used 2008 528i (e60) w/94k miles, in otherwise perfect condition. Went to change the angel eyes from drab yellow to lux LED's. Noticed bare wires on both sides of the bulb connectors, on both sides of the car. Tried to use electrical tape, just made more bare wire. The more I touched the wires, the more…
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the driver side rear wheel was cracking. After purchasing a new tire he then noticed the cracked wheel in two different places. The dealer was contacted who declined to warrant the wheels. The manufacturer was contacted who also stated that they would not…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i with michelin pilot sport ps2 run flat tires, size 275/35/r18. The contact stated that the center of both rear tires was worn to the point where the chord was visible. There were no failures with the front tires. The alignment was tested but no failures were found. There were no…
Brakes
4 complaints · 4%Tl contact owns a 2008 BMW 528. The contact stated that the faulty brakes on the vehicle caused him to crash into a wall. The dealer stated that the brake fluid was low and caused the brakes to fail. Brake fluid was added to the vehicle. There were no injuries. The contact stated that due to the safety risk a crash…
Car loses power 2008 BMW.535i had just gotten it out of the shop (new plugs and new brakes ,changed the oil air filter full service) and the next day we had gone out for supper when the car would barrly run it was like it had 2 cyclinders. Had the BMW place pick up and they said it was low fuel pump and they had to…
Body and structure
3 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: frame and members, body.
I was routinely emptying the trunk of my 2008 BMW 528i on august 1, 2009. I had to return to the cab and my right calf brushed against the exposed chrome tailpipes for no more than a second. The tailpipe was so hot, I got a second degree burn about 5 inches long. I went to the emergency room to have the wound dressed…
Left side of the center dash trim continues to pop off. Occurs every 4 months at $40 a repair. Repaired 3 times; once under warranty and twice out of warranty. The trim pops out on its own, however the BMW dealership continues to state that excessive force is causing the problem. That is not the case. This is not a…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 BMW 5 Series recalls
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
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 parked.
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 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,
Full defect summary
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.
Electrical: cables
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Brakes: vacuum
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on november 24, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, 6-series, and model year 2002-2008 7-series vehicles. A check valve of the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 BMW 5 Series
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (48 complaints, typically around 22,500 miles); engine (40 complaints, typically around 25,000 miles); electrical (16 complaints, typically around 48,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 2, 2022 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the BMW 5 Series?
- It is the most complained-about 5 Series model year since 2000, with 105 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.