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2008 BMW 528xi Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 528xi, most often about the electrical (39% of complaints, typically around 54,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about 528xi model year since 2000.

Complaints31
Recalls0
Crashes reported1
Fires reported2
Injuries reported1

Most common 2008 BMW 528xi problems

  1. Electrical

    12 complaints · 39%

    Half of these problems showed up before 54,500 miles.

    Failure of the right rear tail light assembly due to the grounding wire connector (inside the 8 pin connector which attaches to 8 pin receiver on the light) melting which rendered the brake light, turn signal, reverse light, and lightning inoperative. Also resulted in the light assembly needing replacement. As…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 42,000 miles
    While driving on the highway, the right taillight has malfunctioned completely (brake lights and right turn signal). The issue is well known to BMW dealerships however they claim it's not covered under cpo (certified pre-owned) warranty and my model is not included in the recall. The tail light connector is melted due…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 67,000 miles

  2. Engine

    11 complaints · 36%

    Half of these problems showed up before 136,000 miles.

    "takata recall" my expansion tank cracked, then it blew up. Something is wrong with my cooling system. My fan would make a loud noise every time I started the vehicle. My thermostat hose deteriorated and my check engine light has been on for about 5 months. In addition my electrical/battery is bad and my car is no…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 136,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and through the A/C vents.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2022, at 148,000 miles

  3. Lights

    8 complaints · 26%

    Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles.

    While driving on the highway, the right taillight has malfunctioned completely (brake lights and right turn signal). The issue is well known to BMW dealerships however they claim it's not covered under cpo (certified pre-owned) warranty and my model is not included in the recall. The tail light connector is melted due…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 67,000 miles
    Left turn signal, brake light & backup light stopped working. Upon inspection, found that the wiring harness connector to the left lighting assembly was discolored and slightly distorted at the ground conductor. Around half of the ground conductor on the mating plug of the lighting assembly had deteriorated away.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 67,900 miles

  4. Air bags

    5 complaints · 16%

    Parts named most often: sensor.

    The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact stated that the passenger restraint warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised the contact that the crash safety module needed to be replaced. If not, the airbags would not deploy in the event of a crash nor…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 73,067 miles
    Passenger side airbag/ seatbelt lite on dealer said that the bsd cable going to the airbag is detached...but it must be replaced at a cost of about close to $900....not repaired as of yet
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 40,000 miles

  5. Seat belts

    3 complaints · 10%

    Passenger side airbag/ seatbelt lite on dealer said that the bsd cable going to the airbag is detached...but it must be replaced at a cost of about close to $900....not repaired as of yet
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 40,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. While driving at 40 MPH, the passenger restraint system, fault in passenger restraint system affecting air bag and belt pre-tensioner warning was displayed across the message board. The air bag and seat belt warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 82,000 miles

  6. Seats

    3 complaints · 10%

    I just discovered this yesterday, but feel that it could have been going on for a few weeks as the back of the seat was too hot at certain points and I had to turn it off. I have been noticing an odd smell more recently so I had a look at the seat and 3 small burn marks/holes are present. Could be dangerous if…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 71,000 miles
    One day this winter, I was driving on the highway and suddenly it smelt like something burning. Thinking it was an outside element, I thought nothing of it. A week later, I smelt the same burning so I got out of my car to inspect and found three holes were burnt straight through my leather driver seat and also burned…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 120,000 miles

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 528xi recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

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 528xi

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 528xi?
By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (12 complaints, typically around 54,500 miles); engine (11 complaints, typically around 136,000 miles); lights (8 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 528xi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 BMW 528xi. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2008 a bad year for the BMW 528xi?
It is the 3rd most complained-about 528xi model year since 2000, with 31 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.

Other BMW 528xi years

BMW 528xi problems by year