KnownCarProblems2008 BMW 535i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 535i, most often about the engine (37% of complaints, typically around 81,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 535i model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2008 BMW 535i problems
Engine
27 complaints · 37%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles.
2008 BMW 535i @70 MPH, , when, with no warning, large red warning light appears, "engine overheated - turn off engine." light came on suddenly and engine died ,. Barely able to get to the side of the road. Discovered the problem was an immediate failure of the electric water pump which causes sudden engine loss…
While driving at 45 MPH, yellow warning light indicating the car was overheating came on. A few seconds later the light turned red and indicated to stop the vehicle and shut the engine off. Vehicle lost all power and I came to a stop. It was towed to the shop and I was informed that the water pump and thermostat…
Lights
16 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke emitted from the outside rear of the vehicle and the engine coolant warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician informed the…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, the turn signal warning light illuminated as the passenger's rear turn signal and reverse light failed to illuminate. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
Electrical
15 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles.
Pressing the shift (transmission) selector into the reverse position, causes the shifters electrical ribbon cable to get pinched and the lights in the shifter and sport button fail to work anymore. Repositioning of this ribbon cable or using a different insulation method would solve this problem.
Driving a 2008 BMW 535i at highway speed, approximately 50 MPH, when, with no warning, large red warning light appears, "engine overheated - turn off engine." light came on suddenly and engine died to 5 MPH and then stopped running. Barely able to get to the side of the road and in great danger from trucks bearing…
Fuel system
15 complaints · 20%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles.
Driving on highway, panel indicates that the temperature is high, and advises to drive moderately. Pulled over one lane. Before being able to pull over completely, a new indication shows on the panel, instructing that the engine is overheated. Vehicle quickly powers down in the middle of the highway. Unable to pull…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the fuel pump failed and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that…
Speed control
9 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles.
During highway traveling upon acceleration to change lanes the car began to lose power and stall. A engine malfunction light came/reduced power. I had to drive the car about 45 MPH because it began to shake as if it was going to cut off. Dealership advised that is was not the hpfp (high pressure fuel pump). I was told…
I just had to have my water pump and thermostat replaced on my 2008 535i. I was told that it happens so often, they keep the part on the shelf! Are there really no recalls on this problem?? Also, my right tail light shorted out. I asked the shop why...he said this also happens all the time. The wires fry! Not cool.I…
Air bags
7 complaints · 10%Air bag sensor mat in the passebger seat is cracked. Therefor the airbag will not deploy in a crash. According to my research this is a very common problem in BMW e60 sedans. There has been a previous recall to BMW's in earlier years. Why is it not a recall now? Obviously this is a critical component of the safety…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the navigational system advised that the front passenger restraint and air bag was malfunctioning. The dealership advised that the VIN was not included in the manufacturer's air bag improvement campaign. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a…
Transmission
6 complaints · 8%Pressing the shift (transmission) selector into the reverse position, causes the shifters electrical ribbon cable to get pinched and the lights in the shifter and sport button fail to work anymore. Repositioning of this ribbon cable or using a different insulation method would solve this problem.
Vehicle was previously driven the day before drove perfect no problems, the day after the vehicle when you put in drive or reverse it would automatically go back to park on it's own and would not move the vehicle was parked in the drive way as normal. I had vehicle towed to BMW they diagnosed as the mechatronic sleeve…
Seat belts
6 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 535i. The contact stated that when the front passenger side seat was occupied, the passenger restraint malfunction warning light illuminated. In addition, the passenger seat belt light failed to disengage when an occupant was properly secured with a seat belt. The vehicle was not diagnosed…
2008 BMW 5-series vehicles have the same issue as recalled 2004 - 2006 BMW 5-series vehicles in regards to the front passenger seat occupant detection mat malfunctioning. The seat occupancy mat is faulty on 2007 & 2008 models as well. The consequence is that the passenger air bag will not deploy even in the event of 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 535i recalls
Lights: tail lights
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at [email protected].
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and m5 passenger cars manufactured from march 1, 2007, through december 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
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 535i
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 535i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (27 complaints, typically around 81,000 miles); lights (16 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); electrical (15 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 535i have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 11, 2013 (lights). 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 535i?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 535i model year since 2000, with 74 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.