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2008 BMW 535xi Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 535xi, most often about the electrical (37% of complaints, typically around 88,500 miles). It is the most complained-about 535xi model year since 2000.

Complaints71
Recalls0
Crashes reported0
Fires reported4
Injuries reported2

Most common 2008 BMW 535xi problems

  1. Electrical

    26 complaints · 37%

    Half of these problems showed up before 88,500 miles.

    I purchased a 2008 BMW 5 series wagon 9/1/2015 on california had its first rain storm causing catastrophic failure of the entire electrical system of the BMW resulting in a complete loss 12/16/115. The drain lines are a well documented and a BMW service bulletin was issued to dealerships. While driving on the highway…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 88,500 miles
    I purchased my certified pre-owned 2008 BMW 535xi sports wagon from concord BMW on 09.01.2015 with 81,759 miles on it. On december 15, 2015 I was traveling at freeway speed when the rear air springs fully collapsed. I brought the vehicle to concord BMW's service department that very same day to determine what caused…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 88,109 miles

  2. Engine

    19 complaints · 27%

    Half of these problems showed up before 70,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine.

    On january 5, 2014 driving on the highway approx. 55 MPH the vehicle's displayed engine and transmission malfunction dropped my rate of speed to approximately 20 MPH (safety mode) almost sustained a rear end collision I then pulled over onto the shoulder I turned the car off waited 10 minutes and turned it on without…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 66,000 miles
    The car was shuddering due to misfiring fuel injectors and had erratic engine operation. Note: BMW is aware of this problem and issued a voluntary recall in december 2010. BMW noted in the recall that this repair is to be covered under warranty regardless of time or mileage on the vehicle. In my experience, BMW is not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 74,884 miles

  3. Fuel system

    15 complaints · 21%

    Half of these problems showed up before 121,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.

    On thursday march 30th I dropped the car off with brinsfield auto in greensboro, nc because my check engine light came on. On april 6th I picked it up with completed repairs of a cleaned #5 fuel injector that was diagnosed as running rich but after being cleaned was running correctly and check engine light was no…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 117,235 miles
    I recently purchased a 2008 BMW 535xi and have had it for about a week or so. It has spent more time in the shop than on the road due to fuel injectors causing misfires and now the high pressure fuel pump has gone out. I recently found out also that this is a common issue with BMW and they are pretending that the fuel…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 124,950 miles

  4. Air bags

    13 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 93,500 miles.

    I received a warning message "restraint system malfunction!" for no reason and it says "pass, restraint system - fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter" etc.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 90,461 miles
    The passenger seat occupancy mat failure light indicator is on. Brought back to the BMW dealer, service technician stated that it is a recurring problem for BMW. But service would cost $2,300 to fix. I asked if it is a recurring problem, then it is a defect. BMW should fix the problem free of charge as I see in other…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 90,000 miles

  5. Lights

    11 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 93,500 miles.

    The insulation of the wiring inside the headlight assembly is crumbling and poses a fire hazard as the wires have lost their insulation and can get in contact with each other.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 93,003 miles
    E61 wagon, rear hatch: I discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for BMW e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 94,000 miles

  6. Transmission

    8 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles.

    The car has been replaced a pump sensors 40 days ago because of the engine malfunction ,and two weeks ago while started in cold weather, it was shaking and the engine light on. The dealer checked and said that it is the injector problem and recommend to chang all 6 injectors. But the injectors have been changed at the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 72,000 miles
    I was driving my fantastic (expensive) 535xi and all of a sudden when I would implement any pressure on the throttle I experienced a jerking/stuttering sensation.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 78,000 miles

  7. Seat belts

    6 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 93,500 miles.

    I received a warning message "restraint system malfunction!" for no reason and it says "pass, restraint system - fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter" etc.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 90,461 miles
    The passenger seat occupancy mat failure light indicator is on. Brought back to the BMW dealer, service technician stated that it is a recurring problem for BMW. But service would cost $2,300 to fix. I asked if it is a recurring problem, then it is a defect. BMW should fix the problem free of charge as I see in other…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 90,000 miles

  8. Seats

    5 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 90,500 miles.

    I received a warning message "restraint system malfunction!" for no reason and it says "pass, restraint system - fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter" etc.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 90,461 miles
    The passenger seat occupancy mat failure light indicator is on. Brought back to the BMW dealer, service technician stated that it is a recurring problem for BMW. But service would cost $2,300 to fix. I asked if it is a recurring problem, then it is a defect. BMW should fix the problem free of charge as I see in other…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 90,000 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 535xi 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 535xi

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 535xi?
By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (26 complaints, typically around 88,500 miles); engine (19 complaints, typically around 70,500 miles); fuel system (15 complaints, typically around 121,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 535xi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 BMW 535xi. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2008 a bad year for the BMW 535xi?
It is the most complained-about 535xi model year since 2000, with 71 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 535xi years

BMW 535xi problems by year