Safety ratings
2008 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2008 BMW 5 Series Wagon w/SAB
- Lane departure warningOptional
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESCampaign 12V126000 · 26/03/2012
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.
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.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FANCampaign 12E029000 · 10/08/2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)Campaign 22V119000 · 02/03/2022
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.
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, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUMCampaign 10V446000 · 01/10/2010
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.
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.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM108
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING82
- ENGINE81
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING59
- FUEL SYSTEM53
- GASOLINE48
- AIR BAGS47
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM44
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2014· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE. *JS
- 12/29/2016· SEATS
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 CLOTHING OR THE INTERIOR OF THE SEAT WERE TO CATCH FIRE.
- 12/29/2012· STEERING
2008 535I POWER STEERING PUMP AT 49,560 MILES. I FLUID DRIPPING (BROWNISH-REDDISH) ON MY GARAGE FLOOR AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND NOTICED LEAK DEVELOPED UNDER THE CAR ENGINE LEFT SIDE, SIPPED THRU THE UNDER CARRIAGE COVER PLATE. I CONTACTED BMW DEALERSHIP, SET UP APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE ANALYSIS. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE REP AND HIS MASTER MECHANIC THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY VISIBLE LEAKAGE AND COULD BE "JUST FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED ON THE SPOT BEFORE AND JUST "TOP OFF ALL FLUIDS". I INSISTED THAT THE DRIPS WAS ON MY GARAGE CLEAN FLOOR AND UN-SATISFIED WITH THE ANSWER. I TOLD THE SERVICE REP THAT I WILL E-MAIL HIM A PICTURE I TOOK OF THE CARS UNDER CARRIAGE SHOWING THE FLUID DRIPPING. AFTER AN HOUR, HE CALLED AND ADMITTED THAT THE PICTURE HELP THEM TO "TROUBLE-SHOOT" AND THEY UN-INSTALL THE UNDER CARRIAGE COVER PLATE AND FOUND A LEAK ON THE POWER STEERING PUMP (PART COST $1,250.00 NOT INCLUDING LABOR, $1,630.00 TOTAL) AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORTUNATELY IT'S ALL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE AND CAUSE ACCIDENT OR EVEN LIVES. *TR
- 12/29/2008· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP KEEPS FAILING. LOSS OF POWER. *TR
- 12/28/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ELECTRICAL WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,500. KMJ
- 12/27/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle in the morning, the vehicle hesitated, and revved up approximately three times. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as needed after driving approximately a half a mile. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/23/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
I DISCOVERED MULTIPLE SEVERED 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 ENTERING THE HINGE GUIDES (4) FOR THE GLASS AND TAILGATE ARE REPEATEDLY FLEXED AT A SHARP ANGLE UNTIL THE INSULATION, THEN THE COPPER WIRE BREAKS. SAFETY ISSUES - POSSIBLE ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT LEADING TO FIRES (HIGHEST LOAD IS FOR REAR DEFROSTER); LIGHTING FAILURES (REAR HIGH BRAKE LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LAMPS AND OTHERS); REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO LOSS OF WIPER/WASHER/DEFROSTER; REAR GLASS LATCH OPENING WHILE UNDERWAY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF CARGO OR INGRESS OF EXHAUST FUMES. THIS IS NOT AN EASILY REPAIRED PROBLEM. IT WOULD BE BEYOND THE CAPABILITIES OF ALL BUT A SKILLED MECHANIC WITH PROPER TOOLS. I DISCOVERED IT WHEN THE REAR WIPER AND REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING. AS I INVESTIGATED I FOUND THE BROKEN WIRES, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHERS WITH BROKEN INSULATION, SOME WITH BROKEN COPPER STRANDS." *TR
- 12/22/2014· EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,ENGINE
OIL DRIPPING FROM VALVE COVER ON TO EXAUST MANIFOLD. POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. VALVE COVER BOLTS BROKEN,OIL LEAKING. *TR
- 12/22/2014· VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE - VERY LOUD - ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FELL OR LANDED ON THE SUNROOF. I SAFELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO A STOP AND THEN SAW THE HUGE HOLE IN MY SUNROOF! *TR
- 12/21/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES ON AND IT PULLS TO THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEEL IS GOING TO COME OFF AND THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS LOCKED WHERE IT WON'T EXTENDED OUT TO BUCKLE AND THE CAR DOG WALKS BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING
- 12/21/2016· ENGINE
ENGINE MALFUNCTION-DRIVING WITH REDUCED POWER NOTICE. HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN TOLD THAT "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT AND SHAKING AND STALLING DURING ACCELERATION WAS DUE TO IGNITION COILS. I HAVE HAD THOSE REPLACED AND AFTER REPLACING THOSE THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND LEFT ME STRANDED ON INTERSTATE....VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SAFETY. NOW ENGINE MALFUNCTION. FROM LOOKING AT RECALL INFORMATION IT APPEARS THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED TO ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP AND REPLACEMENT BUT WAS NEVER CONTACTED. BMW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO CUSTOMER WHO PAID FOR SERVICE THAT WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE REAL ISSUE. *TR
- 12/21/2011· POWER TRAIN
2008 BMW 550I. CONSUMER STATES WHEN NORMALLY DOWN SHIFTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PUSHED IN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED IN A LOWER GEAR, IT MAINTAINED THE HIGHER SPEED AND MERELY REVVED THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED HE COULD NOT DOWN SHIFT, BUT HAD TO BREAK INSTEAD. THE CONSUMER AND THE BMW TECHNICIAN WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE CLUCTH HAD TO BE HELD FOR ABOUT SIX SECONDS IN ORDER FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE DELAY WAS APPARENTLY WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS
- 12/19/2022· POWER TRAIN
Transmission system is not functioning properly. The shifter automatically shifts into "N" or "P" when shifting into "D" or "R". The instrument cluster displays "transmission malfunction". Check engine light comes on. The code is P17E1 "Ratio monitoring clutch "A"
- 12/19/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
"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 LONGER FUNCTIONING SINCE 2 MONTHS AGO. PLEASE HELP!
- 12/18/2018· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AT ANY RATE OF SPEED WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER (BMW OF TOWSON, 700 KENILWORTH DR, TOWSON, MD 21204, (410) 317-2237) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED EXCESSIVE SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THICK, WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- 12/18/2013· ENGINE
WATER PUMP FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 50K MILES, REPAIR COST $1200, RIDICULOUS! SEE NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10472497, THIS GENTLEMAN HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT AND JUST LIKE HIM, MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY 1.5 MONTHS. *TR
- 12/17/2014· AIR BAGS
VEHICLE IS STATION WAGON VARIANT OF 535. THE STATION WAGON HAS A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF (STANDARD EQUIPMENT) IS GUTTER PRONE TO CLOGGING, AND WATER WHICH ENTERS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ACCUMULATES IN AN ELECTRONICS WELL UNDER THE CARGO FLOOR UNKNOWN TO THE DRIVER. THIS WATER CORRODES CONNECTIONS TO A NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC MODULES AND DAMAGES THE MODULES THEMSELVES WHEN SUBMERGED. THERE ARE MANY AFFECTED FUNCTIONS WHICH CAN BE DISRUPTED, BUT CRITICALLY SENSORS WHICH AFFECT WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. AN INCORRECT DETERMINATION OF PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANCY COULD EITHER CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WITH AN UNDERWEIGHT PASSENGER OR CAUSE THE AIRBAG NOT TO DEPLOY WHEN A PASSENGER IS PRESENT. MY VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD THESE MODULES SUBMERGED AND IT APPEARS TO NOT BE AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM - PARTICULARLY FOR THE STATION WAGON VARIANT. *TR
- 12/17/2008· POWER TRAIN
WHEN ENGINE IS COLD, CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. IT MUST BE SHIFTED INTO DRIVE BEFORE IT WILL SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS IN AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2007. THE GEAR SHIFT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER, 2008. THE DEALER DOWNLOADED ALL THE SOFTWARE RELATED TO GEAR SHIFTING AND RE-LOADED IT. THE SHIFT WORKED ABOUT ONE MONTH UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN. AS SOON AS I CAN GET THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY WILL HAVE A THIRD OPPORTUNITY TO FIX THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
- 12/16/2014· ENGINE
DROVE THE CAR HOME FROM WORK THE DAY BEFORE. WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS SHAKING AND VIBRATING TREMENDOUSLY. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP THAT STATED THE INJECTORS WERE BAD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1,700.00. THEY THEN CALLED ME BACK AND STATED THE DM E WAS ALSO BAD AND THE CODES DIDN'T PICK IT UP IN THE BEGINNING. THEY THEN ASKED FOR AN ADDITIONAL $1,800.00. I PICKED UP MY CAR AFTER REPAIRS AND DID NOT MAKE IT HOME BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND LOST POWER. TOOK IT BACK TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHO THEN STATED IT WAS THE TURBOS THAT WAS BAD AND IT WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL $5,600.!!!! I AM NOT PLEASED WITH THE 535I. I HAVE WANTED A BMW ALL OF MY LIFE AND I FINALLY GET ONE AND IT'S BEEN A NIGHTMARE. THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT TWO MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED IT FOR $1,700.00! THE BMW 535I HAS BEEN ONE HEADACHE AFTER THE NEXT AND I FEEL LIKE I WAS SOLD A USED LEMON OF A CAR!!! I BOUGHT IT FROM A CERTIFIED BMW DEALERSHIP!!! WHAT A RIP OFF!!! I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY REFUSED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS AND SO DID THE DEALERSHIP!!! I FEEL LIKE I'VE BEEN ROBBED!!! *TR
- 12/14/2019· AIR BAGS
FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. THIS STARTED HAPPENING A YEAR AGO AFTER VISITING DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE. I CANNOT HAVE PASSENGER NEXT TO ME BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID OF MALFUNCTION IN AIRBAG SYSTEM.
- 12/14/2015· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR. PLEASE HELP! I GET THIS WARNING EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND REGARDLESS OF A PASSENGER PRESENT OR NOT. SEVERAL TIMES THE BEEPING SIGNAL WILL BEGIN TO MAKE NOISE, TO BUTTON THE SEAT BELT, EVEN WHEN NOTHING IS IN THE SEAT. THIS IS CREATING A VERY ANNOYING DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
- 12/14/2015· AIR BAGS
RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHTS ON DASH AND WARNING ON THE NAV SCREEN GOES ON WHENEVER SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
- 12/13/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
KNOWN SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO BROKEN WIRING IN E61 WAGON HATCH WIRING. SEE THIS THREAD: HTTPS://5SERIES.NET/FORUMS/E61-TOURING-DISCUSSION-4/TAILGATE-WIRING-HARNESS-REPLACEMENT-72751/
- 12/12/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR STOPPED REAL FAST (NOT TO A COMPLETION), COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS BEHIND ME. *TR
- 12/11/2015· SEATSFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UTILIZE THE SEAT HEATING SYSTEM, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE BACKREST OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD A SMALL BURN HOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V575000 (SEATS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. ....UPDATED 01/13/16 *BF; UPDATED 05/10/18*JB *CN
- 12/10/2016· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR IS STALLING WHILE I'M DRIVING. " ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCE POWER " THE CODE IS ( P 3090 ) .. IT'S VERY UNSAFE . I DON'T HAVE POWER TO MOVE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY.. I DRIVE MAINLY INTERSTATES I 75 AND I475 TO MACON GEORGIA.
- 12/10/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
PURCHASED NEW 535I 8/22/08. WITH LESS THAN 400 MILE, RECEIVED ENGINE MALFUNCTION-POWER REDUCED WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT INTERSTATE SPEED. LIMPED TO DEALER, WHO HAD CAR FOR 4.5 DAYS. 1ST QUESTION: WHAT TYPE OF FUEL? SHELL. RESPONSE: MAY HAVE TO MUCH ETHANOL. SERVICE FOUND AN ENGINE MIS-FIRE CODE; REPLACED INJECTOR AND SWAPPED COILS TO VALIDATE INJ. REPLACEMENT. 2ND OCCURRENCE AT 3200 MILES, AGAIN AT HI-WAY SPEEDS. MIS-FIRE CODE AGAIN FOUND BY DEALER SERVICE. INJECTORS WERE "SWAPPED"; I'M NOT SURE TO WHAT END. THE CAR WAS ALSO "REPROGRAMMED".I GET THE IMPRESSION THAT SERVICE PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS TRULY CAUSING THE PROBLEM. OR ELSE THAT THEY ARE TRYING NOT TO COMMIT. NOW HAVE APPROX. 4100 MILES W/O ANY RECURRENCE. APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT IS NOT JUST WITH THE 5 SERIES, BUT THE 3 SERIES ALSO, BOTH TYPES WITH THE N54 TURBO CHARGED 3 LITER ENGINE. FIRST FIXES INVOLVED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, NOW THEY ARE APPEAR TO BE SWAPPING/REPLACING INJECTORS AND REPROGRAMMING THE ECU. IT IS ALSO A COMMON POINT OF DISCUSSION IN ON-LINE BMW FORUMS WHEN SEARCHED UNDER ENGINE MALFUNCTION. *TR
- 12/08/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR POWER SUDDENLY STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M EITHER DRIVING OR WHEN I AM IDLE; WHEN DRIVING IT JUST STOPS, AND WHEN I AM IN IDLE, IT VIBRATES VIGOROUSLY AND THEN STOPS.
- 12/08/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) IN MY 2008 BMW 535I. CAR LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A UNSAFE REDUCTION OF SPEED BEING THE CAR BY DESIGN WILL REDUCE POWER DURING THE FAILURE TO SAVE THE ENGINE. *TR
- 12/08/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I AM REPORTING TWO FAILURES OF THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ON A 2008 BMW 535I. THE FIRST OCCURRED ABOUT ONE YR AFTER DELIVERY RESULTING IN THE CAR HAVING TO BE RETURNED TO THE DEALER IN LIMP MODE. A YEAR AFTER THE HPFP WAS REPLACED, THE EXACT SAME FAILURE OCCURRED, AND THE PUMP WAS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME. IMO, THIS REPRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT BMW SEEMS INCAPABLE OF CORRECTING. *TR
- 12/06/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/03/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LOSS OF POWER TO CAR: 1 TURBOCHARGER REPLACED LOSS OF POWER TO CAR: FUEL PUMP REPLACED LOSS OF POWER TO CAR: 3 FUEL INJECTORS AND 3 SPARK PLUGS REPLACED. *TR
- 12/02/2015· AIR BAGS,ENGINECrashFire
CAR HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 80MPH, AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT UP IN FLAMES IN THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT.
- 11/30/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSULATION COVERING HEADLIGHT WIRING CRACKS OFF LEAVING LARGE AMOUNTS OF BARE AREAS. THIS RESULTED IN ELECTRICAL SHORTS, DRAINING BATTERY, ERRATIC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BEHAVIOR, BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULBS, AND AN INTERMITTENT BURNING SMELL IN MY CAR.
- 11/30/2012· VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED LOUD POPPING NOISES, SIMILAR TO THE SOUND OF A GUN SHOT. THE CONTACT PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND THE GLASS FROM THE SUNROOF BEGAN TO SHATTER, FALLING OVER HIM WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE STRUCK THE SUNROOF TO CAUSE THE GLASS TO SHATTER. THE CONTACT WAS PERSISTENT THAT NOTHING HAD STRUCK THE SUNROOF AND LATER WHILE PERFORMING RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE EXACT SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL HAD ALSO ENCOUNTERED THE SUNROOF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,500.
- 11/29/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Been smelling burning plastic/or oil thru air vents. as if the pvc valve was melting per recall description on probles, it fits the description, the only thing that happened to the car recently is one of the windows regulator anti trap functions it says antitrap function window disabled, then slowly started noticing burning smell for the first 10 minutes of everyday drive, my safety and many others could be very compromised , as I live on a mobile home community, and these properties have a high risk of fire hazard, and the fumes I am smelling, also I dont wanna get caught in a vehicle fire anywhere, much less on traffic, freeway or cause an accidents because of disabled vehicle, - the list goes on . thanks For allowing me to make a complaint and bring awareness for many other owners
- 11/29/2012· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS EMITTED IN THE TRUNK AREA WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO START THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE BATTERY CABLES, WHICH WERE NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V126000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: CABLES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,300.
- 11/29/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN SMOKING. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT IT CRACKED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,100. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000.
- 11/29/2009· FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN HARD STARTING; MOST RECENTLY THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY AND SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS DURING MORNING TRAFFIC FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE TO BOSTON, MA. AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THERE WAS POSSIBLY SOME INDICATION OF GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE BMW DEALERSHIP REPORTS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IN ITS LATE MODEL VEHICLES YET I HAVE HAD NO WARNINGS OR RECALL NOTICE FROM THE FACTORY. TWO ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS . THE WAGON WILL VISIT THE SHOP FOR A THIRD TIME TOMORROW ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE MALFUNCTION. *TR
- 11/28/2018· POWER TRAIN
IN MY 2008 528I I WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME AS MANY OTHERS WHERE IF YOU ARE AT A COMPLETE STOP AND YOU GO TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND RIGHT AWAY AND YOU NATURALLY APPLY MORE GAS AND THEN THE CAR JUMPS AHEAD OF YOU. IF YOU WERE TO MOVE TO THE D/S POSITION, THE CAR WAS PERFECT AND YOU DIDN'T EXPERIENCE ANY LAG IN ACCELERATION, SEEMS PEDAL HAS TO BE PRESSED MORE THAN IT SHOULD BEFORE GETTING AN IMMEDIATE THROTTLE RESPONSE. LIKE A SMALL DEAD SPOT, I SUPPOSE. ONLY IN NORMAL MODE. NO LAG IN SPORT MODE. RESPONSE IS IMMEDIATE. IT HAS SCARED ME A FEW TIMES WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN INTO TRAFFIC, THINKING YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME AND EASE ONTO THE ACCELERATOR ONLY TO FIND YOURSELF MOVING LIKE A SNAIL, THEN HAVING TO STOMP ON IT TO GET MOVING AS TRAFFIC NEARS.
- 11/25/2014· ENGINE
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 PLACING ME@ DANGER. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY DRIVERS TO BMW (SEE ONLINE FORUMS) AND THEY KNOW THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED RECALL NOTICES ON THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE COMPLAINT IS REPORTED ON EVERY FORUM REGARDING THE CAR, AS WELL AS ON THIS SITE. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT IT TAKES TO REACH THE LEVEL OF A RECALL. *TR
- 11/25/2013· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKES FAILED ACCOMPANIED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE WARNING INDICATORS. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V407000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) BUT DID NOT CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
- 11/25/2012· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WARNING OF REAR LIGHT AND REAR RIGHT BLINKER MALFUNCTION. *TR
- 11/23/2013· EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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. AS CONNECTION WAS FAILING, THE GROUND CONNECTION WAS LIKELY INTERMITTENT LEADING TO LIGHTING MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATIONS ON DASH AND INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF RIGHT REAR LIGHTS, DIMMED BRIGHTNESS OF RIGHT REAR LIGHTS. THE INTERMITTENT OPERATION/FAILURE REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER CARS/DRIVERS OF MY CAR'S INTENTIONS. COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE REAR END COLLISIONS. *TR
- 11/22/2019· SEATS
3 HOLES HAVE BEEN BURNT THROUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE LUMBAR SUPPORT BY THE SEAT HEATER. I'M AFRAID THAT I DON'T HAVE PICTURES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM. HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=80264
- 11/22/2017· AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AT C. 89,000 MILES - WARNING: "DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION". BMW DEALER, ROCKVILLE, MD, WANTS $660 TO TELL ME IF IT'S A REAL PROBLEM WITH THE BAG, AND/OR ITS HOUSING AND/OR ONLY A FAULTY SENSOR SENDING AN INCORRECT MESSAGE (!!) FOLLOWING THAT SUSPICIOUS DRILL THEY CAN THEN FIX IT - A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS IF IT'S ONLY A SENSOR, MUCH MORE $ IF IT'S SOMETHING ELSE. CAR MOVING OR NOT, THE WARNING REMAINS ON.
- 11/22/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
- 11/22/2013· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MALFUNCTION OF LEFT HEADLIGHT. DEALER INSPECTION REVEALED"HEADLIGHT WIRES LEADING TO BULB SOCKET HAVE CORROSION ON THEM AND CASING AROUND THE WIRES IS COMING OFF". THERE WAS A RECENT VEHICLE SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS MODEL CAR FOR SIMILAR ISSUES WITH REAR LAMP BULB CARRIER: RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 13V-407 POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WITH MALFUNCTION OF HEADLIGHTS LEADING TO DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS OR CRASH CAN OCCUR ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT OR IN BAD/INCLEMENT WEATHER. *TR
- 11/21/2018· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
I HAVE A HARD TIME ACCELERATING
- 11/20/2015· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW MODEL 535I. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.