Owners have filed 131 complaints
about the 2008 BMW 5 Series with NHTSA between 2008 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the BMW 5 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Engine
1763.0%
Automatic Transmission
414.8%
Fuel Pump
311.1%
Floor Shift
13.7%
Exhaust System
13.7%
Frame AND Members
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
97.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1512.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3327.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3731.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1411.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
86.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
32.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2008peak 14Nov 2025
Recalls on the 2008 BMW 5 Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202209598,111 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. Note: This replaces Transport Canada recalls 2017-470 and 2019-170. Only vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K engine require this repair. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install a wire harness repair kit. BMW recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201747079,616 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with the N52 6-cylinder engine, an electrical short could occur in the PCV valve heater due to manufacturing irregularities. If this occurs, the surrounding plastics could overheat, melt and potentially cause a fire, which could increase the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater.
Recall 20133105,783 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may experience the loss of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn and reverse). Failure of any rear lamp function may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, as well as reducing vehicle conspicuity during hours of darkness, which could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace rear bulb carriers with an updated design.
Recall 201210916,748 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the insulated bulkhead connector (used to join the two halves of the positive battery cable) may have been incorrectly installed during vehicle assembly. Over time, the bolt connection could loosen, which would increase electrical resistance. In addition, an incorrectly insulated bulkhead connector could allow humidity to accumulate at this location, causing current leakage. These issues could cause the cable connection to overheat, which could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, as necessary, secure the insulated bulkhead connector. In addition, protective grease will be added to the area and the plastic battery positive terminal cover will be replaced.
Recall 20103288,167 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, a check valve in the brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, this could result in contamination of the brake booster. Loss of brake power assist could occur which, in conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster and master cylinder. Additionally, the brake vacuum line (including the check valve) will be replaced to eliminate the possibility of oil reaching the brake booster.
Recall 20073342,148 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain 550I, 650I cabriolet, 650I coupe, and X5 vehicles equipped with a V8 engine, operated in conditions of below-freezing temperatures combined with low humidity, may suffer an electrostatic discharge at the fuel rails. If this were to occur, the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) could be affected such that engine stalling could result. If the engine were to stall, this would result in a loss of power steering. Loss of power steering could lead to a condition in which vehicle handling and control were impaired. Correction: Dealers will install two additional ground cable between the fuel rails and the ground connection of the ignition coils.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 48,600 milesTorrance, CAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10460828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesTorrance, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10460828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,500 milesLawton, MIFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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 CIRCUIT IS NOT DESIGNED CORRECTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND ANYONE DRIVING BEHIND ME. CAR MODEL IS A 2008 528XI.
NHTSA complaint #10430057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,500 milesLawton, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 CIRCUIT IS NOT DESIGNED CORRECTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO MYSELF AND ANYONE DRIVING BEHIND ME. CAR MODEL IS A 2008 528XI.
NHTSA complaint #10430057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesWilloughby, OHFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10368137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesSquaw Valley, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 AS IT WAS BLISTERING AND I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT INFECTION. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW BUT THEY DENY THERE IS ANY DANGER. THIS INJURY COULD HAPPEN AGAIN TO ME OR ANOTHER PARTY. SEE PHOTOS OF INJURIES AT BMWTAILPIPEBURN.BLOGSPOT.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10291994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Panama City, FL
ENGINE
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. BMW of North America is placing blame solely on the NHTSA for not sending me correspondence relative to this recall. My vehicle was identified as having the faulty Takata airbags and I received all of the documents sent by both the NHTSA and BMW USA. I now have a undriveable, unsafe vehicle due to the servicer simply replacing a recalled object but not the damage caused by continuing to drive a vehicle that should have had immediate service. Please advise what steps should be taken. Tara Catalano-Smith
NHTSA complaint #11697553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Panama City, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. BMW of North America is placing blame solely on the NHTSA for not sending me correspondence relative to this recall. My vehicle was identified as having the faulty Takata airbags and I received all of the documents sent by both the NHTSA and BMW USA. I now have a undriveable, unsafe vehicle due to the servicer simply replacing a recalled object but not the damage caused by continuing to drive a vehicle that should have had immediate service. Please advise what steps should be taken. Tara Catalano-Smith
NHTSA complaint #11697553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesHyattsville, MD
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).
NHTSA complaint #11043668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesHyattsville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).
NHTSA complaint #11043668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesHyattsville, MD
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).
NHTSA complaint #11043668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roslyn Heights, NY
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. BMW IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN MARCH & 5 MONTHS LATER BMW DEALERS STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIRBAGS. HOW IS IT THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE?
NHTSA complaint #10892424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TX
SEATS
FRAUD ACTIVITY POSSIBLE CLONE REFINANCED IDENTITY THEFT REMOTE ACCESS WAS PUT ON UNAUTHORIZED THREAT SAFETY FOR OWNER. TWO LOAN START DATES ONE IN REPO
NHTSA complaint #10852388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAUD ACTIVITY POSSIBLE CLONE REFINANCED IDENTITY THEFT REMOTE ACCESS WAS PUT ON UNAUTHORIZED THREAT SAFETY FOR OWNER. TWO LOAN START DATES ONE IN REPO
NHTSA complaint #10852388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT Worth, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FRAUD ACTIVITY POSSIBLE CLONE REFINANCED IDENTITY THEFT REMOTE ACCESS WAS PUT ON UNAUTHORIZED THREAT SAFETY FOR OWNER. TWO LOAN START DATES ONE IN REPO
NHTSA complaint #10852388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesKingsville, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION/SHEATHING WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT UNIT/HOUSING IS SHOWING SIGNS OF AND OR OUTRIGHT DETERIORATION WHICH IN TURN EXPOSES BARE WIRES WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. AT THIS POINT, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY EFFECTED LIGHTS BUT THE WIRES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO NOTICEABLY TROUBLED. THE ISSUE IS NOT SPEED, MOVEMENT OR AREA DEPENDENT. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE, I WILL PROVIDE A LINK TO AN OWNER'S FORUM DETAILING OTHER'S DILEMMAS DUE TO THIS EXACT ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 I LOOK FORWARD TO A RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10787407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesKingsville, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION/SHEATHING WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT UNIT/HOUSING IS SHOWING SIGNS OF AND OR OUTRIGHT DETERIORATION WHICH IN TURN EXPOSES BARE WIRES WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. AT THIS POINT, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY EFFECTED LIGHTS BUT THE WIRES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO NOTICEABLY TROUBLED. THE ISSUE IS NOT SPEED, MOVEMENT OR AREA DEPENDENT. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE, I WILL PROVIDE A LINK TO AN OWNER'S FORUM DETAILING OTHER'S DILEMMAS DUE TO THIS EXACT ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 I LOOK FORWARD TO A RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10787407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesKingsville, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ELECTRICAL WIRING INSULATION/SHEATHING WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT UNIT/HOUSING IS SHOWING SIGNS OF AND OR OUTRIGHT DETERIORATION WHICH IN TURN EXPOSES BARE WIRES WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. AT THIS POINT, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS HAVE BEEN THE ONLY EFFECTED LIGHTS BUT THE WIRES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO NOTICEABLY TROUBLED. THE ISSUE IS NOT SPEED, MOVEMENT OR AREA DEPENDENT. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE, I WILL PROVIDE A LINK TO AN OWNER'S FORUM DETAILING OTHER'S DILEMMAS DUE TO THIS EXACT ISSUE: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 I LOOK FORWARD TO A RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #10787407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesFanwood, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10644962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesFanwood, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10644962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN
ON OR ABOUT MAY 2013 I WAS TRAVELING AT 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG SOUND AND MY VEHICLE CAME TO AN AUTOMATIC STOP. SCARED AS VEHICLE BEHIND ME SCREECHED AND TURN AWAY AVOIDING ME. I REMAINED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND I TRAVELED FEARFULLY TO COMPLETE MY ASSIGNMENT. SAME DAY ON MY RETURN HOME VEHICLE STOPPED ABOUT 3 TIMES BUT I DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP. WITHOUT INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD MY ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS GONE. I WAS QUOTED VERY HIGH AMOUNT BUT SOMETHING TOLD ME A BAD ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WOULD NOT START A VEHICLE SO I OFFERED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE HOME. MY VEHICLE STAYED HOME FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WITHOUT USE ONLY WARM UPS REVERSE AND PARK. I DID EXTENSIVE RESEARCH TO AVOID THE FRIVOLOUS AMOUNT THE DEALERS QUOTED AND FOUND THAT THE INTEGRATED MODULE (IVM) WAS BAD. I GOT IT FOR $144 AND REPLACED IT AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED AFTER 4 MONTHS. UNTIL APRIL 2014 I DROVE THE OUT TO WORK AND BARELY TWO MILES AWAY FROM HOME I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN RELEASED THE VEHICLE SOUNDED A HUGE BANGED SOUND THIS WITH TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION LIGHT ACTIVE BRAKE LIGHTS AND SEVERAL OTHER LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD. ONCE AGAIN I SURVIVED BEING RAN OVER IN THE EARLY MORNING RUSH. TOOK VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP. TOLD GEAR SHIFTER WAS BAD AND REPLACED FOR $915 AND THEREAFTER I RECEIVED A CALL THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. I WAS ADVISED COST WILL BE $15000 THEN LATER THAT IT CANNOT BE FIXED AND ADVICE TO SALE IT AS IS TO SOME GUY. I OWE $17900 ON VEHICLE. CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA TO COMPLAIN WAS TOLD NEW TRANSMISSION COST $9200 AND I'M ASKED TO PAY $7400 BEST DEAL. THERE'S NO REASON FOR TRANSMISSION ON 2008 TO GO OUT. SINCE DEALERS TOOK MY CAR THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL FOR 4 DAYS AND TOOK IT FROM ME BUT KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR ADDITIONAL 2 WEEKS AND ARE STILL HOLDING IT CALLING TO ACCEPT DEAL.
NHTSA complaint #10607925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesHouston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON OR ABOUT MAY 2013 I WAS TRAVELING AT 60MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG SOUND AND MY VEHICLE CAME TO AN AUTOMATIC STOP. SCARED AS VEHICLE BEHIND ME SCREECHED AND TURN AWAY AVOIDING ME. I REMAINED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND I TRAVELED FEARFULLY TO COMPLETE MY ASSIGNMENT. SAME DAY ON MY RETURN HOME VEHICLE STOPPED ABOUT 3 TIMES BUT I DROVE STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP. WITHOUT INSPECTING MY VEHICLE I WAS TOLD MY ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WAS GONE. I WAS QUOTED VERY HIGH AMOUNT BUT SOMETHING TOLD ME A BAD ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY WOULD NOT START A VEHICLE SO I OFFERED TO TAKE MY VEHICLE HOME. MY VEHICLE STAYED HOME FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS WITHOUT USE ONLY WARM UPS REVERSE AND PARK. I DID EXTENSIVE RESEARCH TO AVOID THE FRIVOLOUS AMOUNT THE DEALERS QUOTED AND FOUND THAT THE INTEGRATED MODULE (IVM) WAS BAD. I GOT IT FOR $144 AND REPLACED IT AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED AFTER 4 MONTHS. UNTIL APRIL 2014 I DROVE THE OUT TO WORK AND BARELY TWO MILES AWAY FROM HOME I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHEN RELEASED THE VEHICLE SOUNDED A HUGE BANGED SOUND THIS WITH TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION LIGHT ACTIVE BRAKE LIGHTS AND SEVERAL OTHER LIGHTS ON DASH BOARD. ONCE AGAIN I SURVIVED BEING RAN OVER IN THE EARLY MORNING RUSH. TOOK VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP. TOLD GEAR SHIFTER WAS BAD AND REPLACED FOR $915 AND THEREAFTER I RECEIVED A CALL THE TRANSMISSION WAS OUT. I WAS ADVISED COST WILL BE $15000 THEN LATER THAT IT CANNOT BE FIXED AND ADVICE TO SALE IT AS IS TO SOME GUY. I OWE $17900 ON VEHICLE. CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA TO COMPLAIN WAS TOLD NEW TRANSMISSION COST $9200 AND I'M ASKED TO PAY $7400 BEST DEAL. THERE'S NO REASON FOR TRANSMISSION ON 2008 TO GO OUT. SINCE DEALERS TOOK MY CAR THEY GAVE ME A RENTAL FOR 4 DAYS AND TOOK IT FROM ME BUT KEPT MY VEHICLE FOR ADDITIONAL 2 WEEKS AND ARE STILL HOLDING IT CALLING TO ACCEPT DEAL.
NHTSA complaint #10607925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,021 milesMilwaukee, WI
STRUCTURE
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE (OIL CHANGE ETC). THEY FOUND RIGHT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT BROKEN WHICH CAN CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THIS WAS REPORTED AS A SAFETY CONCERN. I AM THE SOLE DRIVER AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR UNUSUAL ROAD CONDITIONS. I SEARCHED ON INTERNET AND I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH 2008 BMWS (5 SERIES AS WELL AS 3 SERIES). DEFINITELY SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL !!!
NHTSA complaint #10584080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,021 milesMilwaukee, WI
ENGINE
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE (OIL CHANGE ETC). THEY FOUND RIGHT SIDE ENGINE MOUNT BOLT BROKEN WHICH CAN CAUSE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE CAR. THIS WAS REPORTED AS A SAFETY CONCERN. I AM THE SOLE DRIVER AND HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES OR UNUSUAL ROAD CONDITIONS. I SEARCHED ON INTERNET AND I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH 2008 BMWS (5 SERIES AS WELL AS 3 SERIES). DEFINITELY SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL !!!
NHTSA complaint #10584080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,700 milesOcean Springs, MS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10553485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,700 milesOcean Springs, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10553485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,050 milesPlacentia, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE REAR BACK-UP LAMP OUTAGE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON MY DASHBOARD. I ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE BULB AND SAW THAT THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BEEN BURNT AROUND THE BROWN WIRE. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND SAW THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES TO OTHER WITH THE SAME YR MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEAL WHO IN TURN REFERRED ME TO CONTACT BMW NORTH AMERICA. I RECEIVED AN E-MAIL RESPONSE FROM THEM SAYING THAT THERE IS A RECALL IN PROCESS AND TO WAIT 4-6 WEEKS. THE PROBLEM, IS THAT MY TAIL LIGHT IS NOT WORKING. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THIS CANNOT BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. I WANT TO ENSURE THAT I AM INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10552147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesTorrance, CAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10460828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,600 milesTorrance, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10460828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesJersey City, NJ
ENGINE
WE BOUGHT A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2008 535XI IN NOVEMBER 2010. IT HAD 36,000 MILES. AT 59,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH ON A MAJORY HIGHWAY IN LONG ISLAND AFTER SITTING IN TRAFFIC FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF ON A 70 DEGREE DAY, THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN. IT WOULD BARELY STEER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WE WERE LUCKY THAT THE BRAKES WORKED AND WERE ABLE TO GLIDE OVER TO THE SHOULDER. COMPUTER SAID ENGINE OVERHEATED AND IT WAS THE RED INDICATOR WHICH IS THE WORST. WE GOT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND ARE TOLD ITS THE WATER PUMP. WE DID HAVE THE CAR SERVICED AT A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP 4 DAYS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED AND TOLD THEM ABOUT A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE BUT THEY DIDN'T HEAR IT SO NOTHING WAS DONE. THE INCIDENT WAS VERY SCARY AND MAKES ME NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE.
NHTSA complaint #10458574 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,500 milesGalloway, OH
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
NHTSA complaint #10441547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.