RoadVitals

2008 BMW 5 Series Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
105
Latest Nov 5, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 5 Series, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine4028.8%
  • Electrical1611.5%
  • Exterior lighting75.0%
  • Transmission53.6%
  • Brakes42.9%
  • Other / unspecified32.2%
  • Body & structure32.2%
  • Visibility21.4%
  • Interior & seats21.4%
  • Powertrain (other)21.4%
  • Tires & wheels21.4%
  • Airbags21.4%
  • Driver assistance10.7%
  • Seat belts10.7%
  • Steering10.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

48
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11697553 · filed Nov 5, 2025

GASOLINE IS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR, WHICH IS ACCESSED BENEATH THE LEFT REAR PASSENGER SEAT, DUE TO A CRACK IN THE PLASTIC HOUSING. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO SPECIALIZES IN BMW REPAIR, TELLS ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH BMW AND MERCEDES VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10654546 · filed Nov 12, 2014
All 48 reports naming fuel system

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

40
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11697553 · filed Nov 5, 2025

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 !!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10584080 · filed Apr 21, 2014
All 40 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11043668 · filed Nov 6, 2017

JUST BOUGHT A USED 2008 528I (E60) W/94K MILES, IN OTHERWISE PERFECT CONDITION. WENT TO CHANGE THE ANGEL EYES FROM DRAB YELLOW TO LUX LED'S. NOTICED BARE WIRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BULB CONNECTORS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. TRIED TO USE ELECTRICAL TAPE, JUST MADE MORE BARE WIRE. THE MORE I TOUCHED THE WIRES, THE MORE INSULATION FLAKED OFF, ALMOST LIKE A POWDER. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SAFE. DEFINITELY A FIRE HAZARD. NEIGHBOR BROUGHT OVER A BOTTLE OF LIQUID TAPE, AND I RE-COATED ALL THE BARE WIRE I COULD SEE, MAKING SURE EACH WIRE WAS SEPARATED SO A SHORT WOULD NOT OCCUR. THAT IS A GOOD TEMPORARY FIX. WILL HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF THIS PROBLEM, SINCE MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE HEADLIGHT WIRING IS MADE WITH BAD, QUICKLY DEGRADING WIRE INSULATION. A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN OTHERWISE GOOD GERMAN QUALITY AND ENGINEERING. I GUESS THE SOURCE PROCURER AT THE FACTORY SAVED BMW SOME BIG BUCKS ON THAT WIRE!! THIS IS DEFINITELY A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. TORT LAWYERS SHOULD HAVE A FIELD DAY ON THIS ONE. PHOTOS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE AVAILABLE AT: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?2132684-HEADLIGHT-WIRE-JACKETS-JUST-FLAKE-OFF

NHTSA ID 10836474 · filed Feb 16, 2016
All 16 reports naming electrical

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10852388 · filed Mar 30, 2016

JUST BOUGHT A USED 2008 528I (E60) W/94K MILES, IN OTHERWISE PERFECT CONDITION. WENT TO CHANGE THE ANGEL EYES FROM DRAB YELLOW TO LUX LED'S. NOTICED BARE WIRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BULB CONNECTORS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. TRIED TO USE ELECTRICAL TAPE, JUST MADE MORE BARE WIRE. THE MORE I TOUCHED THE WIRES, THE MORE INSULATION FLAKED OFF, ALMOST LIKE A POWDER. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. CAN'T POSSIBLY BE SAFE. DEFINITELY A FIRE HAZARD. NEIGHBOR BROUGHT OVER A BOTTLE OF LIQUID TAPE, AND I RE-COATED ALL THE BARE WIRE I COULD SEE, MAKING SURE EACH WIRE WAS SEPARATED SO A SHORT WOULD NOT OCCUR. THAT IS A GOOD TEMPORARY FIX. WILL HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF THIS PROBLEM, SINCE MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE HEADLIGHT WIRING IS MADE WITH BAD, QUICKLY DEGRADING WIRE INSULATION. A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT IN OTHERWISE GOOD GERMAN QUALITY AND ENGINEERING. I GUESS THE SOURCE PROCURER AT THE FACTORY SAVED BMW SOME BIG BUCKS ON THAT WIRE!! THIS IS DEFINITELY A NHTSA SAFETY RECALL ISSUE. TORT LAWYERS SHOULD HAVE A FIELD DAY ON THIS ONE. PHOTOS OF THIS PROBLEM ARE AVAILABLE AT: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?2132684-HEADLIGHT-WIRE-JACKETS-JUST-FLAKE-OFF

NHTSA ID 10836474 · filed Feb 16, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER WITH AN EXTENSIVE REDUCTION IN POWER. THE CONTACT CONTINUED WITH CAUTION AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS AND PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES IN WHICH THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP WAS REPLACED ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION. IN ADDITION, WHEN ENCOUNTERING A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND DOWN-SHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND GEAR, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WOULD OCCUR. RECENTLY, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. UPDATED 01/28/11 *BF UPDATED 02/07/11

NHTSA ID 10365728 · filed Nov 15, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE, THE GEAR SHIFT SUDDENLY SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE. THE GEAR SHIFT FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

NHTSA ID 10320753 · filed Mar 18, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND IT AUTOMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE AND ACCELERATE, BEFORE THE CONTACT REACHED HIS DESTINATION. THE DEALER TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THEY WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,900. UPDATED 07/08/11 *BF THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FUEL PUMP WAS CLOGGED FOR THE SECOND TIME, WHICH WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE HESITATE WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. UPDATED 10/12/11

NHTSA ID 10401444 · filed May 18, 2011

ON APRIL 6, 2010 WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A SHOPPING CENTER, I APPLIED THE BRAKES ON OUR BMW 528I AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE REAR WHEELS STARTED SPINNING, BURNING RUBBER ON THE PAVEMENT APX. 25 FT. BEFORE I COULD STOP BY PRESSING THE STOP/START SWITCH. FORTUNATELY NO CARS WERE PARKED IN FRONT OF MY PARKING SPACE SO I WAS ABLE TO STOP WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE OR OTHER CARS. WHEN I GOT OVER THE SHOCK, I STARTED THE MOTOR AND IT WAS STILL UNDER FULL THROTTLE. AGAIN, I PRESSED THE STOP SWITCH. I WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC SO AGAIN, I PRESSED THE START SWITCH AND THE MOTOR WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. I BACKED UP INTO MY ORIGINAL SPACE AND CALLED THE BMW DEALER WHO SENT A TOW-TRUCK TO DELIVER THE CAR TO THEIR SHOP. BMW SENT A FIELD TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE CAR ON 4/20/2010. I RECEIVED AN EMAIL STATING NO MECHANICAL FAULTS WERE IDENTIFIED BY ANYONE AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP OR A $25/DAY STORAGE FEE WOULD BE CHARGED TO US. I TOLD THEM I WOULD NEVER TAKE THE MORAL OR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN SO THEY AGREED TO DELIVER IT TO OUR HOME. I SENT AN EMAIL TO THE DEALER'S MGR. AND CALLED HIM SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK FOR A REPURCHASE OF THE CAR. WE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. WE WERE FORCED TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY WHO CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BMW REGIONAL OFFICE. THE REGIONAL OFFICE REVIEWED THE SERVICE RECORD AND REFUSED TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER SAID THE DECISION BY BMW REGIONAL OFFICE COULD NOT BE CHANGED. THIS LEFT US WITH NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO PAY OFF THE LEASE ONE YEAR EARLY AND GET THE CAR OUT OF OUR POSSESSION. A CASHIER'S CHECK FOR $5,694.87 WAS MAILED TO BMW ON 8/23/2010 AND THE CAR WAS PICKED UP ON 8/30/2010 WITH 7,299 MILES ON IT. BMW NOW HAS A CAR WORTH APX. $5,000 MORE THAN IT WILL BE AT THE END OF THE LEASE ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2011. IT ANGERS US THAT BMW WOULD FORCE US TO KEEP A CAR THAT COULD PUT US & OTHERS IN HARM'S WAY IF WE DROVE IT, WITH A RISK OF UNLIMITED LIABILITY! *TR

NHTSA ID 10353767 · filed Sep 3, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE RIM SEPARATED CAUSING THE TIRE TO GO FLAT. HAD WE BEEN TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. BMW, AS I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT, DECLINES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. DO YOUR JOB!

NHTSA ID 10417413 · filed Aug 2, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL WAS CRACKING. AFTER PURCHASING A NEW TIRE HE THEN NOTICED THE CRACKED WHEEL IN TWO DIFFERENT PLACES. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO DECLINED TO WARRANT THE WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT WARRANT THE FAILURE. THE WHEELS WERE REPAIRED AT A COST OF $484 BY THE CONTACT. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.

NHTSA ID 10406830 · filed Jun 14, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 !!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10584080 · filed Apr 21, 2014

LEFT SIDE OF THE CENTER DASH TRIM CONTINUES TO POP OFF. OCCURS EVERY 4 MONTHS AT $40 A REPAIR. REPAIRED 3 TIMES; ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND TWICE OUT OF WARRANTY. THE TRIM POPS OUT ON ITS OWN, HOWEVER THE BMW DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO STATE THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. THAT IS NOT THE CASE. THIS IS NOT A CHARACTERISTIC TO EXPECT ON THIS CLASS OF VEHICLE. AN OWNER SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO MAINTAIN THE DASH TRIM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10459542 · filed May 24, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10787407 · filed Oct 31, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10667819 · filed Dec 22, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 10852388 · filed Mar 30, 2016

TRUNK HAS UNEXPECTADELY OPENED WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON WAS ACCIDENTALLY BUMPED WILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO LOCK OUT ON THE BUTTON PREVENTING TRUNK OPENING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR AND MOVING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10241569 · filed Sep 9, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. *TR

NHTSA ID 10607925 · filed Jul 2, 2014

BMW 535XI SPORT WAGON 2008- .. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, ICON CAME ON ABOVE SPEEDOMETER - ORANGE ENGINE/HALF BLACK AND ON DASHBOARD BELOW NAVI READOUT "ENGINE MALFUNCTION-REDUCED POWER." FROM THEN ON WE HAD NO THRUST WITH GAS PEDAL. CAR WENT IN FOR SERVICE AND WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED. THIS THEN HAPPENED FOUR MORE TIMES. EACH TIME THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP AND PARTS WERE THROWN AT IT AND EACH TIME WE WERE TOLD THE ISSUE WAS PROBABLY FIXED BUT THEY REALLY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP ABOUT 30 DAYS SINCE THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT. PARTS REPLACED WERE VACUUM HOSE BLACK, VACUUM PUMP, PRESSURE SENSOR,REMOVED AND REINSTALLED THROTTLE, REPLACED ALL VACCUUM HOSES ON 7/14/10, CHARGED BATTERY 7/27. *TR

NHTSA ID 10355985 · filed Sep 16, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I WITH MICHELIN PILOT SPORT PS2 RUN FLAT TIRES, SIZE 275/35/R18. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CENTER OF BOTH REAR TIRES WAS WORN TO THE POINT WHERE THE CHORD WAS VISIBLE. THERE WERE NO FAILURES WITH THE FRONT TIRES. THE ALIGNMENT WAS TESTED BUT NO FAILURES WERE FOUND. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID 10416646 · filed Aug 2, 2011

I HAD PURCHASED A NEW BMW WITH DUNLOP TIRES ON. MY TIRES ARE USED LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND USED ONLY FOR 34,000 KM (21,200 MILES) BUT THERE ARE NO THREADS LEFT ON THE TIRES. I HAVE CONTACTED DUNLOPS CUSTOMER SERVICE IN AMERICA AND CONTACTED THEIR OFFICE IN TURKEY AND THEY HAVE SENT AN EXPERT TO CHECK THE TIRES. THEY CLAIM THAT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW SO THE TIRES WERE WORN QUICKLY. THAT IS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE MY CAR IS NEW AND IT WAS CHECKED BY AUTHORIZED BMW SERVICE FOR ROUTINE CHECKS SEVERAL TIMES AND I HAVE A REPORT FROM AUTHORIZED BMW SERVICE THAT TIRE PRESSURE WAS NORMAL. ON THE OTHER HAND THIS CAR HAS TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS AND THERE WERE NEVER LOW PRESSURE WARNING. I HAVE MADE A RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND OUT THAT DUNLOP TIRES HAD SO MANY CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MINE AND HIGH COURT JUDGE FOUND DUNLOP GUILTY FOR 300 INCIDENTS INVOLVING A FAULTY BRAND OF TIRE, WHICH CAUSED AT LEAST ONE FATAL MOTORWAY SMASH. ON THE OTHER HAND A BIKER DIED DUE TO FAULTY DUNLOP TIRE AND ANOTHER INJURED SERIOUSLY. (THE SUIT (CAUSE NO. DV-08- 480) WAS FILED NOV. 10, 2008, IN THE SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, BUTTE SILVER-BOW COUNTY.). DO I HAVE TO GO TO A COURT OR GET KILLED TO HAVE MY TIRES REPLACED? A COPY OF THE ABOVE WAS SENT TO (FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION BUREAU OF CONSUMER PROTECTION). *TR

NHTSA ID 10262405 · filed Mar 19, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11043668 · filed Nov 6, 2017

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 ID 10892424 · filed Aug 2, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11043668 · filed Nov 6, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE SEAT BELT'S HEIGHT IS NOT ADJUSTABLE AND TOO LOW FOR A 6FT5IN DRIVER. THE SEAT BELT OFTEN RIDES ON LEFT SIDE OF SHOULDER INSTEAD OF ON TOP. IT IS NOT LIKELY TO FUNCTION OPTIMALLY IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS NO SOLUTION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10334693 · filed Jun 5, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

OUR 2007 BMW 530XI DEVELOPED A STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WARNING. A RED STEERING WHEEL WITH A PADLOCK APPEARS ON THE DASH SCREEN WITH A WARNING ON THE COMPUTER. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND UNLOCKS PERFECTLY EVERY TIME. THE CAR IS DRIVABLE. THE DEALER SAYS THE STEERING LOCK MODULE MUST BE REPLACED FOR $600. I FOUND THAT THIS IS A RAMPANT PROBLEM ON BMWS AND THAT BMW CORPORATION IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10678436 · filed Jan 22, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .