RoadVitals

2008 BMW 6 Series

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
6
Latest Feb 17, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Mar 26, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 6 Series, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and body & structure categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 34 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical330.0%
  • Driver assistance220.0%
  • Body & structure110.0%
  • Airbags110.0%
  • Interior & seats110.0%
  • Powertrain (other)110.0%
  • Tires & wheels110.0%

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

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12V126000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Mar 26, 2012
367,682 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
10V446000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Oct 1, 2010
198,352 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Feb 17, 2018

CONVERTIBLE TOP LOCKS UP RANDOMLY, GET MESSAGE TO REDUCE SPEED DUE TO TOP NOT BEING LOCKED WHEN IT WAS FINE THE "RIDE" BEFORE, TRY TO "LOCK", THEN WINDOWS GO HALFWAY DOWN AND STAY STUCK THAT WAY. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN MOTION, ON STREET OR HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID
11073372
Incident
Feb 16, 2018
Mileage
1 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 7, 2017

SHOWS THE BMW LOGO THEN SCREEN GOES BLANK AND KEEPS CYCLING THE SAME WAY. THE NAV, RADIO, BLUETOOTH, CD AND THE SOS LIGHT ERROR IN THE CLUSTER. SAFETY ALARKS ARE ALL DISABLED AND THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO DETECT OR REPORT IF OBJECTS ARE NEAR THE BUMPER OR SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT STAYS RUNNING (MAYBE THE FAN) WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ID
10940255
Incident
Nov 20, 2016
Powertrain (other)
Filed Oct 3, 2014

VEHICLE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED IN 3-4 GEAR, WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE. HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACE WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10641104
Incident
Oct 15, 2012
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Aug 12, 2014

2ND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED IN POURING RAIN WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE A RAG TOP CONVERTIBLE BMW THAT WHEN IT IS POURING RAIN..WATER SOMEHOW PERMEATES THE BACK OF THE CAR AND "FRIES" THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS AS I AM DRIVING.. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED IT FRIED THE ONBOARD CCC AT 48,000 MILES, AND ALL THE COMPONENTS AND NOW IT HAS APPARENTLY COMPROMISED THE REPLACED PARTS IN THE TRUNK AREA.. I LOOKED IT UP AND IT THERE IS "SERVICE BULLETIN" NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10028770.. AND I AM SORRY BUT I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN I AM DRIVING IN THE RAIN.. AND ALL OF SUDDEN ALL OF MY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS START TO FIZZLE OUT.. AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE ACTIVATED..

NHTSA ID
10621822
Incident
Aug 12, 2014
Mileage
50,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 28, 2011

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA 245-40-R19 94W MAJOR SIDEWALL FAILURE, 3 INCH SECTION OF TIRE FROM BEAD OF TIRE AT RIM SURFACE LOOKS AS IF BEAD FAILED AND SIDE WALL TORN AWAY FROM BEAD TOWARDS TREAD, NO SIDEWALL OR RIM IMPACT DAMAGE AND TORN OUTWARD FROM RIM TOWARDS TREAD INDICATING SIDEWALL MATERIAL FAILURE ON 2008 BMW OE TIRE WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ABOUT 50% TREAD REMAINING, NO SURFACE DAMAGE TO TIRE OR RIM, FAILURE APPEARS TO BE INTERNAL DEFECT AND COULD CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS, COMPLETE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF AIR OCCURRED. TIRE STILL ON RIM WILL TAKE PICS, NO RIM OR TIRE DAMAGE. THERE IS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO TIRE OR RIM, JUST TWO TEARS FROM BEAD TOWARDS TREAD AND 3 INCH SECTION HANGING OUTWARD LARGE OPEN HOLE CAUSED OPEN HOLE AND IMMEDIATE COMPLETE LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE. I HAVE OVER 30 YEARS IN AUTOMOTIVE NEW CAR DEALER, SHOP FOREMAN AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT AND NEVER HAVE SEEN A FAILURE OF THE SIDEWALL LIKE THIS WHERE THERE IS A CLEAN NON DAMAGED SURROUNDING SURFACE INCLUDING THE RIM. FAILURE ISOLATED TO 2 SIDEWALL TEARS FROM BEAD AWAY TOWARDS TREAD OUTWARD. *TR

NHTSA ID
10379501
Incident
Jan 27, 2011
Mileage
17,725 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Aug 15, 2008

WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT STAYS LIT, MEANING THAT THE AIRBAG IS OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A PERSON IN THE SEAT, THAT PERSON IN THE SEAT IN MY SON THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 225 LBS. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WHOLE PASSENGER SEAT AND SENSOR. ONCE I GOT MY CAR BACK I HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS ALSO WITH THE DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS FOR THIS ISSUE. ALSO IN THE VEHICLE OPTIONS FOR THIS FORM MY CAR WASN'T ON THERE SO MY CAR MODEL IS: 2008 BMW M6. *TR

NHTSA ID
10238437
Incident
Aug 1, 2008

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

SIB-63-11-14

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH

BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, WHEN STARTING, LOW BEAM, WITH 0552 OPTION, WOULD BRIEFLY FLASHES, DUE TO A FAULTY LED MAIN LIGHT MODULE THAT NEEDS REPLACING. MODEL 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25. *PE

SIB-12-14-12

ENGINE

BMW: EXPERIENCING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, A NOISE, LIKE RATTLING, COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *PE UPDATED 10/31/12. *PE MODELS 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. UPDATED 1/18/13. *PE UPDATED 4/18/2013. *KB UPDATED 05/13/2013 *JS UPDATED 5/19/15. *PE

SIB-84-03-14

COMMUNICATION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

BMW: WHEN USING IPHONE, VARIOUS CONNECTIVITY FAILURES OCCUR, SUCH AS DISCONNECTION OF CALL, LIST OF CONTACTS INCOMPLETE, DUE TO THE VARIANTS AND SOFTWARE USED. MODEL 2008-2014.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 6 Series by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012211—
2011000—
2010020—
2009020—
2008Viewing620—
2007230—
2006551—
2005740—
2004350—
2003000—
2002000—
2001000—
2000000—
1999000—
1998000—
1997000—
1996000—
1995000—
1994000—
1993000—
1992000—
1991000—
1990000—
1989000—
1988000—
1987000—
1986000—
1985000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.