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2008 BMW 5 Series: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 432 owner complaints on file for the 2008 BMW 5 Series, the second most of any model year of this car[1][2]. It also has a recall for a possible fire risk whose repair is not yet available[3].
Reported problems
Owners filed 432 complaints with NHTSA about this model year[1]. Of those, 32 mention a fire, 4 a crash and 8 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports. One complaint can name several components, and the counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
| Component group | What NHTSA lists |
|---|---|
| Engine[5] | 139 complaints, 18 fires, median 66,245 miles at failure |
| Electrical system[6] | 108 complaints, 18 fires, median 75,000 miles |
| Exterior lighting[7] | 82 complaints, 8 fires, median 79,000 miles |
| Fuel system, gasoline[8] | 48 complaints, 1 fire, median 22,500 miles |
| Air bags[9] | 47 complaints, 2 crashes, 2 injuries, median 90,000 miles |
| Fuel/propulsion system[10] | 44 complaints, no fires or injuries, median 92,400 miles |
| Power train[11] | 40 complaints, 2 fires, median 67,000 miles |
| Seat belts[12] | 29 complaints, no fires or injuries, median 90,000 miles |
The median is the middle mileage, so half of the complaints in a group came at lower mileage. Of the groups above, fuel system complaints have the lowest median[8].
We also read a sample of complaint texts for the four biggest groups. It is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe, not how common a problem is.
- Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 11 describe an "engine malfunction" or reduced-power warning, rough running or lost power[5]. Most of those 12 say the trouble came back after a repair or stayed unresolved after several dealer visits[5].
- Fuel system. In a sample of 12 fuel system complaints, 8 describe a fuel pump that failed or was replaced, sometimes more than once, often within the first months of ownership[8]. Nine of the 12 mention power loss, stalling or a reduced-power warning[8].
- Electrical. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 4 say liquid or water in the trunk reached wiring or electronic modules[6]. Four also describe stalling, power loss or the engine shutting off, and 3 describe burned or melted rear light wiring[6].
- Exterior lighting. All 12 complaints in our sample describe a rear light ground wire or connector that overheated or melted, which left tail, brake or turn signal lights out on one side[7]. Recall 13V407 below covers a tail light connector problem[13].
Recalls
NHTSA lists six recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
PCV valve heater (22V119). Recall date 2022-03-02, covering 917,106 vehicles[3]. A small heater that warms the crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve can short out and overheat. That raises the risk of a fire while driving or soon after parking[3]. Remedy not yet available. BMW says dealers will install a wiring harness with fuse protection for the heater, free of charge, once it is ready. Cars repaired under the earlier recalls 17V683 and 19V273 need to come back for this one[3]. - PCV valve heater (17V683). Recall date 2017-10-30, covering 740,561 vehicles[14]. Same heater, with a short circuit that can melt parts in the valve and cause a fire, even when the car is off[14]. The recall called for replacing the heater free of charge. Recall 22V119 now supersedes and expands it[3].
- Tail lights (13V407). Recall date 2013-09-11, covering 134,100 cars[13]. It names 528i, 535i, 550i and M5 cars built from March 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009[13]. Rising resistance at the tail light contacts can damage the ground terminal and connector, so rear lamps work only some of the time or not at all. That makes it harder to warn drivers behind you and raises the risk of a crash. The free dealer repair swaps the bulb carriers in the rear lamps[13].
- Battery cable (12V126). Recall date 2012-03-26, covering 367,682 vehicles[15]. The positive battery cable connector may have been attached incorrectly at the trunk floor, so the bolt can loosen and the connection can overheat. That can cause a fire, even when the car is off. BMW advised owners to park outside until the repair was done. Dealers inspect and secure the connection free of charge[15].
- Brake vacuum pump (10V446). Recall date 2010-10-01, covering 198,352 vehicles[16]. A check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak a small amount of oil and contaminate the brake booster. Power assist braking could weaken, and in extreme cases be lost entirely, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers repair the cars free of charge[16].
- Stalling on V8 engines (07V479). Recall date 2007-10-12, covering 29,250 vehicles[17]. On certain V8 cars, in freezing and dry conditions, static electricity at the fuel rails can disturb the engine computer and cause stalling[17]. A stalled car may not hold speed and the power steering could fail, which raises the risk of a crash. Dealers attach two ground cables free of charge[17].
The recall notices list the models each recall covers. Before buying or keeping a car, look up its VIN on NHTSA's recall site to see which of these apply and whether the repair has been done.
Fuel economy
EPA lists premium fuel for every version of this model year. Combined MPG runs from 18 to 21 across the versions below[4][18].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 528i, 3.0L 6-cyl, manual, rear-wheel drive[4] | 18 / 28 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 528i, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic (S6), rear-wheel drive[19] | 18 / 27 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 528xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, manual, all-wheel drive[20] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 528xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, automatic (S6), all-wheel drive[21] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 535i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, manual, rear-wheel drive[22] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 535i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, automatic (S6), rear-wheel drive[23] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 535xi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, manual, all-wheel drive[24] | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 |
| 535xi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, automatic (S6), all-wheel drive[25] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 535xi Sport Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, automatic (S6), all-wheel drive[26] | 16 / 24 / 19 | $4,350 |
| 535xi Sport Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, manual, all-wheel drive[27] | 16 / 23 / 18 | $4,550 |
| 550i, 4.8L 8-cyl, manual, rear-wheel drive[18] | 15 / 22 / 18 | $4,550 |
| 550i, 4.8L 8-cyl, automatic (S6), rear-wheel drive[28] | 15 / 23 / 18 | $4,550 |
The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[4].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists a rollover rating of 4 stars for both the 4-door all-wheel-drive version[29] and the 4-door rear-wheel-drive version[30]. The rollover risk is 10.5% for each[29][30].
Engine and size
EPA's fuel economy listings pair the 528i and 528xi with a 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, the 535i and 535xi with a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo, and the 550i with a 4.8L 8-cylinder[4][23][18]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[31].
| Version | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i sedan, rear-wheel drive[31] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 114 in | 3,395 lb |
| 535i sedan, rear-wheel drive[32] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 114 in | 3,450 lb |
| 550i sedan, rear-wheel drive[33] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 114 in | 3,946 lb |
| 535xi Touring wagon, all-wheel drive[34] | 191 in | 73 in | 59 in | 114 in | 4,101 lb |
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 48 | 3 |
| 1997 | 84 | 1 |
| 1998 | 66 | 2 |
| 1999 | 84 | 2 |
| 2000 | 93 | 2 |
| 2001 | 86 | 4 |
| 2002 | 88 | 4 |
| 2003 | 119 | 2 |
| 2004 | 321 | 6 |
| 2005 | 192 | 4 |
| 2006 | 388 | 11 |
| 2007 | 284 | 6 |
| 2008 | 432 | 6 |
| 2009 | 111 | 5 |
| 2010 | 180 | 12 |
| 2011 | 480 | 10 |
| 2012 | 265 | 6 |
| 2013 | 188 | 4 |
| 2014 | 153 | 6 |
| 2015 | 100 | 4 |
| 2016 | 81 | 7 |
| 2017 | 38 | 2 |
| 2018 | 86 | 5 |
| 2019 | 39 | 3 |
| 2020 | 15 | 8 |
| 2021 | 27 | 8 |
| 2022 | 17 | 3 |
| 2023 | 9 | 2 |
| 2024 | 18 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 | 5 |
Among the 5 Series model years on file, 2008 has the second-highest complaint total at 432[2]. Only 2011 is higher, at 480[2]. 2006 has 388 complaints and 2007 has 284[2]. 2009 has 111 complaints and 5 recalls[2].
Among the years 2004 through 2014, its 6 recalls are fewer than 2010 (12), 2006 (11) and 2011 (10), and match 2004, 2007, 2012 and 2014[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide to how much owners reported, not as a failure rate.
Should you buy a used 2008 5 Series?
This model year has the second-highest complaint count on file, led by the engine, electrical system and rear lights[2][5][6][7]. In the complaints we read, owners describe warnings and power loss that came back after repair, and rear light wiring that overheated[5][7]. Recall 22V119 is the one to check first, because its remedy is not yet available and a car may still be waiting on it[3]. Check the VIN for recalls, ask for proof that the earlier recalls were done, and have a shop look at the tail light connectors. Fuel economy is modest at 18 to 21 combined MPG on premium fuel, so weigh the price and the car's records against that repair risk[4][18].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?
- NHTSA has 432 complaints for this model year[1]. The engine group is the largest at 139 complaints, followed by the electrical system at 108 and exterior lighting at 82[1][5][6][7].
- Does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have any open recalls?
- Recall 22V119 covers a PCV valve heater that may short circuit and cause a fire, and its remedy is not yet available[3]. Check the VIN on NHTSA's site to see which of the six recalls apply to a given car[2].
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. They cover the PCV valve heater, tail lights, a battery cable, brake vacuum pump oil and stalling on certain V8 cars[3][14][13][15][16][17].
- What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 5 Series get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 18 MPG for the 550i to 21 MPG for the 528i, all on premium fuel[4][18].
- Is 2008 a bad year for the BMW 5 Series?
- It has the second-highest complaint count of the model years on file at 432, behind 2011 at 480[2]. The counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are not a failure rate.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 432 owner complaints on file for the 2008 BMW 5 Series (4 mention a crash, 32 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW 5 Series model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V119, filed March 2, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 528i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 139 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 18 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,245). NHTSA vehicle records
- 108 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 18 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 82 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 8 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 47 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 92,400). NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 13V407, filed September 11, 2013: Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V683, filed October 30, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V126, filed March 26, 2012: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V446, filed October 1, 2010: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 07V479, filed October 12, 2007: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 550i, 4.8L 8-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 528i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 528xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 528xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535xi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535xi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535xi Sport Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 535xi Sport Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 550i, 4.8L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 5 SERIES 528i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 5 SERIES 535i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 3,450 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 5 SERIES 550i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 3,946 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 5 SERIES TOURING 535xi 4DR WAGON AWD: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,101 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov