2008 BMW X5: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Recalls

NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2008 X5^[2]. Many of them cover several models and only "certain" vehicles, so a recall applies to your car only if its build and registration fit. BMW customer service lists 1-800-525-7417 in the recall records^[3].

Newest first:

• PCV valve heater (22V119). The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit and overheat, which raises the risk of fire while driving or soon after parking^[11]. The fix is a new wiring harness with fuse protection, free of charge. The record says the remedy was still being developed, and that cars repaired under earlier recalls must come back^[11].
• Passenger air bag inflator (20V016). Interim replacement inflators may explode as the propellant breaks down over time, which can send metal fragments at occupants and cause serious injury or death^[3]. Owners are advised not to drive until the repair is done. Dealers replace the passenger front air bag free of charge^[3].
• Driver air bag inflator (20V017). The same kind of interim inflator problem on the driver side, with the same risk^[12]. Dealers replace the inflator on X5 models, free of charge^[12].
• Passenger air bag inflator (19V017). Inflators in the passenger front air bag module may explode in a crash after long exposure to humidity and temperature swings, with the risk of serious injury or death^[13]. Owners are advised not to drive until it is repaired, and dealers replace the module free of charge^[13].
• Passenger air bag inflator (18V030). Another passenger inflator recall, with the same risk and the same advice not to drive until the repair is done^[14]. Which cars are covered depends on the state where the vehicle was registered^[14]. The record says the recall was expected to begin in March 2018^[14].
• PCV valve heater (17V683). The heater may short circuit and melt parts in the valve, with a risk of fire even when the car is off^[15]. Dealers replace the heater free of charge^[15]. Recall 22V119 later superseded and expanded it^[11].
• Remedy pending
  Passenger air bag inflator (17V020). The inflator may rupture and throw metal fragments, with a risk of serious injury or death^[16]. Owners are advised not to drive until the repair is done. The record says remedy parts were not yet available and owners would get a second notice when they were^[16].
• Fuel pump (16V746). Poorly crimped wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump may melt the connector, causing a fuel leak, and the pump may stop, which can stall the engine and raise the risk of a crash^[17]. Dealers replace the fuel pump module free of charge^[17].
• Passenger air bag inflator (16V364). The inflator may rupture with metal fragments striking occupants, with a risk of serious injury or death^[18]. Only certain cars registered in listed states are covered. Owners are advised not to drive until repaired, and dealers replace the inflator or air bag module free of charge^[18].
• Driver air bag inflator (16V071). Too much internal pressure when the driver air bag deploys may rupture the inflator, with a risk of serious injury or death^[19]. Dealers replace the module or inflator free of charge^[19].
• Brake vacuum pump (13V045). The pump may leak a small amount of oil into the hose, which can reduce power assist in braking, lengthen stopping distance and lead to a crash^[20]. It covers 8-cylinder X5 models built in a set date range^[20]. Dealers replace the brake vacuum line with one that has a check valve, free of charge^[20].
• Fuel pump (10V518). A manufacturing fault in the fuel pump on certain 2008 X5 models with 6-cylinder engines may cause the pump to wear faster, which can lead to a malfunction and engine stall^[21]. Dealers replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge^[21].
• Rear stabilizer bar (08V170). A small recall of 55 cars that had a sports-suspension stabilizer on the rear axle instead of the standard one, which could cause oversteer in fast lane changes at high speed^[22]. Dealers replace the rear stabilizer^[22].

Several air bag recalls say owners are advised not to drive until the remedy is performed^{[3][13][14][16][18]}. Recall 22V119 says the remedy was still being developed^[11]. Recall 17V020 says remedy parts were not yet available^[16]. Do not assume every repair can be done today. Ask BMW or a dealer about your own car.