MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 5 Series

○ Not enough data
2008 BMW 5 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:03:28.223Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 5 Series Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 9 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2005: 21 complaints 2005 2006: 85 complaints 2007: 13 complaints 2008: 98 complaints 2008 2009: 4 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 81 complaints 2012: 10 complaints 2023: 0 complaints 2023
2008: 98 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19953
19960
19971
19980
19992
20002
20013
20027
20039
200464
200521
200685
200713
200898
20094
20106
201181
201210
20230

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 38%

38% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 37 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20101129

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%

17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120606

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 ODI report, 20171106

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120606

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20101124 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

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.

Campaign 10V446000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120430 — electrical system

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

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

Campaign 12V126000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20120822 — engine and engine cooling

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-20

Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may co

Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220722 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.

Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (37 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 10V446000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12V126000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V119000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW 5 Series reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.