MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 5 Series

○ Not enough data
2008 BMW 5 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:38:02.259Z

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
105
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Fuel system, gasoline

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 15 complaints 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 21 complaints 2006: 85 complaints 2007: 13 complaints 2008: 105 complaints 2008 105 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 81 complaints 2012: 10 complaints 2023: 0 complaints 2023
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2003: 15 complaints 2003 2004: 64 complaints 2005: 21 complaints 2005 2006: 85 complaints 2007: 13 complaints 2008: 105 complaints 2008 105 2009: 8 complaints 2010: 6 complaints 2011: 81 complaints 2011 2012: 10 complaints 2023: 0 complaints 2023
1989: 1 complaint 1989 1990: 0 complaints 1990 1991: 0 complaints 1991 1992: 0 complaints 1992 1993: 0 complaints 1993 1994: 0 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaint 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 2 complaints 2000 2001: 3 complaints 2001 2002: 7 complaints 2002 2003: 15 complaints 2003 2004: 64 complaints 2004 2005: 21 complaints 2005 2006: 85 complaints 2006 2007: 13 complaints 2007 2008: 105 complaints 2008 105 2009: 8 complaints 2009 2010: 6 complaints 2010 2011: 81 complaints 2011 2012: 10 complaints 2012 2023: 0 complaints 2023

2008: 105 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19891
19900
19910
19920
19930
19940
19953
19960
19971
19980
19992
20002
20013
20027
200315
200464
200521
200685
200713
2008105
20098
20106
201181
201210
20230

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Fuel system, gasoline

38% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump.

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, 2010-11-29

Engine and engine cooling

34% · 36 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

Electrical system

15% · 16 reports
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, 2012-06-06

Also filed under Exterior lighting

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, 2017-11-06

Also filed under Air bags and electronic stability control (esc)

Exterior lighting

7% · 7 reports
FIRE

Power train

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2010-11-24Service brakes, hydraulic10V446000 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.…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2012-04-30Electrical system12V126000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW 5 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, gasoline: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 36 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 10V446000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 12V126000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.