MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 528I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2008 BMW 528I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:20.436Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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
118
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Exterior lighting

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2007: 1 complaint 2008: 118 complaints 2008 118 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 65 complaints 2011: 118 complaints 2011 2012: 90 complaints 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 1999 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2008 118 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2010 2011: 118 complaints 2011 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1997: 41 complaints 1997 1998: 33 complaints 1998 1999: 46 complaints 1999 2000: 42 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 118 complaints 2008 118 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 65 complaints 2010 2011: 118 complaints 2011 2012: 90 complaints 2012 2013: 73 complaints 2013 2014: 56 complaints 2014 2015: 63 complaints 2015 2016: 59 complaints 2016

2008: 118 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
199741
199833
199946
200042
20012
20071
2008118
200923
201065
2011118
201290
201373
201456
201563
201659

Known problem areas

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

Exterior lighting

29% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and turn signal.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Headlights.... Angel eyes both sides burned off problem with electric sockets I would think!!! This is happening too a lot of BMW as reserch!

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-27

The 8 pin connector to the right rear light assembly melted. Turn signal, brake light stopped working one wire seems corroded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-06

The 8 pin connector to the rear light assembly melted. Turn signal, brake light stopped working while I was driving on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-04

Also filed under Electrical system

Electrical system

25% · 30 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I bought a 2008 528i July 2024. Got Emissions & Tag at the end of August. Oct 5 2024. My car was on Fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-17

Also filed under Engine

Air bags

19% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My BMW i528 was parked on May 23, 2024, and the driver airbag deflated without being tampered with. The incident is on surveillance camera.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-13

Engine

17% · 20 reports
FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (Engine and engine cooling). When the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, black smoke appeared from the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-14

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and a loud cracking noise. The check engine indicator illuminated before and during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-02

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing crankcase (pcv).

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2008Complaint volume 118 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2014-01-02Exterior lighting13V407000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the…

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 30 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V407000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW 528I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 BMW 528I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 528I?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 528I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.