MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 535XI

○ Not enough data
2008 BMW 535XI
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:16:57.970Z

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 535XI Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2008 highlighted. 2007: 1 complaints 2007 2008: 71 complaints 2008 2010: 15 complaints 2010 2011: 35 complaints 2011 2012: 18 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 0 complaints 2014
2008: 71 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20071
200871
201015
201135
201218
20134
20140

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 37%

37% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WEDNESDAY JULY 25TH, 2018, AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE WORK, I STARTED MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN MY COMPANY'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE AND THE INTERIOR BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO CHECK THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180726

MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND NOT RUNNING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170312

CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS UNRESOLVED FIRE SAFETY ISSUES WITH A 2008 BMW 535XI *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON FEB 14, 2012, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, SIX DAYS LATER, A SPARK OF FIRE AND BALL OF SMOKE OCCURRED AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120412

ENGINE 23%

23% of complaints: engine — 16 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Car is over heating. Replace water pump and thermostat. Car still over heating. Bad water pumps.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240828

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 18%

18% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 18%

18% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 15%

15% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

the taillight, blinker and reverse light all went out and when I pulled the components out To check to see if the bulbs are burnt all of the bulbs are perfectly fine, but the aluminum pieces were sparking, and the whole component will not work

NHTSA ODI report, 20240527

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2008 BMW 535XI — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW 535XI 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 535XI?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 535XI have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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