Most common 2008 BMW 5 Series problems
Share of the 105 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 5 Series complaints by model year
Best 5 Series years: 2002, 2010, 2009. Years to avoid: 2008, 2011, 2006, 2004. Compare all years →
2008 BMW 5 Series recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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 (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…
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…
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
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 battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
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 time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.
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.
What 2008 BMW 5 Series owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 48 →
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. …
Tl 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. The vehicle was being repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was 30,100. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Engine & cooling all 40 →
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. …
I purchased a new BMW 535i on May 26, 2008 and on aug 8, 2008 while I was driving my car at 70 miles and hour the car started was shaking as if running on 3 cylinders. There was a message from the car stating engine malfunction reduced power! I waited 3 hours for a tow truck and after a few days I received a call from richmond BMW stating I needed a new high pressure fuel injection system. I said fine and then received a call the next day saying my car was ready. When I picked it up they didn't repair anything they said they were told by munich to just reset the light and claim atmospheric conditions!! On Friday September 5th while trying to cross an intersection I was almost t-boned when my car again lost power. Then on Saturday September 6th the engine lost power again and same message popped up on the idrive screen. …
Electrical system
Just bought a used 2008 528i (e60) w/94K miles, in otherwise perfect condition. Went to change the angel eyes from drab yellow to lux LED's. Noticed bare wires on both sides of the bulb connectors, on both sides of the car. Tried to use electrical tape, just made more bare wire. The more I touched the wires, the more insulation flaked off, almost like a powder. I've never seen anything like it. Can't possibly be safe. Definitely a fire hazard. Neighbor brought over a bottle of liquid tape, and I re-coated all the bare wire I could see, making sure each wire was separated so a short would not occur. That is a good temporary fix. Will have to stay on top of this problem, since most, if not all, of the headlight wiring is made with bad, quickly degrading wire insulation. A real disappointment in otherwise good german quality and engineering. …
Electrical wiring insulation/sheathing within the headlight unit/housing is showing signs of and or outright deterioration which in turn exposes bare wires within the headlight housing. At this point, the daytime running lamps have been the only effected lights but the wires for the headlights are also noticeably troubled. The issue is not speed, movement or area dependent. For further reference, I will provide a link to an owner's forum detailing other's dilemmas due to this exact issue: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798640 I look forward to a response.
2008 BMW 5 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 5 Series a good car?
Based on 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 5 Series rates avoid: 8.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the 5 Series at the same age. It is one of the 5 Series years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?
The fuel & propulsion system — 48 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next are the engine & cooling (40) and electrical system (16).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW 5 Series, the most recent from March 2, 2022 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 5 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 2010 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008, 2011, 2006 and 2004. See the full BMW 5 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 5 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 81% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.