Most common 2008 BMW 528xi problems
Share of the 30 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 528xi complaints by model year
Best 528xi years: 2009, 2010, 2008. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
What 2008 BMW 528xi owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring issue. The contact stated he would pull over for approximately 30 minutes to allow the vehicle to cool down enough to drive. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had experienced a recent failure and the contact had to have the vehicle towed to his residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000. …
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,197.
Electrical system
This otherwise fine automobile seems to go through batteries quickly. I purchased the vehicle new in May 2007. Since then batteries have needed to be changed as follows: 2009 2011 2013 and now in 2015 the new BMW battery installed in 2013 is badly discharged. In 2011 the dealer ran this car through an exhaustive electrical analysis and found no problems. Then why are batteries dying so quickly? Counting the original battery I've been through 4 already and the 5th one seems about to die. BMW took care of the 1st two replacements under warranty, but the 3rd and pending 4th replacements are on my tab. Something appears to be faulty with the electrical charging system and possibly the vehicle's sleep mode. BMW should find the defect and repair it at no or nominal charge to customers like me who buy car batteries more often than flashlight batteries. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact stated that the vehicle independently shifted into neutral at any rate of speed while the gear was in drive or reverse. In addition, the vehicle lost power. The failures occurred without warning. The dealer (BMW of towson, 700 kenilworth dr, towson, md 21204, [phone]) was notified, but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact also noticed excessive smoke entering the vehicle through the air vents and thick, white smoke coming from the tailpipe. In addition, the vehicle stalled several times without warning. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the failures. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.
Lights
Failure of the right rear tail light assembly due to the grounding wire connector (inside the 8 pin connector which attaches to 8 pin receiver on the light) melting which rendered the brake light, turn signal, reverse light, and lightning inoperative. Also resulted in the light assembly needing replacement. As connection was failing, the ground connection was likely intermittent leading to lighting malfunction warning indications on dash and intermittent operation of right rear lights, dimmed brightness of right rear lights. The intermittent operation/failure reduces the ability to warn other cars/drivers of my car's intentions. Could result in vehicle rear end collisions. My failure mode seems very similar to NHTSA 11V438000 recall for certain BMW 3 series models. Pictures available if needed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the inside of the headlight housing became abnormally foggy. The bulb also looked as if it was foggy and fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the possible default. The failure and current mileage was 106,000. ..updated 06/09/14 the consumer stated after replacing the headlight's bulb, it was found that all the cable insulation inside both headlights were crumbling. This could cause a fire or electric system failure. The dealer advised the consumer needed to replace the headlights. Updated 06/12/2014
2008 BMW 528xi engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 528xi a good car?
Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 528xi rates average: 22% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 528xi at the same age. It is one of the best 528xi years by this measure. 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 528xi?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (11) and lights (7).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 528xi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 BMW 528xi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 528xi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full BMW 528xi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 528xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 25% 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.