Most common 2008 BMW 6 Series problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 6 Series complaints by model year
Best 6 Series years: 2009, 2010, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 BMW 6 Series recalls (2)
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 6 Series owners say
Electrical system
Convertible top locks up randomly, get message to reduce speed due to top not being locked when it was fine the "ride" before, try to "lock", then windows go halfway down and stay stuck that way. This happens when in motion, on street or highway.
2nd time this has occurred in pouring rain while driving. I have a rag top convertible BMW that when it is pouring rain..water somehow permeates the back of the car and "fries" the electrical components as I am driving.. The first time it happened it fried the onboard ccc at 48,000 miles, and all the components and now it has apparently compromised the replaced parts in the trunk area.. I looked it up and it there is "service bulletin" NHTSA id number: 10028770.. And I am sorry but I think this is a safety hazard when I am driving in the rain.. And all of sudden all of my electrical components start to fizzle out.. And the hazard lights are activated..
2008 BMW 6 Series engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 6 Series a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 6 Series rates average: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the 6 Series at the same age. 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 6 Series?
The electrical system — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the stability & traction control (2) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 6 Series have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 6 Series, the most recent from March 26, 2012 (cables). 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 6 Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2007. See the full BMW 6 Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 6 Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 67% 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.