Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 BMW 750li owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2008 BMW 750li is leaking oil they say its the pressure switch then they said it was the brake buster pump leaking. I know there has been a recall on this make and model BMW but it do not come up under my viin number in the recall list of viin. The vehicle is now parked searching for true answers..
Symptom with engine stalled after 5 minutes of driving on busy intersection.. The transmission auto to p after full stop, could not change gear, breaks hardened. Steering tight! Battery worked but no message on idrive / dashboard. About 6 times to re-start but couldn't! Waited 15 minutes looked up issue on the web by cell phone. Car started, cold start; symptom was check-engine light popped on; reduced driving power; car vibration; idrive message "?transmission failure; p, n, r, 3, 5, 6 ; drive moderately to nearest BMW dealer ! Put on hazard light, drove home 1 mile away car vibration sound noticeable. Very scary and dangerous to have vehicle failure abruptly with no resolution or warning?. My 2008 BMW 750li with 57,000 miles started next day with check engine light remained for a few hours then off. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 750li. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the transmission fault light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shift failed to switch from the park position. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 12V502000 (electrical system, power train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the exchange mechatronic fault needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,445.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 750li. When the key was inserted into the ignition, the vehicle began to roll away. The failure occurred randomly. The contact also mentioned that the ignition failed to start frequently and the key disabled light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be determined. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V502000 (electrical system, power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. ....updated 07/05/16
The "transmission fault drive moderately, drive to the nearest BMW dealership" is the message that I got when I was driving one day a few weeks ago, I have 77,000 miles and I had just had a tune up. Of course I took the care to BMW immediately and found out that the power train was bad? The entire transmission had to be replaced to the tune of $7000, I knew there were some engine problems with some of the BMW years but I didn't think 2008 should've had any problems as far as the transmission going out at 77,000?
Tl contact owns a BMW 750li. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the driver side door failed to close and lock. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V504000 (latches/locks/linkages). However, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 12V502000 (electrical system, power train). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 750li. While driving unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled and the transmission indicator illuminated. In addition, the message 'do not drive' was displayed. The contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and it was diagnosed that a component in the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 160,569.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 750li. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled as the transmission fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis, however the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl contact owns a 2008 BMW 750 li. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-80 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and the faulty transmission drive moderately warning light illuminated. The vehicle had to be restarted in order for it to resumed normal function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
I was driving and out of nowhere, my car started to slow down, and I received an warning light on my dash telling me I was having a "transmission failure and drive moderately". I only have 88,900 miles on the car. This seems to be a manufacturing issue on 750 series models from 2005-2008. There should be a recall for this, as it's costly and very dangerous to drive with.
Transmission complaints in other 750li years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 BMW 750li?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 BMW 750li, 31% of the model year's 65 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 BMW 750li transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 BMW 750li, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 750li transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.