2008 BMW 528XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 BMW 528XI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
31 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
On March 24, 2022 I bought a 2008 BMW 528XI vehicle from Mercedes WESTWOOD, MA. UNFORTUNATELY, this car is not drivable because it needs a new transmission. It hasn't even been a year yet. The check engine light came on after the second day of purchase . Now I needed a new engine. Mercedes of WESTWOOD MA sold me faulty car (LEMON).
- Engine and engine cooling
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…
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.
- Engine and 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…
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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Electrical system
Headlight internal wiring insulation completely degraded, exposing wires and causing electrical shorts/arcing. Unchecked this will certainly cause a fire.
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the engine, and blue smoke from the exhaustion pipe. Additionally, there was oil blowing out from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated.…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528XI. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the engine, and blue smoke from the exhaustion pipe. Additionally, there was oil blowing out from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was unknown.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have two BMW cars: BMW 528Xi 2008 [XXX] BMW 328Xi. 2007 [XXX] both are under active recall notice with no remedy available; I have contacted BMW USA for solutions: 1. repair the vehicles 2. offer loaner 3. buy back the vehicles they have refused all of the above my cars are a…
I have two BMW cars: BMW 528Xi 2008 [XXX] BMW 328Xi. 2007 [XXX] both are under active recall notice with no remedy available; I have contacted BMW USA for solutions: 1. repair the vehicles 2. offer loaner 3. buy back the vehicles they have refused all of the above my cars are a possible fire hazard when driven; kindly explore all options available if no remedy is available from the manufacturer; much obliged [XXX] Princeton, NJ INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
The passenger seat occupancy sensor has failed. As a result, the airbags will not deploy on the passenger side, if a passenger is present, in an accident. The error is displayed as soon as the passenger sits. Warning lights go out after restarting the car and if the passenger seat is unoccupied.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign, he started hearing an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to his destination. The contact stated he was an independent mechanic. While inspecting the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact stated while approaching a stop sign, he started hearing an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to his destination. The contact stated he was an independent mechanic. While inspecting the vehicle, he became aware that the pvc hose needed to be replaced. The vin was associated with nhtsa campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to local dealer critz BMW located at 7009 abercorn st, savannah, ga 31406, (912) 354-7000, and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The dealer declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Seats
3 holes have been burnt through the drivers side lumbar support by the seat heater. I'm afraid that I don't have pictures currently available, but this seems to be a known problem. https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80264
- Seats
One day this winter, I was driving on the highway and suddenly it smelt like something burning. Thinking it was an outside element, I thought nothing of it. A week later, I smelt the same burning so I got out of my car to inspect and found three holes were burnt straight through my leather driver…
One day this winter, I was driving on the highway and suddenly it smelt like something burning. Thinking it was an outside element, I thought nothing of it. A week later, I smelt the same burning so I got out of my car to inspect and found three holes were burnt straight through my leather driver seat and also burned right through my winter jacket!! This was due to an issue within the heat tracking in my seat. I brought what happened to BMW north america, to which they told me that due to my cars "age and mileage", that this was a *and I quote* "wear and tear" issue. I'm sorry, but the last time I checked, natural wear and tear should not cause a hazardous situation for the driver under any circumstance. This was clearly a manufacturing defect and it should be recalled. The fact that BMW was so unwilling to acknowledge the harmful situation that this defect put me in, (for instance, if I had not been wearing my thick winter jacket, which shielded me from being burned while driving on the freeway) IS beyond disappointing.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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…
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, (410) 317-2237) 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.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer (schomp BMW, 1190 plum valley ln, highlands ranch, co 80129, (303) 730-1300) was unable to determine when the manufacturer would provide the remedy…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer (schomp BMW, 1190 plum valley ln, highlands ranch, co 80129, (303) 730-1300) was unable to determine when the manufacturer would provide the remedy and the part for the recall repair. The contact was uncertain as to when the recall repair would be scheduled. The manufacturer sent an interim recall notice, but with no specification of when the parts would be supplied and when the second letter would be sent, indicating the parts were available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *Tt
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
"Takata recall" my expansion tank cracked, then it blew up. Something IS wrong with my cooling system. My fan would make a loud noise every time I started the vehicle. my thermostat hose deteriorated and my check engine light has been on for about 5 months. In addition my electrical/battery IS bad and my car IS no longer functioning since 2 months ago. Please help!
- Electrical system
For approx: 2 wks. each time that I start my car in the morning to proceed to work. my ABS , dsc , check engine light ,transmission malfunction light , ( sos ph) , my radio shuts off & on I have to reset my clock each time I restart my car the window wipers come on & stay on till it goes off by…
For approx: 2 wks. each time that I start my car in the morning to proceed to work. my ABS , dsc , check engine light ,transmission malfunction light , ( sos ph) , my radio shuts off & on I have to reset my clock each time I restart my car the window wipers come on & stay on till it goes off by itself & sonetimes my computer dashboard goes completely black . On sunday jul 30, 2017 it no longer will shift. Into gear. I had recieved a notice thru via: mail about 2 1/2 mos. Ago for a civil lawsuit on the 5. Series & my car was incl. In the. Recall but wasn't having any problems @ the time so I discarded the form in which I now. Regret. The towing co. Stated to me this IS been ongoing for yrs. Now & the BMW dealership IS well aware of. This matter but aren't notifying. The customers he. Said he tows bmw's all series for the same exact problem
- Seat belts
Left rear seat belt will no longer click shut. It was working but will no longer snap into the lock receptacle since march 2017.
- Engine
Two engine mount bolts sheared off. noticed during routine oil change. There are a total of eight bolts holding the engine, four on each side. based on research, this IS a problem with this series and model and appears to be a factory defect and design flaw. there IS a chance the other 6 bolts…
Two engine mount bolts sheared off. noticed during routine oil change. There are a total of eight bolts holding the engine, four on each side. based on research, this IS a problem with this series and model and appears to be a factory defect and design flaw. there IS a chance the other 6 bolts could shear if not replaced with stronger bolts. a mechanic replaced the two bolts and advised we should replace the other six.
- Seats
I just discovered this yesterday, but feel that it could have been going on for a few weeks as the back of the seat was too hot at certain points and I had to turn it off. I have been noticing an odd smell more recently so I had a look at the seat and 3 small burn marks/holes are present. could be dangerous if clothing or the interior of the seat were to catch fire.
- Air bags · Engine
Car hit another vehicle at 80mph, airbags failed to deploy and car immediately went up in flames in the engine department.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528xi. While driving at 40 mph, the passenger restraint system, fault in passenger restraint system affecting air bag and belt pre-tensioner warning was displayed across the message board. The air bag and seat belt warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
Passenger side airbag/ seatbelt lite on dealer said that the bsd cable going to the airbag IS detached...but it must be replaced at a cost of about close to $900....not repaired as of yet
- 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…
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. *tr
- Exterior lighting
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…
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 *bf 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 *js
- Exterior lighting
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. As connection was failing, the ground…
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. 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. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving on the highway, the right taillight has malfunctioned completely (brake lights and right turn signal). The issue IS well known to BMW dealerships however they claim it's not covered under cpo (certified pre-owned) warranty and my model IS not included in the recall. The tail light…
While driving on the highway, the right taillight has malfunctioned completely (brake lights and right turn signal). The issue IS well known to BMW dealerships however they claim it's not covered under cpo (certified pre-owned) warranty and my model IS not included in the recall. The tail light connector IS melted due to faulty tail light grounding. BMW has issued a recall for this specific issue (some models) but I don't know if I will ever get notified. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My rear right bulb housing has malfunctioned causing my car to not have a rear right turn signal, rear right brake signal and right side back up light. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
Every BMW 528XI model year
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