2008 BMW 535XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Owner complaints
71 complaints4 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
Car is over heating. Replace water pump and thermostat. Car still over heating. Bad water pumps.
- Exterior lighting
the taillight, blinker and reverse light all went out and when I pulled the components out To check to see if the bulbs are burnt all of the bulbs are perfectly fine, but the aluminum pieces were sparking, and the whole component will not work
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Station wagon lift gate has severe wiring failures between the lift gate and body. This problem is well known throught the blog community. Broken wires cause failures, and electrical danger, to the rear lighting system that includes brake, running, back up, and turn signals. Also effected is the…
Station wagon lift gate has severe wiring failures between the lift gate and body. This problem is well known throught the blog community. Broken wires cause failures, and electrical danger, to the rear lighting system that includes brake, running, back up, and turn signals. Also effected is the rear wiper, defroster, and operation access to open and close the lift gate. Tailgate failure would prohibit emergency opening and access to spare tire and fuses. I have already spent $3,000 on one harness replacement (dealer) and am looking at another $3,000 to repair (dealer) more wiring that will restore the brake/running lights on one side (failed state inpection). The internal lighting diagnostics did NOT indicate any lighting problems or warning. Broken wires could also cause failures to some or all of the entire electrical system. Very dangerous.
- Air bags
The passenger seat occupancy sensor stopped working. On the NHSTA website I found where BMW offered a 15 year warranty for this part. What was the negotiation with NHSTA that BMW offered this warranty? It is warranty SI B01 01 18. My car on the list is the E60 and E61 with option 456 (Comfort…
The passenger seat occupancy sensor stopped working. On the NHSTA website I found where BMW offered a 15 year warranty for this part. What was the negotiation with NHSTA that BMW offered this warranty? It is warranty SI B01 01 18. My car on the list is the E60 and E61 with option 456 (Comfort Seat). BMW refuses to honor this warranty and want to charge me $2,700 to repair this. Note that the front passenger seat is rarely occupied. Why should this part fail prematurely?
- Electrical system · Engine
The vehicle's engine caught fire approximately 13 1/2 hours after last having been driven. I parked it in my driveway at 9pm on April 15, 2022. I was alerted to a fire in the engine by my neighbor at 10:30am on April 16, 2022. The entire engine was engulfed in flames, melting all of the plastic…
The vehicle's engine caught fire approximately 13 1/2 hours after last having been driven. I parked it in my driveway at 9pm on April 15, 2022. I was alerted to a fire in the engine by my neighbor at 10:30am on April 16, 2022. The entire engine was engulfed in flames, melting all of the plastic components. It burned through my hood and affected every part of the engine. We were able to get the fire out with a garden hose before it spread to the house and my parents' two other vehicles parked next to it. No one was burned while putting out the fire, but several neighbors and family members did breathe in the toxic smoke. 911 was called and the fire department confirmed the fire was out. The driveway under the vehicle has burn damage, but we haven't moved the vehicle yet to see the extent of it. The check engine light had been on since purchase. The vehicle had been maintained by a mechanic specializing in import motors. He was unable to determine the cause of the check engine alert, and said it was a problem that BMW has with several of their models of this era. The vehicle was only covered under liability insurance, so our insurance company has not required an inspection. It has not yet been inspected by a mechanic or any other entity. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested.
- Fuel/propulsion system
My BMW IS a 2008 BMW 535xi that was manufactured on 02/2008. I have had an issue with cylinder 4 misfiring so I changed all 6 spark plugs and cylinder 4 ignition coil only to have cylinder misfiring still. I took it to a mechanic and they checked and stated that I had a bad ignition coil because my…
My BMW IS a 2008 BMW 535xi that was manufactured on 02/2008. I have had an issue with cylinder 4 misfiring so I changed all 6 spark plugs and cylinder 4 ignition coil only to have cylinder misfiring still. I took it to a mechanic and they checked and stated that I had a bad ignition coil because my spark plug and ignition coil smelled like fuel. My friend IS a tech at a local BMW dealership and told me not to repair it yet because BMW has issued a recall for my vehicle which IS a E61 sports wagon. I will provide the document that shows that my vehicle IS under the affected vehicles. When at idle my car shakes. This has been going on for about a year I just never had the money to fix it and didn't know what the issues were until now. I don't know the exact date so I will put today's date.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 535xi. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine misfired the vehicle was taken to the local dealer BMW of columbia located at (1900 I70 dr. Sw, columbia mo) who diagnosed that the engine cylinder number 4 misfire was due to defective fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 535xi. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine misfired the vehicle was taken to the local dealer BMW of columbia located at (1900 I70 dr. Sw, columbia mo) who diagnosed that the engine cylinder number 4 misfire was due to defective fuel injectors. The fuel injectors were replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,450.
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
For over the past year, the (small) engine light has been repeatedly & constantly going on/off. I've had sensors, spark plugs, tubes & everything under the sun replaced and have taken (or towed in most cases) the car to many different auto repair shops for multiple quotes & repairs. the latest…
For over the past year, the (small) engine light has been repeatedly & constantly going on/off. I've had sensors, spark plugs, tubes & everything under the sun replaced and have taken (or towed in most cases) the car to many different auto repair shops for multiple quotes & repairs. the latest problem IS the small engine light came on & the car was stuck in park and would not engage in drive or reverse. It wouldn't shift. After turning the car off and then on again, the engine light was completely gone & the car was fine to drive/reverse. After driving the car a few blocks, the engine malfunction/reduce speed light came on, the power was drastically reduced & I almost got hit by a dump truck. in 2008, I bought my BMW brand new because I wanted no car issues because I am not a mechanic. Every since I bought this car I have had nothing but repeated & different issues that no mechanic can identify. And it all started with the high-pressure fuel pump which was replaced three times (hpfp). After the third hpfp was replaced, and the car was in the shop literally for three months straight, I got a lawyer involved and BMW corp apologized & said I could have a choice of: 1/ getting a different car that they picked out (a 535I not the xi I bought because of snow and ice conditions) 2/ they cut me a check for a few thousand and told me to shut up and I could never speak of what happened or be part of future lawsuits or class actions. I've never felt safe driving my 2008 BMW (116K miles on it over 12.5 years) every BMW owner that bought a BMW between the range of years knows exactly what I am talking about re: the constant and never-ending issues that all start with the hpfp & escalate from there. repair shops can't fix the issues & BMW covers up. nhtsa hasn't done anything about this massive BMW issue affecting the vast majority of owners. Just google it!
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle stalls, hesitates when driving. Message on the dash says that the fuel pump IS failing, but can be driven with decreased performance and to bring the vehicle to BMW. brought the car to BMW service and they told me that there was a recall on the fuel pump but my car IS not covered because I…
Vehicle stalls, hesitates when driving. Message on the dash says that the fuel pump IS failing, but can be driven with decreased performance and to bring the vehicle to BMW. brought the car to BMW service and they told me that there was a recall on the fuel pump but my car IS not covered because I have 159K miles one the said vehicle. upon further investigation with the service advisor, (carlos - norwalk BMW), who IS polite and helpful, we found that the car had already been serviced for three same problem at least 3 times. First IS in 2009 when they replaced the high pressure fuel pump. After folloa year 2010, the same problem occurred. The dealership again replaced the same fuel pump. Then on 2013, having the same problem again, the dealership replaced the injectors but the problem IS still occurring. The problem had been ongoing and this time, they will not fix the issue because the vehicle IS over the 120K miles. I believe that BMW IS responsible for the problem that the vehicle was never properly fix in the first place. at least 3 times of having the same problem (that was documented by BMW), and still not resolved! it IS a good car, but can be dangerous and could cause an accident. I will not let my wife drive it anymore until I feel it IS safe. problem IS intermittent. At low speed, idling, and at highway speeds which can be really scary. I hope they will take responsibility and actually find and fix the issue.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
87,000 miles warning light passenger air bag not engaged and may cause damage. Quoted $1800 BMW certified mechanic to replace, fix. Looking for recall as many others experienced the same. Was told that you can't tell whether the airbag will inflate or not. Against the law to disconnect the light. Unable to diagnose without taking the seat apart.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 535xi. The contact stated that the air bag indicator illuminated. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was hung up on. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
Known safety concern due to broken wiring in E61 wagon hatch wiring. See this thread: https://5series.net/forums/e61-touring-discussion-4/tailgate-wiring-harness-replacement-72751/
- Fuel/propulsion system
While driving on the highway and local streets the car suddenly loses power and cuts off giving a fuel pump malfunction. I had the high pressure fuel pump replaced and the problem still exists. This has put my whole family in danger because it has happened on the highway at speeds in excess of 50 mph. The car just suddenly shut down.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 535xi. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator remained illuminated, which was a safety concern. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system · Seats · Unknown or other
Wednesday july 25TH, 2018, as I was getting ready to leave work, I started my car which was parked in my company's underground garage and the interior became engulfed with smoke. I turned the car off and got out to check the engine. There was no smoke coming from the under the hood of the car. I…
Wednesday july 25TH, 2018, as I was getting ready to leave work, I started my car which was parked in my company's underground garage and the interior became engulfed with smoke. I turned the car off and got out to check the engine. There was no smoke coming from the under the hood of the car. I got back into the car and started it again and more smoke entered into the car. I turned the car off and went back to my office to call aaa. Approximately 20-30 minutes later I went back to the car and immediately smelled smoke in the garage. As I approached the car it was completely filled with smoke but I could tell that the both the back and front window shields and the sunroof were scorched. My key fob did not work so I had to open the car with the key. With the door open the thick smoke escaped and then I was able to see the damage to the car as a result of a fire. I have attached some pictures so you can see. I did some research and found that there have been some instances where this has happened to other BMW owners in the past and that this was a course of action to take in letting you know.
- Visibility/wiper
The wipers keep stopping, not functioning, I had replaced the motor three times now.
- Electrical system
Insulation on wiring inside headlight assembly has fallen off exposing bare wires. this was discovered when replacing bulbs. discussion boards on web have many owners reporting similar problems. BMW does not
- Electrical system
The wiring harnesses in the tailgate have been both severed and otherwise damaged by the normal operation of the tailgate and liftglass. The hinges and wiring trays have sharp edges and the wire insulation material seems to be of a pvc material. It appears that this material IS vulnerable to…
The wiring harnesses in the tailgate have been both severed and otherwise damaged by the normal operation of the tailgate and liftglass. The hinges and wiring trays have sharp edges and the wire insulation material seems to be of a pvc material. It appears that this material IS vulnerable to failure with only regular operation of the vehicle, however, the sharp edges of the harness tray in the tailgate hinges act as shears that have severed the wires. this presents several safety issues including the potential of fires from electrical shorts, malfunctioning and damage of control modules due to electrical shorts, inoperable rear-defogger system, inoperable keyfob remotes for entry and locking, loss of radio system including weather band for safety updates, etc. this appears to be not only a common problem, but every vehicle in this designation has either suffered from these problems or IS susceptible. as noted in several blogsites where owners and repair specialists have commented, this IS an obvious design defect that should be addressed by both nhtsa and the manufacturer. clearly a recall and manufacturer-paid repair should be implemented.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
At c. 89,000 miles - warning: "driver side air bags malfunction". BMW dealer, rockville, md, wants $660 to tell me if it's a real problem with the bag, and/or its housing and/or only a faulty sensor sending an incorrect message (!!) following that suspicious drill they can then fix it - a couple hundred dollars if it's only a sensor, much more $ if it's something else. car moving or not, the warning remains on.
- Power train
The drive shaft for my BMW 535xi broke while driving straight on the highway without any warming. This caused considerable damage to the underneath components of the car. Such as ripping the data cable and burst the transmission and all the transmission fluid licked out instantly. My vehicle…
The drive shaft for my BMW 535xi broke while driving straight on the highway without any warming. This caused considerable damage to the underneath components of the car. Such as ripping the data cable and burst the transmission and all the transmission fluid licked out instantly. My vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic with on coming cars. I have uploaded a picture of the broken drive shaft while the car was being towed . I have the documents but I am unable to upload them at this time. in addition the pressure hose for the power pump burst and it IS unfair that I have to replace all 3 power hosts because it IS a BMW recommendation.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Mechanical inspection revealed a crack in intake manifold. this defect manifests itself with difficulty starting the engine during cold starts,hesitation when applying the gas pedal for rapid acceleration on highway roads. There IS also a rough idle
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
The passenger seat occupancy mat failure light indicator IS on. brought back to the BMW dealer, service technician stated that it IS a recurring problem for BMW. but service would cost $2,300 to fix. I asked if it IS a recurring problem, then it IS a defect. BMW should fix the problem free of charge as I see in other recent recall announcements like last month for the BMW X3.
- Electrical system
This IS the 3RD complaint on the same vehicle I have placed. this vehicle has been in and out of the shop for the last 8 months and they have finally discovered that the rear of the vehicle, where the computer components are located, has been receiving water leakage from faulty plugs via the…
This IS the 3RD complaint on the same vehicle I have placed. this vehicle has been in and out of the shop for the last 8 months and they have finally discovered that the rear of the vehicle, where the computer components are located, has been receiving water leakage from faulty plugs via the sunroof drainage system leading to the rear of the vehicle. thus causing major malfunctions such as fuel injectors, starters, batteries, sensors, and indicators that major transmission malfunctions have occurred when what IS really wrong IS that all the computer components are drowning in water, corroded and rusted. this IS faulty from the BMW factory and they know the problem exists and they refuse to recall this model vehicle. this problem can be found via the internet from many consumers experiencing the same problem. I have placed a complaint with BMW and they have done nothing. in one instance I experienced the cruise control accelerate on its own and would not disengage when the brake pedal was pressed. the steering wheel on/off button was the only way to stop the acceleration. this vehicle IS a danger to drive and IS unreliable!!
- Fuel/propulsion system
On thursday march 30TH I dropped the car off with brinsfield auto in greensboro, nc because my check engine light came on. On april 6TH I picked it up with completed repairs of a cleaned #5 fuel injector that was diagnosed as running rich but after being cleaned was running correctly and check…
On thursday march 30TH I dropped the car off with brinsfield auto in greensboro, nc because my check engine light came on. On april 6TH I picked it up with completed repairs of a cleaned #5 fuel injector that was diagnosed as running rich but after being cleaned was running correctly and check engine light was no longer an indicator. on april 8TH I was driving in gastonia, nc and the car began smoking and shuddering to the point it was not drivable. I pulled into a car dealership that was closed because it was after hours and parked the car. My son and I got out of the car and noticed a very clear odor of gas. There was a couple driving through the dealership lot who stopped and also noticed the odor and agreed it was indeed fuel and I should not drive the car. It was towed back to brinsfield auto where it was discovered that the #5 fuel injector was locked in the open position and shooting straight fuel through the engine and out the exhaust pipe. This could have cause a fire had I not noticed.
- Electrical system
My car caught fire while parked and not running.
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 535XI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.