2008 BMW 5 Series recalls and problems
The 2008 BMW 5 Series has 3 safety recalls and 105 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW 5 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 BMW 5 Series recalls
Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 12V-126: Electrical System
Problem: 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. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall 10V-446: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: 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.
Risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2008 BMW 5 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 40 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 36 | |
| Electrical System | 16 | |
| Power Train | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Fuel System, Other | 5 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 3 | |
| Tires | 2 | |
| Wheels | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 17
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Floor Shift — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 BMW 5 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 5 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW 5 Series: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-126 (electrical system), 10V-446 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?
Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (40 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (36). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.