2008 BMW 528XI: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
30
owner complaints
2
fire reports
76,534
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: electrical system (21%)2 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)21% · 6 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)17% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)14% · 4 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)14% · 4 complaints
Seats10% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 3 complaints
“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).”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2023
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2023
“Headlight internal wiring insulation completely degraded, exposing wires and causing electrical shorts/arcing. Unchecked this will certainly cause a fire.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2022
“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).”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2022
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2022
“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”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2017
“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”Owner report · Seats · Nov 2017
“"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!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2017
“Left rear seat belt will no longer click shut. It was working but will no longer snap into the lock receptacle since march 2017.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines3.0L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
Check your exact 528XI by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 528XI reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW 528XI. The most complained-about area is electrical system (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 528XI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,534 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.