2008 BMW 535XI: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 71 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (23% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
71
owner complaints
4
fire reports
93,003
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 93,003 mi)Weak spot: electrical system (23%)4 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 71 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)23% · 16 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)15% · 11 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)11% · 8 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)11% · 8 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)10% · 7 complaints
Seats7% · 5 complaints
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2024
“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?”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2022
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2019
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019
“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/”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2018
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2018
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2018
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2018
“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.”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 · Wagon
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Is the 2008 BMW 535XI reliable?
NHTSA has 71 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW 535XI. The most complained-about area is electrical system (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 535XI problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 93,003 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.