repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
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.
2008 BMW 5 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 105 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW 5 Series, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW 5 Series has problems
105 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Fuel system, gasoline1 crash/fire/injury
36Engine and engine cooling
16Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
7Exterior lighting
7Power train
5Fuel system, other
4Service brakes, hydraulic
4Engine
3Fuel/propulsion system
1711 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system, gasoline | 40 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 36 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 16 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 2 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel system, other | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 4 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 17 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2008 BMW 5 Series recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
12v/24v/48v battery: cables
Risk. OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE.
no report yet
Power assist: vacuum
Risk. POWER ASSIST BRAKING PERFORMANCE COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do fuel system, gasoline problems start?
22kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 40 fuel system, gasoline complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
28under 30k miles40under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other 5 Series year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 5 Series median. How we score
'96'97'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 BMW 5 Series safety ratings
2008 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What 5 Series owners report
Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
THREE WKS AGO MY 08 528I WAS MAKING A RATTLING SOUND IN THE ENGINE, TIN-CAN SOUNDING. TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE & THEY REPLACED MY LIFTERS AND RELATED PARTS. THEY SAID THAT THE LIFTERS ARE "KNOWN" FOR GOING BAD ON THE 5 SERIES AND IT'S TYPICALLY DUE TO SEASONAL CHANGES. WHEN MY HUSBAND BROUGHT THE…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I 5 SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND IT AUTOMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HESITATE AND ACCELERATE, BEFORE…
ENGINE MALFUNCTION! REDUCED POWER WAS THE MESSAGE I RECEIVED ON MY DASH DISPLAY. I TOOK PHOTOS OF THE DISPLAYED MESSAGE. CAR WENT FROM 65 MPH DOWN TO 18 MPH IN A MATTER OF SECONDS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. HAD TO CHUG AND LURCH OVER THREE LANES OF…
Own a 2008 5 Series?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.