2008 BMW 528I problems
The 2008 BMW 528I has 181 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (20%) concerns engine. Next are lighting (19%) and electrical system (17%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 181 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 20% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 24
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 131 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 8 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 16 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 24 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 24 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 19 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 16 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 9 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 7 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 4 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Of the 131 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 90,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 111,000 miles (23 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 24 complaints mention a fire; 2 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2008 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 13 model years of the BMW 528I with enough data (40 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact stated that after parking, the vehicle flames were suddenly present coming from under the hood. The contact attempted to extinguish the flames but was unsuccessful and the vehicle was destroyed along with a second vehicle parked nearby. The fire department and police were called to the scene and reports were taken. During the incident the contact suffered smoke inhalation which required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, the contact crashed into a parking barrier on the left side of the vehicle and the driver side air bag deployed. As a result of the impact from the air bag, the contact sustained a broken left arm. The contact was not aware if a police report was filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of his defect. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The 8 pin connector to the rear light assembly melted. Turn signal, brake light stopped working while I was driving on the freeway.
Car gas haven't been as usual took car for oil chang rotation of tires. Discovered gas leakage. Looking at possible fuel line or pump.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the instrument panel indicated, that the passenger restrain system was deactivated and to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The contact stated that the front passenger seat occupancy sensor mat was deactivated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v564000 (air bags).