2008 BMW 535I problems
NHTSA has received 116 complaints about the 2008 BMW 535I, and 23% of them involve engine. After that come lighting (14%) and electrical system (13%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 116 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 23% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 7
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 70,000 miles 103 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 | 9 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 6 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 22 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 18 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 14 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 20 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 8 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 103 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 70,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 81,000 miles (27 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 7 complaints mention a fire; 1 injury reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2008 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 8 model years of the BMW 535I with enough data (38 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke emitted from the outside rear of the vehicle and the engine coolant warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician informed the contact that the rear passenger's side tail light wires had failed and were completely burned.
While driving about 35 MPH on a busy street at rush hour I prepared to make a right turn by indicating. The fast turn single flashing started and the computer system in my 2008 535I said rear turn single malfunction. I slowed to my the turn and the person behind me slammed on their brakes and swerved to avoid hitting me and almost crashed into the person next them. I didn't realize why this happened, so I pulled over to check my lighting system and realized that the right rear lights weren't functioning properly.
I just had to have my water pump and thermostat replaced on my 2008 535I. I was told that it happens so often, they keep the part on the shelf! Are there really no recalls on this problem?? Also, my right tail light shorted out. I asked the shop why...he said this also happens all the time. The wires fry! Not cool.I really think someone needs to investigate this. When I was told they replace them all of the time, I was shocked. That cost me $1102.62 to fix.
I ordered new light bulbs to change out my halo angel bulb lights (running parking lamps) .which said they were out on my screen inside of the BMW . When I twisted off the housing cap in the back ,the wiring inside of my headlight housing which turns on my parking lights left and right is totally degraded and flaked off ,the copper cables were touching everywhere .I read this is because germany use biodegradable material but this is a very dangerous fire hazard for driving on the highways and road in florida .