2008 BMW 535XI electrical system problems
26 complaints about electrical system have been filed for the 2008 BMW 535XI, which is 21% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 26 21% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 89,000 miles 21 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 4
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When electrical system problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 5 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 21 electrical system complaints that report mileage, the median is about 88,000 miles, and 24% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 4 fires, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Consumer writes in regards unresolved fire safety issues with a 2008 BMW 535xi *tgw the consumer stated on feb 14, 2012, the battery was replaced. However, six days later, a spark of fire and ball of smoke occurred as the consumer was driving. The dealer informed the consumer the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. An inspection also revealed an oil leak. The consumer stated the vehicle burst into flames and exploded, totaling the vehicle.
The rear rail light warning started flashing intermittently and then rear tail light permanently failed. Inspection of rear tail light showed melting of plastic around ground wire connection to lighting assembly and damage to both light assembly and the wiring. Quick internet search revealed that this was a very common problem in bmws due to inadequate capacity of ground wiring.
Other problems reported for the 2008 BMW 535XI
- Engine 20 complaints
- Fuel system 15 complaints
Electrical system problems in other years
- 2014
- 2013
- 2011
- 2010
- 2008