2008 BMW 535XI problems
The 2008 BMW 535XI has 123 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (21%) concerns electrical system. Next are engine (16%) and fuel system (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 123 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 21% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 8
- Injuries and deaths
- 4 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 90,000 miles 108 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 | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 15 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 20 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 27 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 23 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 10 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 108 complaints that include odometer readings, half describe a problem before roughly 90,000 miles. For electrical system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 88,000 miles (21 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 8 complaints mention a fire; 4 injuries reported.
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.
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.
Wednesday july 25th, 2018, as I was getting ready to leave work, I started my car which was parked in my company's underground garage and the interior became engulfed with smoke. I turned the car off and got out to check the engine. There was no smoke coming from the under the hood of the car. I got back into the car and started it again and more smoke entered into the car. I turned the car off and went back to my office to call aaa.
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.
Known safety concern due to broken wiring in e61 wagon hatch wiring. See this thread: [link removed]