2008 BMW 5 Series Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 34%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 BMW 5 Series, 34% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,750 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car has sudden reduced power. Check engine light and engine malfunction warning and reduced power warning sign come on. Happened 4 times. Bmw has repaired three time (reprogrammed car, replaced fuel injectors) to no avail. Almost got in an accident this morning. When I tried to hit the gas, power dropped precipitously and I nearly got rear ended and hit in an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10320948, filed 2010-03, 18,300 miles“My check engine light, reduced power came on, brought car into shop. They repaired car for 10 minutes.. Car would not go over 30 MPH when it ran. It shook violently. Car stopped and had to be flat bedded. Danger! Bmw bought me out of my lease..these cars should not be sold!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10344141, filed 2010-07, 22,000 miles“Car check engine light came on, reduced power on dash, and sluggish. Towed car to dealer, replaced spark plugs and high pressure fuel pump. Check engine light came on again, took to dealer, needed pressure sensor. This has occurred 4 times now, dealer states this is ongoing problem with this engine, and have I would have to bring the vehicle in whenever this occurred, no loaner car available. I do not feel safe in the vehicle when this occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10378527, filed 2011-01, 22,000 miles“The car showed engine malfunction sign without warning in middle of busy street. All power, steering, everything went dead without warning. I couldn't move the whatsoever. I was lucky enough to make a right turn before this happened and avoid potential accidents.”
NHTSA complaint #10366456, filed 2010-11, 35,000 miles“My 2008 535 Bmw fuel pump went out for the second time. This time my wife was driving. She was making a left hand turn. The car did not have power. Thank god the on coming traffic stoped. Bmw is not taking this seriously. This is very dangerous situation”
NHTSA complaint #10323422, filed 2010-04, 42,000 milesRelated recalls
- 22V119000Mar 2, 2022BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV…Covers: BMW 5 Series 2006–2010, 3 Series 2006–2012, Z4 2006–2011 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
- 10053485Jan 1, 2014Bmw: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. *kb updated on 11/8/2013. *kb…
- 10040347Jul 1, 2013Bmw: fuel injectors may cause misfire faults with erratic engine operation. *rm updated on 11/1/2013.
- 10041407Mar 1, 2013Bmw: service engine soon light is on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10038217Mar 1, 2013Bmw: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10040044Jan 1, 2013Bmw: there is a delayed throttle response when driving off with a high engine load. It occurs when it is hot outside, the a/c is switched on, and the wheel is turned slightly…
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10045279Jul 1, 2012Bmw: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling…
- 10037657Jun 1, 2012Bmw: there is a clanking noise from the engine or exhaust area. Wastegate valve is not completely closing and clanking. *rm updated 7/17/12.
- 10044281Dec 1, 2011Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. On certain model year 2008-2011 vehicles, a defect involving the electric auxiliary water pump can over heat or fail to cool…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 5 Series
48 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology