2008 BMW 5 Series Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2008 BMW 5 Series, 4% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I took my car to the dealership for regular maintenance (oil change etc). They found right side engine mount bolt broken which can cause additional damage to the car. This was reported as a safety concern. I am the sole driver and have never had any issues or unusual road conditions. I searched on internet and I found a lot of complaints with 2008 bmws (5 SERIES as well as 3 series). Definitely should be a safety recall !!!”
NHTSA complaint #10584080, filed 2014-04, 77,021 miles“We bought a certified pre-owned 2008 535xi in november 2010. It had 36,000 miles. At 59,000 miles while driving approximately 75 MPH on a majory highway in long island after sitting in traffic for an hour and a half on a 70 degree day, the car just shut down. It would barely steer and would not accelerate. We were lucky that the brakes worked and were able to glide over to the shoulder. Computer said engine overheated and it was the red indicator which is the worst. We got towed to a dealership and are told its the water pump. …”
NHTSA complaint #10458574, filed 2012-05, 59,000 miles“My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under Stop Drive, order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #11697553, filed 2025-11Related service bulletins
- 10057527Jan 1, 2015Bmw: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up is low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 10045283Oct 1, 2014Bmw: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp is illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. *pe updated 10/31/12. *pe models 2010…
- 10052360May 1, 2013Bmw: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. Models f10, 25, 07, e70, 71. No…
- 10045282Nov 1, 2012Bmw: while driving vehicle, at times would be rough running; white or blue smoke seen exiting exhaust system and the engine oil is consumed above specifications. *pe updated…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 5 Series
48 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
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