2008 BMW 5 Series Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 7%of 105 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2008 BMW 5 Series, 7% of the 105 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,250 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Just bought a used 2008 528i (e60) w/94k miles, in otherwise perfect condition. Went to change the angel eyes from drab yellow to lux LED's. Noticed bare wires on both sides of the bulb connectors, on both sides of the car. Tried to use electrical tape, just made more bare wire. The more I touched the wires, the more insulation flaked off, almost like a powder. I've never seen anything like it. Can't possibly be safe. Definitely a fire hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #10836474, filed 2016-02, 94,000 miles“The rear back-up lamp outage warning light came on my dashboard. I attempted to replace the bulb and saw that the wiring harness had been burnt around the brown wire. I searched online and saw that this has happened many times to other with the same yr make and model vehicle. I reported it to the deal who in turn referred me to contact Bmw north america. I received an e-mail response from them saying that there is a recall in process and to wait 4-6 weeks. The problem, is that my tail light is not working. It is unfortunate this cannot be fixed immediately. …”
NHTSA complaint #10552147, filed 2013-11, 66,050 miles“The grounding wire in the connector to the tail light bulb holder melted and melted parts of the connector. This resulted in no signal, brake and running rear lights. A recall has been called for Bmw e46 3 series for this exact problem. The recall should be expanded to cover the 5 SERIES as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10460828, filed 2012-06, 48,600 miles“Malfunction of left headlight. Dealer inspection revealed headlight wires leading to bulb socket have corrosion on them and casing around the wires is coming off . There was a recent vehicle safety recall for this model car for similar issues with rear lamp bulb carrier: recall campaign no. 13v-407 potentially serious safety issue with malfunction of headlights leading to dangerous driving conditions or crash can occur especially at night or in bad/inclement weather.”
NHTSA complaint #10553485, filed 2013-11, 97,700 miles“Ground wire for passenger side tail light burned up. Ground wire, both sides of electrical connector, and tail light bulb holder all burned up. Passenger side brake light, tail light, turn signal and back up light do not function at all. Improperly rated fuse did not blow before circuit burned up and melted. This circuit is not designed correctly. This is a safety hazard to myself and anyone driving behind me. Car model is a 2008 528xi.”
NHTSA complaint #10430057, filed 2011-10, 72,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10057568Oct 1, 2014Bmw: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 f01, f02, f06…
- 10052365May 1, 2013Bmw: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. Models 2012 f25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10…
- 10040057Aug 1, 2011Bmw: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. *rm updated 9/30/11.
- 10035244Oct 1, 2010Bmw vehicle: adaptive headlights. A check control (cc) message is displayed for the adaptive headlights. The headlamps no longer turn with steering wheel movement. Fault code…
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10032364Sep 1, 2009Bmw vehicle: replace both halogen low beam headlamp bulbs. The halogen headlamp bulb (standard life) has reached the end of its design life. Later produced vehicles have been…
- 10028368Oct 1, 2008Bmw: adaptive headlights intermittently inoperative. Headlamps work normally; only the adaptive cornering feature where the headlamps rotate in association with the steering…
- 10025983Jun 1, 2008Bmw: headlamp moisture: fault diagnostics. Water or condensation in one or both headlamps. Models 5 series, 6 series, 7 series, x5, x6, 1 series, and 3 series. Model years…
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 5 Series
48 complaintsEngine cooling
36 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 31, 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