2008 BMW 528XI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 39%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 BMW 528XI, 39% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,500 miles. 1 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.
“Takata recall my expansion tank cracked, then it blew up. Something is wrong with my cooling system. My fan would make a loud noise every time I started the vehicle. My thermostat hose deteriorated and my check engine light has been on for about 5 months. In addition my electrical/battery is bad and my car is no longer functioning since 2 months ago. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11055570, filed 2017-12, 136,000 miles“While driving on the highway, the right taillight has malfunctioned completely (brake lights and right turn signal). The issue is well known to Bmw dealerships however they claim it's not covered under cpo (certified pre-owned) warranty and my model is not included in the recall. The tail light connector is melted due to faulty tail light grounding. Bmw has issued a recall for this specific issue (some models) but I don't know if I will ever get notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10552539, filed 2013-11, 67,000 miles“This otherwise fine automobile seems to go through batteries quickly. I purchased the vehicle new in may 2007. Since then batteries have needed to be changed as follows: 2009 2011 2013 and now in 2015 the new Bmw battery installed in 2013 is badly discharged. In 2011 the dealer ran this car through an exhaustive electrical analysis and found no problems. Then why are batteries dying so quickly? Counting the original battery I've been through 4 already and the 5th one seems about to die. …”
NHTSA complaint #10701005, filed 2015-03, 22,000 miles“Left turn signal, brake light & backup light stopped working. Upon inspection, found that the wiring harness connector to the left lighting assembly was discolored and slightly distorted at the ground conductor. Around half of the ground conductor on the mating plug of the lighting assembly had deteriorated away.”
NHTSA complaint #10498530, filed 2013-02, 67,900 miles“Passenger side airbag/ seatbelt lite on dealer said that the bsd cable going to the airbag is detached...but it must be replaced at a cost of about close to $900....not repaired as of yet”
NHTSA complaint #10717536, filed 2015-05, 40,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10245422Nov 22, 2023Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicleâÂÂs equipment and settings, no acoustic or…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 528XI
8 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 528XI
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