2008 BMW 535I Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 BMW 535I, 9% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,900 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.
“My 2008 Bmw 535I is suffering from the same passenger restraint system malfunction error as the earlier Bmw models. Nhtsa information I've read indicates that the passenger airbag will not deploy in the event of a substantial front end collision, which poses a significant risk to passengers. Bmw only recalled model years 2004 - 2006, however. This is not an isolated incident to those years. My 2008 Bmw 535I throws the error every time I drive with or without a passenger. …”
NHTSA complaint #10648699, filed 2014-10, 105,000 miles“Air bag sensor mat in the passebger seat is cracked. Therefor the airbag will not deploy in a crash. According to my research this is a very common problem in Bmw e60 sedans. There has been a previous recall to Bmw's in earlier years. Why is it not a recall now? Obviously this is a critical component of the safety system and should be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10490892, filed 2013-01, 63,000 miles“2008 Bmw 5-series vehicles have the same issue as recalled 2004 - 2006 Bmw 5-series vehicles in regards to the front passenger seat occupant detection mat malfunctioning. The seat occupancy mat is faulty on 2007 & 2008 models as well. The consequence is that the passenger air bag will not deploy even in the event of a severe crash. Why were 2007 & 2008 bmws not recalled already...?!?!? What is being done to recall 2007 & 2008 Bmw models that use the same parts as 2004 - 2006 models...?!?!?”
NHTSA complaint #10695051, filed 2015-03, 101,000 miles“The north american Bmw had recalled the 2004-2006 bmws with the faulty passenger seat occupancy mat, as they had a recurring problem of failing. Bmw stated that they improved the quality of materials, and fixed the problem , but it seems that other Bmw owners still have the same problem including myself. My Bmw about 4 months ago had the passenger seat occupancy warning light come on, and I am very disappointed that they fixed the issue, but most likely instead of actually taking the time to improve their product, they probably just slapped a new label on it and called it a day. …”
NHTSA complaint #11228326, filed 2019-06“It says restraint system malfunction. . I'm scared to put my children in the car..this is ridiculous and there are plenty more problems. .!!!! There needs to be recall before someone is killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10588221, filed 2014-05Related service bulletins
- 10148018Sep 1, 2014"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 | 58% |
| 2015 | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 7 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 535I
27 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 535I
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