2008 BMW 535XI Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 18%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,730miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 BMW 535XI, 18% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,730 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.
“The passenger seat occupancy mat failure light indicator is on. Brought back to the Bmw dealer, service technician stated that it is a recurring problem for Bmw. But service would cost $2,300 to fix. I asked if it is a recurring problem, then it is a defect. Bmw should fix the problem free of charge as I see in other recent recall announcements like last month for the Bmw x3.”
NHTSA complaint #11034170, filed 2017-10, 90,000 miles“I had the passenger restraint malfunction error show up on my vehicle's dash in 2013. At that time, the dealership replaced some module in the driver's side headrest. Not sure why would they have a replace a module in driver side when the error is in passenger side. But I didn't argue and let them replace it and paid $400 for the privilege. Now again in april 2015, same error is happening. First the dealer (Bmw of cleveland, solon, oh) couldn't find the problem for 2 days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10722670, filed 2015-06, 104,000 miles“87,000 miles warning light passenger air bag not engaged and may cause damage. Quoted $1800 Bmw certified mechanic to replace, fix. Looking for recall as many others experienced the same. Was told that you can't tell whether the airbag will inflate or not. Against the law to disconnect the light. Unable to diagnose without taking the seat apart.”
NHTSA complaint #11206229, filed 2019-05, 87,000 miles“At c. 89,000 miles - warning: driver side air bags malfunction . Bmw dealer, rockville, md, wants $660 to tell me if it's a real problem with the bag, and/or its housing and/or only a faulty sensor sending an incorrect message (!!) following that suspicious drill they can then fix it - a couple hundred dollars if it's only a sensor, much more $ if it's something else. Car moving or not, the warning remains on.”
NHTSA complaint #11048049, filed 2017-11, 89,700 miles“April 2013, Bmw dealer #1 (seller) was told by selling dealer that restraint system malfunction light just came on hours before delivery.. Was told to bring car to a dealer in my state and they will fix it, no charge since car is still under manufacturer extended warranty; may 23, 2013 Bmw dealer #2 (service) restraint system malfunction ligh is on.. Dealer #2 advised that bst cable was sliced, hence warranty does not cover the repair, which was $1,000.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10723102, filed 2015-06, 97,000 milesAir bags: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 535XI
26 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW 535XI
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