2008 BMW 535XI Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 BMW 535XI, 6% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 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.
“A cooler leaked in the trunk of my wagon and under the floor there lies exposed unprotected highly valuable electronics, which shorted out my car and created a serious safety issue with the electronically controlled shocks amongst other important sysytems, my dealer says he has seen many of these and clearly there are many people on the web that have had a similar problem, the next year according to Bmw this extremely dumb design was changed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464305, filed 2012-07, 32,000 miles“Fuel injectors were replaced on this vehicle in 05/2011 due to a faulty design under a recall through Bmw. The same injectors have subsequently failed again less than 3 years since they were replaced. This resulted in a loss of power while operating the vehicle putting me at risk. Bmw fails to take responsibility saying warranty on parts has expired on parts that have been previously recalled with known issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10561137, filed 2014-01, 79,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw 535XI. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the temperature gauge displayed that the vehicle was overheating and the engine failed indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 100,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10617252, filed 2014-07, 100,400 miles“Consumer writes in regards unresolved fire safety issues with a 2008 Bmw 535XI the consumer stated on feb 14, 2012, the battery was replaced. However, six days later, a spark of fire and ball of smoke occurred as the consumer was driving. The dealer informed the consumer the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. An inspection also revealed an oil leak. The consumer stated the vehicle burst into flames and exploded, totaling the vehicle. The entire front hood and engine compartment were melted and destroyed, as well as the front driver and passenger areas were affected by the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455169, filed 2012-04Related service bulletins
- 10247567Dec 20, 2023Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 535XI
26 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
5 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 27, 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