2008 BMW 535XI Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 11%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 BMW 535XI, 11% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“I purchased a 2008 Bmw 5 series wagon 9/1/2015 on california had its first rain storm causing catastrophic failure of the entire electrical system of the Bmw resulting in a complete loss 12/16/115. The drain lines are a well documented and a Bmw service bulletin was issued to dealerships. While driving on the highway, I experienced widespread system failure, tire warnings, transmission failure warnings and the suspension failed and the car dropped about 6 inches. …”
NHTSA complaint #10818784, filed 2016-01, 88,500 miles“On january 5, 2014 driving on the highway approx. 55 MPH the vehicle's displayed engine and transmission malfunction dropped my rate of speed to approximately 20 MPH (safety mode) almost sustained a rear end collision I then pulled over onto the shoulder I turned the car off waited 10 minutes and turned it on without any issues. I took the car to Bmw of tenafly, nj they inspected the vehicle made some adjustments and said the car was good to drive on the way home traveling approx. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597035, filed 2014-06, 66,000 miles“I was driving my fantastic (expensive) 535XI and all of a sudden when I would implement any pressure on the throttle I experienced a jerking/stuttering sensation.”
NHTSA complaint #10597949, filed 2014-06, 78,000 miles“The car has been replaced a pump sensors 40 days ago because of the engine malfunction ,and two weeks ago while started in cold weather, it was shaking and the engine light on. The dealer checked and said that it is the injector problem and recommend to chang all 6 injectors. But the injectors have been changed at the mileage of 27,000 in 2010.”
NHTSA complaint #10560129, filed 2014-01, 72,000 miles“For over the past year, the (small) engine light has been repeatedly & constantly going on/off. I've had sensors, spark plugs, tubes & everything under the sun replaced and have taken (or towed in most cases) the car to many different auto repair shops for multiple quotes & repairs. The latest problem is the small engine light came on & the car was stuck in park and would not engage in drive or reverse. It wouldn't shift. After turning the car off and then on again, the engine light was completely gone & the car was fine to drive/reverse. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279664, filed 2019-11, 116,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW 535XI
26 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsExterior lighting
11 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