2008 BMW 535XI Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 71 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 BMW 535XI, 6% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,500 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 noticed that when I drive with the sunroof cover open, not the actual window, there is a loud whistling sound in the car. It sounds like an air gap or something. When I close the sunroof cover, it is not as loud, but you can still hear wind howling. I know there aren't any leaks because when it rains, there is no water coming into my car. I'm confused about what is going on.”
NHTSA complaint #10504968, filed 2013-03, 37,000 miles“I discovered multiple severed wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for Bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557118, filed 2013-12, 75,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 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 complaintsEngine cooling
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 30, 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