2008 BMW X5 SAV Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 20%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,806miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 BMW X5 SAV, 20% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,806 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.
“After parking SUV, drivers side door will not unlock/open with double pull, however, using unlock button (unlocks all doors) door will unlock. In an accident, especially one involving fire, this could be a fatal safety issue. Worked fine up until yesterday, now it won't unlock; made three trips in the vehicle yesterday and the issue occurred all three times after parking.”
NHTSA complaint #10825005, filed 2016-02, 70,806 miles“The rear brake lights mounted in the tailgate failed. This is due to a known fault on the e70 model, where the poor quality sealant and method used to prevent the ingress of water into the lamp housing fails. This leads to corrosion of the connector housings and the failure of the unit which must be replaced in its entirity at great cost. As Bmw are aware of this happening (indeed they issued a service bulletin admitting same ) si b 63 11 10 and the item is a safety component, I feel the cars should be recalled and the work undertaken at the cost of Bmw and not the unfortunate owners. …”
NHTSA complaint #10721584, filed 2015-05, 91,000 miles“Takata recall I have replace my key fob two time in one year each time it cost me $275.00 by Bmw why can't Bmw replace the key with a $2.00 like all its other models. Only the 2008 models cost that much”
NHTSA complaint #11011505, filed 2017-07Related service bulletins
- 11031570Apr 23, 2026While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive.
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW X5 SAV
9 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW X5 SAV
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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