2008 BMW X5 Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 215 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2008 BMW X5, 2% of the 215 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,400 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.
“Right rear sunroof drain did not drain properly causing electrical malfunction including failure of all safety and dash gauges - (including speedometer, gas gauge) on interstate at freeway speed. Repairs exceed $1,500.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10594187, filed 2014-05, 77,800 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw X5. The contact stated the windshield wipers continued to move while the engine was off, and the vehicle also stalled without warning. The dealer reset the main computer, removed the dashboard and replaced the windshield relay module; however, the repairs did not correct the failures; therefore, the dealer advised there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage were 91,000. Updated 10/31/13”
NHTSA complaint #10543025, filed 2013-09, 91,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw X5. While driving approximately 25-30 MPH at night, all of the electrical components on the instrument panel shut off. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a modular short due to a clogged drain in the sunroof. The dealer also stated that they would not take responsibility since leaves and acorns clogged the drain. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The current and failure mileages were approximately 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10331266, filed 2010-05, 17,000 miles“2008 Bmw X5 has a faulty fuel injector pump and battery. The consumer stated the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of the highway. The consumer stated the vehicle stopped again in the middle of the highway after the fuel pump was supposedly replaced. The consumer was told again the fuel pump was faulty. The sunroof was inoperative and the camera used that gives guidance when backing out of spaces was inoperative as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10268129, filed 2009-05Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10244239Oct 18, 2023This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry
- 10225114Sep 1, 2022The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.
- 10162404Jul 10, 2019"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the…
- 10150173Nov 1, 2013"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the…
- 10150226Aug 1, 2013Water Leak from the Front of the Sunroof. During extended periods of heavy rain, water may enter the vehicle from the area around the front of the sunroof cassette, the Roof…
- 10150225Aug 1, 2013Various Complaints with Panoramic Sunroof.
- 10150224Aug 1, 2013"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the…
- 10150223Aug 1, 2013Grating Noise from Side Window Defroster Vent. The customer may notice a grating or creaking noise coming from the instrument panel at the extreme left or right side. It is only…
- 10150039Jul 1, 2013"?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 | 5 | 3% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 14 | 14% |
| 2001 | 14 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW X5
66 complaintsAir bags
65 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW X5
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