Model year guide

2008 BMW 5 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 BMW 5 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 462 on record.

2008 BMW 5 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 BMW 5 Series at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints432
Typical price$11,257

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 BMW 5 Series recalls 4

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #12V126000 · 26/03/2012

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE…

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor o…

Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #10V446000 · 01/10/2010

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. A CHECK VALVE OF THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY LEAK A SMALL AMOUNT OF LUBRICATING OIL. OVER TIME THIS COULD RESULT IN CONTAMINATION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 52…

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 BMW 5 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 432 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2008 BMW 5 Series safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 BMW 5 Series 4-DR w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2008 BMW 5 Series worth?

Low
$7,600
Typical price
$11,257
High
$15,000

From 458 comparable 2008 BMW 5 Series listings.

2008 BMW 5 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
528i · 535i · 550i · 528xi · 535xi
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 230 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 300 hp · 4.8L 8-cyl 360 hp

2008 BMW 5 Series vehicles on record

Other BMW 5 Series model years

2008 BMW 5 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW 5 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?

Based on 432 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, exterior lighting, electrical system.

What is the 2008 BMW 5 Series safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 BMW 5 Series crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2008 BMW 5 Series worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW 5 Series listings run roughly $7,600–$15,000, typically around $11,257 (from 458 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.