2008 BMW M5 problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 BMW M5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW M5 get?

The 2008 BMW M5 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 17 highway).

Q: How much is a 2008 BMW M5 worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW M5 listings run roughly $19,000–$30,700, typically around $23,434 (from 13 vehicles).

2008 BMW M5 at a glance

Safety recalls2

Owner complaints6

Combined13 mpg

Typical price$23,434

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 BMW M5 recalls 2

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights NHTSA Campaign #13V407000 · 11/09/2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-sig…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

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 A…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 BMW M5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 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.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Steering

Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2008 BMW M5 MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg

City11 mpg

Highway17 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$6,300

EPA size classMidsize Cars

TransmissionAutomatic (S7) or Manual 6-spd

Passenger volume99 cu ft

Cargo volume14 cu ft

5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$19,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2008 BMW M5 worth?

Low

$19,000

Typical price

$23,434

High

$30,700

From 13 comparable 2008 BMW M5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 BMW M5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$31,500

Fuel only$31,500

Per mile$0.42

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length

191.3 in

Width

72.8 in

Height

57.9 in

Wheelbase

113.8 in

Curb weight

4,035 lb

Front track

61.0 in

Rear track

61.8 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 BMW M5. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 56

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 56.

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024

The 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle Ã¢ÂÂdi…

Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

Bulletin B340714 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2023

Coolant is leaking from under the car which is equipped with the S63 engine. A low coolant warning might also be displayed (CC Message ID166).

Bulletin B170222 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2022

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

Bulletin B662419 · Equipment · Sep 2022

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the l…

Bulletin B340414 · Service Brakes, Air, Steering · Apr 2021

Discharged 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 led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers importa…

Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System, Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Equipment · Oct 2020

Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating…

Bulletin B110208 · Power Train, Electrical System · Apr 2020

Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress. Water ingress into the luggage compartment may cause various electrical problems or faults associated with the MPM (Micro Power Module); PDC (Park Distance Control); M-ASK (Multi-Audio System Controller); CC…

Bulletin 611306 · Electrical System, Structure · Jul 2019

"?CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLEMENT: WATER INTRUSION AND ACCUMULATION IN THE TRUNK (E60)/REAR CABIN WELL AREA (E61). INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) is has entered into a court approved ?nationwide settlement? with this Class Action?s lawsuit p…

Bulletin B012817 · Structure · Sep 2018

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the M5. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

About the BMW M5

The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH, built since 1984 with periodic interruptions. The M5 has continuously been produced in the saloon body style, in some countries also as an estate.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2008 BMW M5 trims & engines on record

Trims

Base

Engines

5.0L 10-cyl 500 hp

2008 BMW M5 vehicles on record

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB935X8CX09419

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93598CX10089

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93598CX10755

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93568CX10695

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93598CX09038

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB935X8CX08450

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93548CX09965

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93568CX09224

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93568CX08445

2008 BMW M5 BaseWBSNB93588CX08642

2008 BMW M5WBSNB935X8CX08786

2008 BMW M5WBSNB93518CX09633

2008 BMW M5WBSNB93598CX09251

2008 BMW M5WBSNB91040CX18290

2008 BMW M5WBSNB93519CX10959

Other BMW M5 model years

2008 BMW M5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 BMW M5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW M5?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW M5 get?

The 2008 BMW M5 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 17 highway).

How much is a 2008 BMW M5 worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW M5 listings run roughly $19,000–$30,700, typically around $23,434 (from 13 vehicles).

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