Does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW 5 Series, the most recent reported on March 2, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (40 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (36).

How many 2008 BMW 5 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 105 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 BMW 5 Series recalls and problems

3 recalls and 105 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 5 Series.

recalls

105

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 BMW 5 Series recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC · 917,106 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
The 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 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery, cables

NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · reported March 26, 2012 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 367,682 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
The risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
The 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist, vacuum

NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · reported October 1, 2010 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC · 198,352 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist may increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Fuel system, gasoline40
Engine and engine cooling36
Electrical system16
Exterior lighting7
Power train7
Fuel system, other5
Engine4
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Fuel/propulsion system3
Structure3

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 5, 2025 · Engine
My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the NHTSA nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach…

Nov 6, 2017 · Air bags · 3 miles
I WAS DRIVING AND BUMPED UP AGAINST A SIDEWALK CURVE AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AS WELL AS MY CAR SHUT OFF. IT WILL NOT START ANOTHER MORE AND THE HOOD UNDERNEATH WAS ON FIRE. (SMOKE WAS PRESENT).

Aug 2, 2016 · Air bags
TAKATA RECALL. BMW IS NOT DOING ENOUGH TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN MARCH & 5 MONTHS LATER BMW DEALERS STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE AIRBAGS. HOW IS IT THAT THIS IS ACCEPTABLE?

Mar 30, 2016 · Seats
FRAUD ACTIVITY POSSIBLE CLONE REFINANCED IDENTITY THEFT REMOTE ACCESS WAS PUT ON UNAUTHORIZED THREAT SAFETY FOR OWNER. TWO LOAN START DATES ONE IN REPO

Feb 16, 2016 · Electrical system · 94,000 miles
JUST BOUGHT A USED 2008 528I (E60) W/94K MILES, IN OTHERWISE PERFECT CONDITION. WENT TO CHANGE THE ANGEL EYES FROM DRAB YELLOW TO LUX LED'S. NOTICED BARE WIRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BULB CONNECTORS, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. TRIED TO USE ELECTRICAL TAPE, JUST MADE MORE BARE WIRE. THE MORE I TOUCHED THE WIRES, THE MORE…

5 Series model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2005	4	21	2	1
2006	7	85	4	2
2007	3	13	0	0
2008	3	105	1	3
2009	3	8	1	0
2010	5	6	0	0
2011	4	81	2	2

Across all years, the 2008 5 Series has the most complaints (105). All BMW 5 Series years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW 5 Series have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW 5 Series, the most recent reported on March 2, 2022 (Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 5 Series?: Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (40 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (36).
How many 2008 BMW 5 Series complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 105 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 5, 2025.