CarRecallDB

2008 BMW 535I recalls and problems

1 recall and 74 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW 535I.

1
recalls
74
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
4
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 535I recalls

Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 13V407000 · reported September 11, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC · 134,100 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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-signal, reverse).
The risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 [email protected].

Most reported problems

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

What owners report

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

Jul 1, 2023 · Unknown or other

here is wisdom; traffic circles; eliminate collisions 98% cut pollution fossil fuels & signal electricity 98%; cut manhour prevailing wages 98% employee med sick vac and retirement 98% and equipment maintenance 98% yes 98% of wasted taxpayer revenue allotted to traffic signal intersections can begin to be wasted…

Oct 2, 2021 · Air bags

The vehicle front passenger seat sensor MAT (SRS) failure. This is a safety-related issue. The same item was recalled for prior years' models. A recall should issued be for this model and and year.

Feb 24, 2021 · Fuel/propulsion system · 97,000 miles

HPFP IS GOING BAD ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON LONG CRANK START

Nov 4, 2020 · Engine · 138,000 miles · fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHEN WARNING MESSAGE OF "ENGINE HOT AND DRIVE MODERATELY" WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUCTIONAL PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN SAW SMOKE EXITING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS…

Sep 21, 2020 · Unknown or other · 155,400 miles

COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF SMOKE ARE RELEASED UPON START AND NOW IT SMOKES EVEN WORSE NO MATTER WHAT. IT USED TO STOP BUT NOT ANYMORE. SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS. I NOTICED MY CAR COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING EVERYWHERE AND THEN IT RAN OK BUT AS SOON AS I GOT HOME MY CAR SMOKED AND SMOKED SO…

535I model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2008 17404
2009 17122
2010 15833
2011 411256

Across all years, the 2011 535I has the most complaints (112). All BMW 535I years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 BMW 535I, the most recent reported on September 11, 2013 (Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 535I?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (27 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (16).
How many 2008 BMW 535I complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 74 complaints report a crash and 4 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 July 1, 2023.