Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW M5, 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 M5?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (2 complaints), followed by engine (2).

How many 2008 BMW M5 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 6 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2008 BMW M5 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M5.

recalls

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 M5 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].

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.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system2
Engine2
Air bags1
Electronic stability control (ESC)1
Equipment adaptive/mobility1
Exterior lighting1
Power train1
Seats1
Service brakes1
Steering1

What owners report

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

Apr 26, 2021 · Engine · 45,000 miles · fire reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO REVERSE AND A LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEARD AS FLAMES WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SCREAM TO HIM…

Jun 8, 2020 · Service brakes · 40,480 miles
WHILE DRIVING MY BMW M5, THE VEHICLE BECAME MOMENTARILY UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING ON STATE ROUTE 52 BETWEEN WALKER VALLEY AND ELLENVILLE AROUND A TURN @ ~50MPH. SHORTLY AFTER THE ABS AND DSC LIGHTS BECAME ILLUMINATED. I HAVE SEVERAL VEHICLES SO I DID NOT DRIVE THIS CAR AND COULD NOT GET REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY DUE TO…

Sep 27, 2019 · Electrical system · 80,000 miles · fire reported
ALL WIRES LEADING INTO THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE DETERIORATED AND ARE BARE. IT KEEPS SHORTING OUT THE LIGHTS AND SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD. THIS IS A GARAGE KEPT CAR WITH 80K MILES. APPEARS MANY MANY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP.

Mar 25, 2018 · Engine · 86,000 miles
VANOS, ENGINE

Jul 8, 2015 · Electrical system · 65,000 miles
THE SUNROOF DRAINS OF MY VEHICLE OVERFILL OR CLOG CAUSING WATER TO LEAK IN THE TRUNK AND WHEEL WELL. THE CARS WHEEL WELL HOLDS THE CARS BATTERY, RDC, AND PDC MODULES. SURROUNDED BY FOAM WHEN WATER REACHES THE MODULES THEY ARC AND SPARK CAUSING THEM TO HEAT UP AND MELT. ALSO LOCATED IN THE TRUNK IS SEVERAL OTHER…

M5 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2006	1	39	1	0
2007	1	6	0	0
2008	2	6	1	2
2009	2	0	0	0
2010	2	1	0	0

All BMW M5 years →

Questions

Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW M5, 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 M5?: Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (2 complaints), followed by engine (2).
How many 2008 BMW M5 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 6 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 26, 2021.