2008 BMW 535i recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW 535i has 1 safety recall and 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 4

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW 535i vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW 535i recalls

Recall 13V-407: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 11, 2013 · 134,100 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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).

Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

2008 BMW 535i problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	27
Exterior Lighting	16
Electrical System	15
Fuel/Propulsion System	13
Vehicle Speed Control	9
Air Bags	7
Power Train	6
Seat Belts	6
Unknown or Other	5
Steering	3
Seats	3
Service Brakes	2

Most reported parts

Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 BMW 535i complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Oct 2, 2021

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.

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

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 able to extinguish the fire with a bottle of water she had in hand. No fire or police report was filed. The contact was currently waiting to have the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had…

Unknown or Other · at 155,400 miles · reported Sep 21, 2020

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 much I was barely able to get into a spot

Engine · at 145,000 miles · reported Mar 18, 2020

I was driving home stopped at a red light , then turned green went to accelerate car took off and lost all power would not move pressing accelerator and 2 semi trucks coming real fast from cross traffic almost killed me light turned red for me and green for semi trailers with no time to exit car.

Engine · at 200,000 miles · reported Mar 6, 2020

The contact owns a 2008 bmw 5351. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed of a misfire cylinder # 2. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer was contacted and stated the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Other BMW 535i years

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 20092008

Compare all BMW 535i years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW 535i have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 BMW 535i: 13V-407 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 535i?

Owners report engine problems most often (27 reports), followed by exterior lighting (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.