2008 BMW 535I problems
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2008 BMW 535I with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 23.3% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 13.8%.
Complaints116
Crashes0
Fires7
Injuries1
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 23.3% · 27
Exterior lighting 13.8% · 16
Electrical system 12.9% · 15
Fuel/propulsion system 11.2% · 13
Vehicle speed control 7.8% · 9
Air bags 6.0% · 7
Power train 5.2% · 6
Seat belts 5.2% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a fire and 1 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the BMW 535I in this data, 2008 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2011 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 26 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 70,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2008 BMW model 535I. While driving 50 mph, an unknown warning light illuminated and indicated that the vehicle was overheating. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 11v521000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000. Engine · reported at 101,000 miles
Engine losses power while driving on highway, engine malfunction light comes on with warnings of engine reduced power.Took it to BMW fremont, they found the vanos solenoid valves exhaust faulty, replaced both solenoids and performed an oil service with fuel injection/induction service. This time BMW na paid 85% of the bill as a one time goodwill! Engine · reported at 21,200 miles
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 · reported at 145,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…