2008 BMW 535XI problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 2008 BMW 535XI with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 21.1% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 13%.
Complaints123
Crashes0
Fires8
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 21.1% · 26
Engine 13.0% · 16
Fuel/propulsion system 10.6% · 13
Air bags 10.6% · 13
Exterior lighting 8.9% · 11
Power train 6.5% · 8
Seat belts 4.9% · 6
Seats 4.1% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 8 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 90,230 miles.
In owners' own words
The rear rail light warning started flashing intermittently and then rear tail light permanently failed. Inspection of rear tail light showed melting of plastic around ground wire connection to lighting assembly and damage to both light assembly and the wiring. Quick internet search revealed that this was a very common problem in bmws due to inadequate capacity of ground wiring. Electrical system · reported at 55,000 miles
Wiring and rear diversity antenna can become wet under rear hatch fairing. This has caused the comfort access to work with reduced range and or not work at all. Wiring harness on both right and left side have severed cables from opening and closing rear window portion of hatch. Electrical system · reported at 71,000 miles
The ground connection to the right rear light assembly failed. This resulted in the right rear lights and turn signal not operating. The connector to the wiring harness was melted and the tab on the lamp socket housing (where the connector plugs in) was damaged. Electrical system · reported at 105,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…