2008 BMW 528i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 BMW 528i has a complaint index of 100, the worst of all 10 model years with data, and ranks 1st in complaints (118) with 16 fires reported. It carries an Avoid verdict, driven mainly by electrical system problems (39% of complaints) and engine issues (30%).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 10 528i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 118
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 16
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 BMW 528i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System46 (39%)
- Engine35 (30%)
- Fuel System15 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain15 (13%)
- Airbags14 (12%)
- Seat Belts9 (8%)
- Other8 (7%)
- Structure & Body6 (5%)
- Brakes2 (2%)
- Steering1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Rear light assembly connectors melt, cutting out turn signals and brake lights while driving.
- Battery cables and wiring corrode, producing burning odors in the trunk and preventing the engine from starting.
- Seat heating elements overheat, leaving burn holes in the driver seat backrest.
- Smoke and cracking noises come from under the hood while driving, sometimes tied to the PCV valve heater recall.
- The engine stalls without warning, with oil housing filter melting and spark plugs over-volting.
- Headlight housings and 'angel eye' light rings burn out due to socket wiring problems.
2008 BMW 528i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V407000Sep 11, 2013Electrical System134,100 vehicles
Exterior lighting:tail lights
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.
Remedy: 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].
2008 BMW 528i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other 528i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW 528i reliable?
- Among 528i model years with data, 2008 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 118 complaints and 16 reported fires, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 528i?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the electrical system (39% of complaints, median mileage 83,000) and engine issues (30% of complaints, median mileage 112,000), including melted connectors, wiring failures, and smoke from the engine bay.
- Does the 2008 BMW 528i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a PCV valve heater replacement on the engine (campaign 17V683000) and one for rear lamp bulb carrier electrical contacts (campaign 13V407000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What year BMW 528i should I avoid?
- The 2008, 2011, and 2012 model years all carry an Avoid verdict, with 2008 having the highest complaint index at 100 compared to 89 and 78 for 2011 and 2012.
- Which BMW 528i model year is best?
- The 2014 528i has the lowest complaint index (22) among the years with data and carries a Best verdict, compared to 2008's index of 100.