2008 BMW 528i Engine Problems
NHTSA logged 35 engine complaints for the 2008 BMW 528i, 30% of all complaints for the year, with 11 fires reported and a median failure mileage of 112,000. A related recall (17V683000) covers PCV valve heater replacement to reduce fire risk.
- Engine complaints
- 35
- 30% of 118 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 118
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 11
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 112,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Smoke or a burning plastic odor appears from the engine compartment while driving at highway speed, sometimes with a loud cracking noise and the check engine light on.
- Several owners describe engine compartment fires, including cases where flames appeared after parking or while cruising and the vehicle was towed home or destroyed.
- Some drivers report the engine stalling or losing power suddenly, later diagnosed as a melted oil filter housing, failed eccentric shaft sensor, or excess spark plug voltage.
- One complaint describes an oil leak from the valve cover onto the exhaust manifold with broken valve cover bolts, flagged as a fire hazard.
- Multiple owners had already received the NHTSA recall notice for the PCV valve heater but experienced smoke or fire before parts were available for repair.
When 2008 BMW 528i engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 3, 2014, latest Nov 17, 2024.
Engine recalls for the 2008 BMW 528i
- 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.
Engine complaints by 528i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2008 BMW 528i?
- NHTSA lists 35 engine complaints for this year, making up 30% of all 118 complaints filed for the 2008 528i.
- Is there a fire risk with the 2008 BMW 528i engine?
- Yes. NHTSA complaints in this area include 11 fires and 1 injury, with a median failure mileage of 112,000.
- Is there a recall for the 2008 BMW 528i engine?
- Yes, recall campaign 17V683000 covers the engine on 2008-2011 528i and related models; BMW replaces the PCV valve heater free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2008 528i?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median failure mileage of 112,000 for engine-related issues on this model year.
- What kind of engine failures do owners describe?
- Owners report smoke or fire from the engine compartment, sudden stalling, oil leaks near the exhaust manifold, and failed components like the eccentric shaft sensor.