YearToAvoid

2008 BMW 535i Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#4 most-complained of 10 535i years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2008 BMW 535i has 74 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 67 out of 100 — #4 highest of 10 535i model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (32 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 4 fires and 1 injury.

Complaints
74
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 4
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
20
17 city / 26 hwy

Top 2008 BMW 535i problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine32 (43%)
  2. Electrical System25 (34%)
  3. Fuel System15 (20%)
  4. Airbags7 (9%)
  5. Seat Belts6 (8%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain6 (8%)
  7. Other5 (7%)
  8. Structure & Body4 (5%)
  9. Steering3 (4%)
  10. Brakes2 (3%)
2008 BMW 535i complaints: complaints filed per month7Oct 2011Dec 2012Mar 2014Nov 2014Mar 2016Jan 2017Aug 2018Sep 2020
106 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2011 to Jul 2023; peak May 2014 (7).

2008 BMW 535i recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. 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 535i fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
20 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$4,000
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 535i years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2008Caution6774120
2009Avoid8971119.5
2010Avoid7858120

All BMW 535i years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 BMW 535i a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 BMW 535i ranks #4 of 10 among 535i model years (Complaint Index 67/100, verdict: Caution). It has 74 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 535i?
The most reported problem areas are engine (32 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints), and fuel system (15 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 67,000 miles.
Does the 2008 BMW 535i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 BMW 535i, most recently reported 2013, covering electrical system.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 BMW 535i?
EPA rates the 2008 BMW 535i at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 26 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,000. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.