2008 BMW M5 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 BMW M5 has a complaint index of 86 and ranks 3rd worst out of 15 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 6 complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 fires, with electrical and engine problems tied as top concerns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 86/100
- #3 of 15 M5 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 6
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 13
- 11 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2008 BMW M5 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System2 (33%)
- Engine2 (33%)
- Airbags1 (17%)
- Brakes1 (17%)
- Other1 (17%)
- Steering1 (17%)
- Structure & Body1 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (17%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Headlight wiring insulation deteriorates and exposes bare wires, which owners describe as a fire hazard.
- Sunroof drains overflow or clog, letting water reach the battery and control modules in the wheel well and causing them to arc, spark, and melt.
- A loud popping noise and flames were reported coming from underneath the vehicle while shifting into reverse to parallel park, with no warning lights on beforehand.
- ABS and dynamic stability control warning lights illuminated after the car felt momentarily unstable while cornering.
- Airbags failed to deploy in a multi-impact rear-then-front collision.
2008 BMW M5 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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].
- NHTSA 12V126000Mar 26, 2012Electrical System367,682 vehicles
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 5-series, model year 2004-2010 6-series, model year 2006-2010 m5, and model year 2007-2010 m6 vehicles. The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.
Risk: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Remedy: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on april 30, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
2008 BMW M5 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 11 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 13 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $6,150
- 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 M5 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW M5 reliable?
- Compared to other M5 model years, 2008 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 86 and sits 3rd worst out of 15 years tracked, which is why it carries an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems on the 2008 BMW M5?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System and Engine complaints tied as the top problem areas, each making up 33% of complaints, followed by smaller shares in airbags, brakes, steering, structure, and transmission.
- Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 M5, both involving the electrical system: a rear taillight bulb carrier issue and a battery cable connector insulation problem.
- At what mileage do 2008 M5 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by area, with electrical complaints around 72,500 miles, engine complaints around 65,500 miles, and brake and steering complaints around 40,480 miles.
- Are fires a concern on the 2008 BMW M5?
- NHTSA data shows 2 fire reports for the 2008 M5, tied to electrical wiring and an engine bay incident during parking.