2008 BMW 5 Series problems

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

My vehicle had a faulty PCV valve that was under "Stop Drive," order. I received no correspondence from the federal safety agency nor from BMW of North America in regards to this. My BMW X-5 had significant issues that are directly associated with this issue. After contacting BMW of North America directly because I could not reach anyone at my nearest BMW Service Department, it was escalated twice to attempt to arrange for my vehicle that I unknowingly continued to drive. My vehicle has sat undriven since May of 2024. It was finally picked up, towed to the dealership for repairs related to the PCV recall. The PCV valve was replaced and my vehicle was returned to me in undriveable condition. None of the rough idle, burning smell or engine issues were attended to. They simply replaced the valve without further investigation into the damage done by continued driving of a "Stop Drive," order. BMW of North America is placing blame solely on the federal safety agency for not sending me correspondence relative to this recall. My vehicle was identified as having the faulty Takata airbags and I received all of the documents sent by both the federal safety agency and BMW USA. I now have a undriveable, unsafe vehicle due to the servicer simply replacing a recalled object but not the damage caused by continuing to drive a vehicle that should have had immediate service. Please advise what steps should be taken. Tara Catalano-Smith

Filed Nov 6, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 3 miles · MD

I was driving and bumped up against a sidewalk curve and my airbags deployed as well as my car shut off. It will not start another more and the hood underneath was on fire. (smoke was present).

Filed Aug 2, 2016 · Airbags · NY

Takata recall. Bmw is not doing enough to rectify the situation. I received a notice in march & 5 months later bmw dealers still do not have the parts to repair the airbags. How is it that this is acceptable?

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Lights, Seats · TX

Fraud activity possible clone refinanced identity theft remote access was put on unauthorized threat safety for owner. Two loan start dates one in repo

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 94,000 miles · TX

Just bought a used 2008 528i (e60) w/94k miles, in otherwise perfect condition. Went to change the angel eyes from drab yellow to lux LED's. Noticed bare wires on both sides of the bulb connectors, on both sides of the car. Tried to use electrical tape, just made more bare wire. The more I touched the wires, the more insulation flaked off, almost like a powder. I've never seen anything like it. Can't possibly be safe. Definitely a fire hazard. Neighbor brought over a bottle of liquid tape, and I re-coated all the bare wire I could see, making sure each wire was separated so a short would not occur. That is a good temporary fix. Will have to stay on top of this problem, since most, if not all, of the headlight wiring is made with bad, quickly degrading wire insulation. A real disappointment in otherwise good german quality and engineering. I guess the source procurer at the factory saved bmw some big bucks on that wire!! This is definitely a the federal safety agency safety recall issue. Tort lawyers should have a field day on this one. Photos of this problem are available at: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2132684-headlight-wire-jackets-just-flake-off

Filed Oct 31, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 139,000 miles · TX

Electrical wiring insulation/sheathing within the headlight unit/housing is showing signs of and or outright deterioration which in turn exposes bare wires within the headlight housing. At this point, the daytime running lamps have been the only effected lights but the wires for the headlights are also noticeably troubled. The issue is not speed, movement or area dependent. For further reference, I will provide a link to an owner's forum detailing other's dilemmas due to this exact issue: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798640 I look forward to a response.

Filed Apr 29, 2015 · Electrical · 48,000 miles · FL

( I am the original owner this vehicle) while replacing a burnt out headlight, I noticed that the insulation in the sealed headlight was missing. When I checked the opposite side, I found the same thing, the insulation was broken and missing. Being that this is a sealed headlight housing, I am unable to remove and repair the problem. Bmw parts stated that the wiring harness is not sold for those lights. One has to purchase a completely new headlight assembly at a average cost of $700.00+.

Filed Jan 22, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 79,000 miles · CA

Our 2007 bmw 530xi developed a steering wheel lock malfunction warning. A red steering wheel with a padlock appears on the dash screen with a warning on the computer. The steering wheel locks and unlocks perfectly every time. The car is drivable. The dealer says the steering lock module must be replaced for $600. I found that this is a rampant problem on bmws and that bmw corporation is aware of the problem. There should be a recall for this problem.

Filed Dec 22, 2014 · Visibility · 114,400 miles · IL

While traveling down the highway, I heard a loud noise - very loud - on the top of my car. It sounded like something fell or landed on the sunroof. I safely brought the car to a stop and then saw the huge hole in my sunroof!

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · SC

Gasoline is leaking from the fuel level sensor, which is accessed beneath the left rear passenger seat, due to a crack in the plastic housing. My independent mechanic who specializes in bmw repair, tells me this is a common problem with bmw and mercedes vehicles.