2008 BMW 5 Series: engine stalls while driving

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Engine · 59,500 miles · OH

Tl- the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the vehicle overheated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the dealer advised the contact that the electrical water pump and thermostat malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. There were no recalls for the failure of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 59,500. Kmj

Filed Mar 9, 2011 · Electrical · 27,500 miles · FL

Our 2008 bmw 528i has an electrical problem in which the vehicle does not have the capability of charging the battery if the vehicle is driven short distances or multiple stops. This causes the battery to run down and the vehicle to become inoperative. The vehicle will stop and not start. After four (4) trips to the dealer (trucked twice) the dealer has determined that it is an operator problem and the vehicle should be plugged into and electrical battery charger when not in use. Additionally, they indicated the vehicle should be taken daily for drives of more than 20 miles to hopefully charge the battery. The issue has us in fear of the vehicle stalling in traffic and creating a serious safety issue.

Filed Nov 6, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 22,750 miles · WI

I purchased a certified, pre-owned 2008 bmw 535xi with approx. 22,000 miles on 10/23/10. Subsequent to my purchase, I discovered the high-pressure fuel pump in the vehicle had earlier failed and been replaced. On 10/28/10, just 5 days after purchasing - I was driving on a surface street when the car began violently shaking and rocking, the engine lost substantial power and nearly stalled, and the engine malfunction indicator lit. I took the vehicle in for service on 10/28/10 and the vehicle was returned 10/30/10. 3 of 4 fuel injectors were replaced along with all sparkplugs. At high speeds, this type of engine malfunction would pose an extreme safety risk in my opinion. I have contacted bmw USA and the dealership where I purchased the vehicle and I have not been satisfied with the response to-date.

Filed Aug 5, 2010 · Electrical, Fuel system · 28,300 miles · TX

Have had 3 separate instances in the past 9 months where my car stalled or sputtered with loss of power , and once I had no steering or braking ability. Dangerous situation in freeway traffic.

Filed May 19, 2010 · Fuel system · 7,000 miles · NY

The n54 engine in the bmw is a hazard-I almost got killed when my car stalled on the road-bmw replaced the hp fuel pump 3x already and the car is less than 3 years old. These engines need to be replaced as there is a design flaw. Do people have to die to fix the problem?

Filed Apr 26, 2010 · Fuel system · 38,202 miles · NC

While driving at highway speed, the car began to run very roughly. A warning light and warning message appeared, indicating that there was an engine problem. We pulled off the highway and into a parking lot. We stopped the engine, waited a few minutes and restarted the car. The car continued to run roughly but there was no warning light or message. We continued on to our destination (shopping). When we finished our shopping, I started the car and it continued to run roughly and the same warning light and message appeared. I wanted to drive the car to the dealer for service but when I pulled out of the parking space the car stalled. I restarted the car, drove it about 100 feet into another parking lot and had the car towed to the dealer. When I described the problem at the dealership, a service rep indicated that they thought it was the fuel pump. I heard that this has been a recurring problem. The dealer was not able to replace the pump without getting authorization from bmw because bmw had has so many fuel pump problems. A failure at highway speed that would cause the car to stall is a dangerous condition.

Filed Mar 25, 2010 · Fuel system · 37,500 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535xi. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH. There was a sudden reduction in the engine power for 30 seconds. The engine shuttered and stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the fuel pump was replaced. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on a separate occasion and the computerized system software was updated. The vehicle was being diagnosed by the dealer when the complaint was filed. The manufacturer has not addressed the fuel pump failure. The failure and current mileages were 37,500.

Filed Oct 15, 2009 · Engine · 26,000 miles · TX

Car in for service for the third time. The first two times, high-pressure fuel pump was replaced. This time, 2 fuel injectors and plugs will be replaced. Symptoms have been the same each time - engine light comes on, low power message is displayed and car runs extremely rough. One incident required the vehicle to be towed to the shop as it stalled while driving and would not re-start. Based on information on this site and in the bmw forums, I am concerned that the car is not being adequately repaired, but just patched. I do not feel comfortable driving a car that might stall or lose significant power while driving in highway conditions.

Filed Jan 20, 2009 · Fuel system · 16,495 miles · CA

I want to voice my utmost dissatisfaction with my 535i(customer #113894) thus far based on following details. Service date: 5/22/08, mileage: 7592, vehicle experienced difficulty starting ignition. Your service department replaced "high pressure fuel pump." service date: 1/17/09, mileage: 16495, vehicle displayed message, "engine malfunction, reduced speed" then engine stalled during driving in 5 freeway. Your service department replaced "high pressure fuel pump." latest episode happened driving in 5 freeway with my two kids in back seat. Car stalled in the middle of freeway and I've had close call with semi truck coming right behind me. I thought he was going to slam right into me! Needless to this experience have given me a scare and fear for my kids' safety, which prompted me to file a complain with the federal safety agency. This 535i is my first bmw and it will probably be my last one. I've had acuras before this vehicle and had not had this type of life threatening vehicle malfunction.