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2008 BMW 528I: check engine light

8 of the 118 complaints about the 2008 BMW 528I describe check engine light.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
100,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 8 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Dec 19, 2022 · Transmission · CA

Transmission system is not functioning properly. The shifter automatically shifts into "N" or "P" when shifting into "D" or "R". The instrument cluster displays "transmission malfunction". Check engine light comes on. The code is P17E1 "Ratio monitoring clutch "A"

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lunged forward and jerked significantly. The contact released the accelerator pedal and the failure stopped temporarily. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The contact stated that whenever the failure occurred, she would veer to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would restart on some occasions and would fail to restart on other occasions. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where the battery was replaced. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic on two occasions. The independent mechanic replaced the battery and fuses. However, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a strong burning odor and she noticed smoke in the rear of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road, where she noticed flames on the rear driver's side of the vehicle where the gas tank was located. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact also saw flames underneath the hood. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of fire extinguishers and the fire department. A fire department was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic. The independent mechanic jumpstarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The contact later received a recall notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which she associated with the failure. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed May 13, 2022 · Engine, Seat belts · 111,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was overheating. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure recurred and the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where the battery and spark plugs were replaced however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times. The solenoid and the PCV valve were replaced. The contact stated that the seat belt and driver's side headlight harness connector were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to the floorboard and the vehicle surged. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into drive and there was smoke coming out from the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light and the warning message "Transmission Malfunction" illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Hendrick BMW Certified Pre-Owned South Charlotte (9029 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273) where the gear shifter was replaced however, the failure persisted. The second dealer informed the contact that the transmission, the solenoid, and the mechatronics unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 124,000 miles · MA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 528i. The contact stated that there was an oil leak, the steering wheel seized, the battery and check engine indicators flashed, and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the contact noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair facility for diagnostic testing, but the results were unknown. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling), but the contact did not receive a recall notification. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failures. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2018 · Engine · 86,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 528i. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood and a loud cracking noise. The check engine indicator illuminated before and during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) and was informed by bmw of bayside (266 e shore rd, great neck, ny 11023) that parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. - (recall related incident) ts

Filed Feb 18, 2017 · Lights · 61,500 miles · GA

I purchased a used 2008 bmw 528i mid-january of 2017. It was well maintained, a single owner vehicle with just over 60k miles. It has a clean carfax and a well documented history of regular maintenance at a bmw dealership in orlando, fl. After having the vehicle for just over 3 weeks, the passenger side day time running lamp went out. I received a "malfunction indicator lamp" (mil) on the dash so I investigated. Being at home and the vehicle in the garage, I removed the cover to the associated bulb, I noticed bare wiring that was associated with the plug-in connector (there are two wires). I thought this unusual and strange. I subsequently replaced the bulb but that did not repair the fault. Since the insulation on the faulty wiring was in contact with each other, it was providing a ground and shorting out the bulb. This could represent a potential for causing a fire and hazardous situation. Further research via the internet (forums), I was astounded at the amount of consumers who have expressed concern to bmw about this problem. Hella is the manufacturer of the headlight assembly for bmw. I am unsure at this time if bmw has expressed concern to hella of the potential liability associated with their substandard wiring in the headlight assembly. It appears over a 5-8 year period of use that the insulation is being subjected to high temperatures that cause brittleness, fractures and finally degrade to where the wiring becomes exposed. Bmw is aware of this issue but does not appear concerned or motivated to resolve this problem. I am sure that there concerns revolve around profit margins, but I feel where safety is of concern, money should not be the reason for not correcting a problem. I respectfully request that investigation be conducted in order to discern the potential impact to consumers should this problem not be corrected by the manufacturer.

Filed Mar 1, 2015 · Engine · 100,000 miles · GA

I have 2 different issues. The 1st one is when I try to accelerate quickly my check engine light comes on and my care starts to shake. Today while my car was parked my car had shook and then my engine sign popped up and it gave me a message that said "engine malfunction engine has lost power.

Filed Jan 3, 2014 · Engine · 30,342 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 bmw 528i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the tank vent valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was 30,342.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported October 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 BMW 528I check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2008 BMW 528I?

8 of 118 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW 528I (7%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 BMW 528I?

There is 1 recall and 8 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 BMW 528I

Headlights 22Fire or smoke 12Stalling 8Fuel leak 6Jerking 6Fuel smell 5

All model years of the BMW 528I

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