While driving about 35 MPH on a busy street at rush hour I prepared to make a right turn by indicating. The fast turn single flashing started and the computer system in my 2008 535i said rear turn single malfunction. I slowed to my the turn and the person behind me slammed on their brakes and swerved to avoid hitting me and almost crashed into the person next them. I didn't realize why this happened, so I pulled over to check my lighting system and realized that the right rear lights weren't functioning properly. I opened the rear brake compartment and smelled burning melted plastic. I disconnected the brake light connector and found that it was melted. I searched online and found that there is a the federal safety agency recall for this problem for my year car. When I went to beverly hills bmw I was turned away. They told me that there wasn't a recall that covered my car. They were very rude about the whole and basically told me that I'd have to deal with myself and cover the costs. After more research, I have found many complaints about this online: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571079 appears to have been going on for a long time. But, bmw has been avoiding the safety issue!!! Please file a complaint and get this safety issue resolved before someone dies as a result.
2008 BMW 535I electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 15 of 15, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I just had to have my water pump and thermostat replaced on my 2008 535i. I was told that it happens so often, they keep the part on the shelf! Are there really no recalls on this problem?? Also, my right tail light shorted out. I asked the shop why...he said this also happens all the time. The wires fry! Not cool.I really think someone needs to investigate this. When I was told they replace them all of the time, I was shocked. That cost me $1102.62 to fix. The guy who towed me said he makes several trips a week for people with the same problem.
As I was driving home on the highway my engine overheated very quickly. It went into serious limp mode and slowed down to under 30mph in the middle lane of a wide freeway. I let it cool for over 20 minutes, and it overheated within 1 minute of turning it back on. I had to have it towed to my mechanic and he determined the water pump had failed. I started doing some research online and it turns out to be a very common issue. I read many many complaints of people having electrical water pump failures before 75,000 miles. Without a water pump you must have the car towed and its a very expensive fix. Bmw/mini have had many cars with problematic water pumps in the past and they never do anything about it. This issue needs to result in a recall.
Right rear brake light failure indicator on dash board turned on. Inspecting the light bulbs, all seemed to be in working condition. Fuses were also good. Found the ground wire pin and socket on the bulb holder burned out pretty severely. Problem appears to be intermittent as the indicator would turn on and off before eventually staying on permanently. Also, indicator would show turn signal failure at first, then brake light, then right back up light, then all three. Eventually it settled in on brake light only. Potential for accidents related to turn signals not working and warning other drivers of braking and/or turning. Also potential for an electrical fire beginning in the rear of the vehicle close to where the fuel filler cap is located. Checking online forums for a repair, it appears to be a common problem, and the subject of an earlier recall on other bmw models.
While driving, the entire electrical panel [speedometer, radio, display screen, etc.] begin to click on/off each time reappearing with appeared to be everything but english. Soon to follow, I received a warning light indicating "engine overheated", "engine power was being reduced", and "to stop the vehicle" when possible. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of traffic and could not immediately pull off to the shoulder. The vehicle didn't travel very far before complete engine power was lost due to the possibility of "fire risk" as indicated on the panel.
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