2008 BMW 535I: engine overheating

Filed Sep 17, 2018 · Engine · 92,330 miles · GA

The electric water pump failed. The system did not show any visible warning on the dashboard at time of failure even though the ecu registered a failure code internally when it detected that the pump had stopped working (as compared to mileage/timestamps from diagnostic codes at the time of failure). Some time later suddenly the system displayed an engine overheat warning and lost power in the middle of the road. Driving at about 35-40mph on a local highway.

Filed Nov 20, 2015 · Engine · 101,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw model 535i. While driving 50 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated and indicated that the vehicle was overheating. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 11v521000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2015 · Engine · 88,000 miles · IL

While driving at 45 MPH, yellow warning light indicating the car was overheating came on. A few seconds later the light turned red and indicated to stop the vehicle and shut the engine off. Vehicle lost all power and I came to a stop. It was towed to the shop and I was informed that the water pump and thermostat needed to be replaced adding that it was a common failure in the bmw. Vehicle had recently been serviced at bmw dealer.

Filed Nov 25, 2014 · Engine · 81,068 miles · GA

2008 bmw 535i @70 MPH, , when, with no warning, large red warning light appears, "engine overheated - turn off engine." light came on suddenly and engine died ,. Barely able to get to the side of the road. Discovered the problem was an immediate failure of the electric water pump which causes sudden engine loss placing me@ danger. This problem has been reported by many drivers to bmw (see online forums) and they know this is a serious problem but have not issued recall notices on the electric water pumps on their vehicles. The complaint is reported on every forum regarding the car, as well as on this site. Please advise what it takes to reach the level of a recall.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 55,000 miles · CA

Driving a 2008 bmw 535i at highway speed, approximately 50 MPH, when, with no warning, large red warning light appears, "engine overheated - turn off engine." light came on suddenly and engine died to 5 MPH and then stopped running. Barely able to get to the side of the road and in great danger from trucks bearing down on a mountainous curving california highway. Discovered the problem was an immediate failure of the electric water pump which causes sudden engine loss placing the driver in grave danger. This problem has been reported by many drivers to bmw (see online forums) and they know this is a serious problem but have not issued recall notices on the electric water pumps on their vehicles. They previously issued recalls on the high pressure fuel pumps but this also requires a recall as the car abruptly dies at highway speed.

Filed May 27, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 43,750 miles · CA

We were stopped and waiting at a red light then pressed accelerator when the light turned green. The car starts moving then suddenly loses all power within seconds while entering a very busy freeway onramp. After losing power and car is dead, a warning message appears. Warning says car is "overheated and to stop, danger of burns with hot water pump." car had not been driven for 2 hours prior to incident. There was absolutely no warning before losing all power and control of the car. Had to have car towed to dealer. Dealer replaced the water pump and did not explain the sudden loss of power or lack of warning. The car has had multiple problems with the high pressure fuel pump. The car also has had several warnings of sudden power loss that the dealer is unable to diagnose. The sudden stop on the freeway caused us to be nearly rear-ended a few times before the police came.

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · OR

Driving on highway, panel indicates that the temperature is high, and advises to drive moderately. Pulled over one lane. Before being able to pull over completely, a new indication shows on the panel, instructing that the engine is overheated. Vehicle quickly powers down in the middle of the highway. Unable to pull off to the side before the car is traveling under 20 MPH. Limped to the road side with other cars buzzing by at dangerously different speeds as compared to my own. I was finally able to pull off to the side of the highway while going less than 5 MPH, causing other drivers to slam their brakes and honk profusely at me. The deceleration happened very quickly. With lots of traffic, this created a dangerous and difficult situation to manage in the middle of rush hour. The fact that a crash did not occur is a matter of luck. After pulling off to the side and letting the car cool for several minutes, I was able to restart and drive slowly, long enough to get off the highway at the next exit, about 500 feet away. Called for a tow truck. Car is now at dealer.

Filed Sep 14, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 42,300 miles · CO

While driving on the highway, the car indicated an engine malfunction and within seconds the message changed to engine overheating and that engine is operating at reduced output. It also advised to stop the car immediately and call the nearest bmw dealer. I had the car towed to a bmw dealer and they identified issue as a failed waterpump. The water pump was replaced for about $1,400. 3 months later, a similar issue occurred where engine was having issues and the message said that the engine is operating at reduced speed but that it is safe to continue. Took the car back to dealer and they could not find any issues; but just to be safe (whatever that means) they reprogrammed the battery and the bill was $126. Again, with no specific issue identified or resolved.

Filed Jun 14, 2013 · Electrical · 50,700 miles · CO

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.

Filed Jan 22, 2013 · Engine · 37,000 miles · LA

Driving my dad to er for medical emergency and driving within speed limit. Car begins to slow down on own. Could not go more than 5mph when car shut down and stated engine overheated. We were stalled on busy highway. Once able to get someone to transport my father to er, had to get car towed. Water pump had to be replaced for no fault of mine. My sister also has bmw 2008 3 series and same thing happened to her yesterday---stranded on side of road--water pump had to be changed. Tow truck driver stated he is towing bmw's all the time with malfunctioning water pumps. This really needs to be looked into before something bad happens to stranded drivers.

Filed Jul 5, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 52,187 miles · LA

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.