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2008 BMW 535I engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 27 of 27, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 BMW 535I engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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 Apr 2, 2015 · Engine · 65,000 miles · FL

Vehicle loss power while driving on hwy and idle rough. And check engine light came on.

Filed Jan 30, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 74,500 miles · CA

I drove to work and the engine light was on that morning. The car drove as normal. I was driving home from work at approximately 6:30 p.m on a busy interstate in the middle lane traveling approx. 65 MPH when the car began to shake and lose power. It automatically shifted into neutral and lose power. I had to maneuver to the shoulder in heavy traffic with no power. After turning on my hazard lights, I was able to safely get to the shoulder. The car was towed home. After a few days, we were able to drive it to the repair shop (not bmw) and was initially told that sensors were bad. Replaced them and a few days later, the same engine warning light came on again. This time I was told that it was bad injectors and that the fuel is burning to rich. Bmw had previously replaced 2 of the injectors about 2 years ago. The car only had approximately 35k miles at that time and needed injectors replaced. Why they only replaced 2, is incomprehensible. Thankfully, the car was under warranty at that time, unfortunately for me, it is no longer under warranty and now I have to foot the $2k bill to have them replaced. Bmw should be held accountable to its owners and replace these injectors since there are so many reported problems. There is obviously an issue with the injectors. These cars are not inexpensive to purchase and it is unfair to be stuck with these high repair bills when there is a know problem and reported by so many bmw owners. First, it was my water pump, and now the fuel injectors. This is my second bmw. I previously owned the 328 and it had lifters replaced after about 8 months. I will not purchase another bmw - probably go with lexus! Shame on bmw for not taking ownership of this problem..

Filed Dec 16, 2014 · Engine · 95,100 miles · GA

Drove the car home from work the day before. Went out the next day to start the vehicle and it was shaking and vibrating tremendously. I had it towed to the bmw dealership that stated the injectors were bad and needed to be replaced for $1,700.00. They then called me back and stated the dm e was also bad and the codes didn't pick it up in the beginning. They then asked for an additional $1,800.00. I picked up my car after repairs and did not make it home before the check engine light came on and lost power. Took it back to the bmw dealership who then stated it was the turbos that was bad and it would be an additional $5,600.!!!! I am not pleased with the 535i. I have wanted a bmw all of my life and I finally get one and it's been a nightmare. The water pump went out two months after I purchased it for $1,700.00! The bmw 535i has been one headache after the next and I feel like I was sold a used lemon of a car!!! I bought it from a certified bmw dealership!!! What a rip off!!! I called bmw of north america and they refused to offer assistance with repairs and so did the dealership!!! I feel like I've been robbed!!!

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 · Acceleration, Engine · 98,000 miles · GA

During highway traveling upon acceleration to change lanes the car began to lose power and stall. A engine malfunction light came/reduced power. I had to drive the car about 45 MPH because it began to shake as if it was going to cut off. Dealership advised that is was not the hpfp (high pressure fuel pump). I was told that all six fuel injectors needed to be replaced. This car can be very dangerous to drive on the highway because of its unreliability!

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 May 23, 2014 · Engine · 21,200 miles · CA

Engine losses power while driving on highway, engine malfunction light comes on with warnings of engine reduced power.took it to bmw fremont, they found the vanos solenoid valves exhaust faulty, replaced both solenoids and performed an oil service with fuel injection/induction service. This time bmw na paid 85% of the bill as a one time goodwill!

Filed May 23, 2014 · Engine · 18,760 miles · CA

Driving at 30mph,engines power suddenly reduced,engine malfunction light comes on . Took the car to bmw fremont, they found the intake camshaft position sensors faulty.they replaced camshaft sensors,pulse generator,o-ring and torque screw.as advised by the service agent had to do an oil, oilfilter change and fuel injection service to prevent default on the warranty of parts put in. As the car was out of the warranty period(even though it has a very low mileage of 18760) so had to pay $1235 out of pocket. At 19350miles the similar issue came up, took it back to bmw fremont, they found faults stored in dme,2a7c variable camshaft timing control intake cold start 1 time not currently present,cleared faults and customer to monitor.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Engine · 58,000 miles · CA

Drove car for appx 1 mile. Stopped for 10mins at a store. When I started it back up, a fan was louder than usual. I then recieved a high heat warning telling me to drive moderately or risk over heating. After a few more miles, I recieved a warning to stop the vehicle immediately due to excessive heat and not to open the hood for risk of burns. The vehicle slowed to a crawl. Luckily I was a few blocks from home. Next morning I took it to a non-bmw service center who said that the water pump malfunctioned ($950). There was a recall for certain 2008 models for the water pump. I confirmed with bmw that this model was not included. Based on similar complaints online, I believe it should be.

Filed Oct 21, 2013 · Engine, Lights · 70,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, smoke emitted from the outside rear of the vehicle and the engine coolant warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician informed the contact that the rear passenger's side tail light wires had failed and were completely burned. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 13v407000 (exterior lighting) and 12e029000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in either of the recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

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 18, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 102,000 miles · SC

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.

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.

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