Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535xi. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle overheating warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electric water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
2008 BMW 535XI electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 26 of 26, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I purchased my certified pre-owned 2008 bmw 535xi sports wagon from concord bmw on 09.01.2015 with 81,759 miles on it. On december 15, 2015 I was traveling at freeway speed when the rear air springs fully collapsed. I brought the vehicle to concord bmw's service department that very same day to determine what caused the failure. On december 17, 2015 I received an email repair estimate from bmw concord service advisor joey tiongson for $24,188.17 (I purchased the used vehicle for $17,400.00).the diagnosis was that clogged sunroof drains allowed water to travel down the framework of the vehicle and flood all the electronic modules. Timing of this incident is such that mid-december 2015 produced the first rainfall in our area due to california drought. My car was not exposed to any significant water prior to these first rains. I believe that this is a manufacture defect and that this vehicle was sold to me with this pre-existing condition of which I was never advised. My research after this incident indicates that other bmw owners have had similar problems but not to this magnitude. Bmw has also issued service bulletins advising dealerships of this problem.
I purchased a 2008 bmw 5 series wagon 9/1/2015 on california had its first rain storm causing catastrophic failure of the entire electrical system of the bmw resulting in a complete loss 12/16/115. The drain lines are a well documented and a bmw service bulletin was issued to dealerships. While driving on the highway, I experienced widespread system failure, tire warnings, transmission failure warnings and the suspension failed and the car dropped about 6 inches. The bmw dealership gave us $24,188.17 repair estimate for all the electrical components and wiring which is more than the value of the car
The vehicle overheated due to water pump failure. The vehicle was towed to a bmw dealership and the water pump and thermostat were replaced. Some bmw 5-series water pumps have been recalled.
I discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. As I investigated I found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.
The insulation of the wiring inside the headlight assembly is crumbling and poses a fire hazard as the wires have lost their insulation and can get in contact with each other.
E61 wagon, rear hatch: I discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. As I investigated I found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.
I discovered multiple severed wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. Through research online I have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. The failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. Safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. This is not an easily repaired problem. It would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. I discovered it when the rear wiper and rear window defroster stopped working. As I investigated I found the broken wires, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands."
The rear right tail light stopped functioning correctly, and the brake light, the running light, the reverse light, and the blinker stopped working. This created many potential accidents as oncoming drivers could not properly see me reversing or turning right. There is an active recall for the issue and bmw is replacing the rear tail lights for VIN's that the government has identified as having the issue. My vehicle has the issue. Bmw refused to replaced the tail light that has permanent loss of functionality. I was forced to pay out of pocket funds for the item that has a recall and bmw north america has refused to assist in this matter. I spoke to [xxx] at bmw north america, he is a customer relations supervisor, and his contact information is in the bmw case file with id last 7 digits of my VIN. He indicated that bmw will not do anything unless the government forces them to by providing the VIN number to them as an effected vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Warning lights came on while driving the car. Windshield wipers started going on (without being turned on). Brake and tail lights failed intermittently. Gauges all went to zero intermittently while driving. Sunroof wouldn't close. Drove to dealer. Diagnosed as electrical system components submerged in rear of car due to blocked sunroof drain. The same issue was repaired a year prior. This time to liability assumed by manufacturer or dealer because of "outside force" (rain). $9,500 repair estimate. Appears to be a common problem/ flaw with the model. Dealer did not appear to do a check of the drainage system while car was in for routine service a month before the incident. No loss of steering or engine while driving.
The rear rail light warning started flashing intermittently and then rear tail light permanently failed. Inspection of rear tail light showed melting of plastic around ground wire connection to lighting assembly and damage to both light assembly and the wiring. Quick internet search revealed that this was a very common problem in bmws due to inadequate capacity of ground wiring.
I have three faults, 1- trunk opens randomly, 2 - rdc unit in trunk flooded because trunk opened, 3 - battery discharges. I noticed a few times after returning to my car, the trunk opened on its own. I always lock my car and when I walk away, I make sure that the trunk is closed. When I return to my car, the trunk is randomly opened. One day, when it was raining, this occurred and drenched my entire trunk. I dried the trunk out and started driving then I noticed the TPMS started failing. After checking all the TPMS antennas on my car, I found out that there was a unit in the trunk. This unit was in the base of the trunk with no ventilation. My rdc unit was submerged in water along with my bluetooth system. The rdc unit failed and I notice the bluetooth system has been going in and out now. My battery also shows high discharge and I hear random beeping when I am driving. This is a huge design flaw on so many levels. I have paid money to fix the rdc unit, but it is hard to replicate the trunk randomly opening and the beeping sound happens randomly when I am driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535xi. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the brake pedal was engaged and the exterior brake warning indicator displayed on the instrument panel indicating the passenger's side brake light was inoperable. On a separate occasion both the left turn signal and passenger's side exterior brake light failed to operate when the brake pedal was engaged and a warning message displayed at the same time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the electrical contact assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
The ground connection to the right rear light assembly failed. This resulted in the right rear lights and turn signal not operating. The connector to the wiring harness was melted and the tab on the lamp socket housing (where the connector plugs in) was damaged.
Consumer writes in regards unresolved fire safety issues with a 2008 bmw 535xi *tgw the consumer stated on feb 14, 2012, the battery was replaced. However, six days later, a spark of fire and ball of smoke occurred as the consumer was driving. The dealer informed the consumer the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. An inspection also revealed an oil leak. *jb the consumer stated the vehicle burst into flames and exploded, totaling the vehicle. The entire front hood and engine compartment were melted and destroyed, as well as the front driver and passenger areas were affected by the fire. The consumer and his passenger suffered minor injuries. The consumer stated he had taken the vehicle to the dealer in december 2013, and january 2014 after complaining about electrical problems. He complained of low coolant, the trunk randomly opening, the key not starting the vehicle right away, and the clock suddenly showing a the wrong time. Both times, the dealer stated there was nothing wrong. Updated 03/10/14
The wire harness connector to the right rear lights burned and melted out for no reason. The fuse did not protect the wires connector from burning. All the rear rights are non operational.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 BMW 535XI?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history