2008 BMW 535XI: engine stalls while driving

5 of the 71 complaints about the 2008 BMW 535XI describe engine stalls while driving.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 7%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Engine stalls while driving by model year

2012
2
2011
3
2010
1
2008
5

What owners say

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Fuel system · 158,000 miles · CA

Vehicle stalls, hesitates when driving. Message on the dash says that the fuel pump is failing, but can be driven with decreased performance and to bring the vehicle to bmw. Brought the car to bmw service and they told me that there was a recall on the fuel pump but my car is not covered because I have 159k miles one the said vehicle. Upon further investigation with the service advisor, (carlos - norwalk bmw), who is polite and helpful, we found that the car had already been serviced for three same problem at least 3 times. First is in 2009 when they replaced the high pressure fuel pump. After folloa year 2010, the same problem occurred. The dealership again replaced the same fuel pump. Then on 2013, having the same problem again, the dealership replaced the injectors but the problem is still occurring. The problem had been ongoing and this time, they will not fix the issue because the vehicle is over the 120k miles. I believe that bmw is responsible for the problem that the vehicle was never properly fix in the first place. At least 3 times of having the same problem (that was documented by bmw), and still not resolved! It is a good car, but can be dangerous and could cause an accident. I will not let my wife drive it anymore until I feel it is safe. Problem is intermittent. At low speed, idling, and at highway speeds which can be really scary. I hope they will take responsibility and actually find and fix the issue.

Filed Nov 5, 2017 · Transmission · MD

The drive shaft for my bmw 535xi broke while driving straight on the highway without any warming. This caused considerable damage to the underneath components of the car. Such as ripping the data cable and burst the transmission and all the transmission fluid licked out instantly. My vehicle stalled in the middle of traffic with on coming cars. I have uploaded a picture of the broken drive shaft while the car was being towed . I have the documents but I am unable to upload them at this time. In addition the pressure hose for the power pump burst and it is unfair that I have to replace all 3 power hosts because it is a bmw recommendation.

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed May 12, 2015 · Brakes, Fuel system · 129,500 miles · MI

I was exiting the the freeway and when I was on a banked onramp the engine stopped running while vehicle was in motion. I lost power steering and the ability to release the brake. I nearly lost control of the vehicle as the unexpected loss in power steering caused me to loose grip on the wheel. The engine was in neutral when the engine stalled. Upon restarting the engine (which struggled to start) the "service engine soon telltale" illuminated and the vehicle entered "reduce engine power mode". After scanning the dtc (p3090) I learned the vehicle's high pressure fuel pump failed. I noticed bmw has a recall on the issue. Unfortunately their recall only covers the fuel pump to 120,000 miles and my vehicle has roughly 9,500 miles above the covered threshold. Based on my experience and reading online I feel the pump has some sort of design flaw that bmw has failed to properly address. I wish bmw would hold up to their integrity and continue to replace the fuel pump for the life of the vehicle.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Engine · 100,400 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 535xi. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the temperature gauge displayed that the vehicle was overheating and the engine failed indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 100,400.