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2008 BMW X5: sudden loss of power

9 of the 215 complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 describe sudden loss of power.

owner complaints
9
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
61,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 48 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Sudden loss of power by model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 4, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TX

This car is not safe to drive, when you accelerate lots of black smoke come from tail pipe and loose power at the same time, Its burning through spark plugs Im having to change them at least every 2 wks plugs cost 15$ a piece, Its burning through oil oil leaks popping up random all over every 2 weeks its burning through 5 quarts of oil ,oil is 18$ a quart, Do to the lose of power i have to take the access roads to and from work. Its causing me to miss a lot of work Im afraid for my wife and kids to be in the car with me its just not safe we got the letter from BMW 2 months ago about the recall what is considered a timely manner because 2 months is a ling time we need this resolved asap bmw just giving us the run arounds verses solving this issue. This car has been riding this unsafe way for at least 6 months and its getting worst by the day, its costing us to much money plus lose of work

Filed Jul 5, 2018 · Engine · 82,526 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost power and multiple warning indicators illuminated. The contact's spouse had to turn the steering wheel sharply to reach the shoulder of the road before almost being sideswiped by another vehicle. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was serviced per an unknown recall. The vehicle was taken to bmw of bel air maryland (716 bel air rd, bel air, md 21014, (443) 345-2712) where a diagnostic failure code could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,526.

Filed Jan 15, 2018 · Engine · 53,715 miles · NC

Water pump problem of the 2008 bmw x5 engine overheated warning message illuminated when driving on high way with 65mph with a reduced power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 53k.

Filed Jan 5, 2016 · Brakes · 93,000 miles · FL

When the vehicle is moving a relatively slow speeds, it requires an excessive amount of pressure to be placed on the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. Also, when the vehicle is stopped,, it takes an excessive amount of pressure on the brake pedal to keep it stopped while in gear for example stopped at a traffic light. It is experiencing a loss of power assist in the braking system. My vehicle was covered by a recall issued in 2013 but I never received any notice of the recall, and therefore did not get it repaired as it was working normally. In mid-december 2015 the problem began and I took it to the repair shop who diagnosed the problem. However, bmw says that since it has been more than 2 years since the recall, they will not repair the problem at no charge. The brake issue was noted to be a safety issue which could result in a traffic crash due to loss of power assist in braking. Since I never received any notice of the safety recall, I believe bmw should pay for the necessary repairs to my vehicle to return it to safe operation.

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Brakes · 61,000 miles · MT

While driving the brake pedal became inoperable. It was very difficult to press the pedal to get the vehicle to slow down and impossible to get it to stop without adding complete pressure. We had to shift the vehicle down to 1 low manual transmission to slow down enough to stop completely. From that point, the brake pedal did not work at all so the vehicle is inoperable due to safety reasons. I checked for recall's and my model year was recalled for this exact problem, however I do not have a v8 engine, so bmw is stating I do not qualify for a recall. It's the same part, the vacuum assist braking system. See attached recall number: the federal safety agency vehicle safety recalls ________________________________________ recall number: 13v045000 recall date: 02/07/2013 component: service brakes, hydraulic:power assist problem summary: bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 x5 sav vehicles, manufactured september 12, 2006, through march 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking. Consequence: the loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash. What owners should do: bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during march 2013. Owners may call bmw at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email bmw at [email protected].

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 66,000 miles · VA

While driving on interstate 95 in philadelphia pennsylvania just north of the airport my vehicle simply shut off in post game rush hour traffic. The engine stopped running and the power steering and power brakes failed. It was nothing short of a miracle that me and my son were not harmed and that we were able to muscle to car off the road. This car had 66,000 miles on the odometer and according to bmw, after my call, was not part of the 2008 x5's voluntary recall for this model year with normally aspirated in-line 6 cylinder engines to replace the low- pressure fuel pumps. Interestingly, in the bmw press release dated october 26, 2010 - 1130 am edt they stated that they had notified the ntsba that these pumps fail on my make and model of which they recalled 20,800 cars, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes. Wow, at 50 MPH on a super highway that was a nightmare and extremely dangerous.

Filed Jun 12, 2012 · Engine · 54,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and lost power. The failure recurred three times before the contact had reached his destination. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis where the dealer advised the contact that the water pump would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 54,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2011 · Fuel system · MA

2008 bmw x5. Consumer states engine lost all power while driving *tgw the consumer stated her daughter who was driving, attempted to accelerate, but to no avail. As she steered the vehicle to the emergency lane, the engine was non-responsive. The gear shifted automatically into neutral and then into park from which it would not move. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. An inspection revealed failure of the fuel delivery system that was the subject of a nationwide recall.

Filed Jul 25, 2010 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 33,350 miles · TX

Driving on highway 60mph and suddenly lost engine power. My SUV started slowing and felt like car was locking up ie. Steering wheel was harder to move. Pushing accelerator pedal did not bring any speed back to slowing SUV. I was able to get to right side shoulder from middle lane and called bmw assist for help. They were not able to help at my location in wisconsin at 8pm but did call police to keep traffic away from us (myself and 5 young children) until a friend came to pick us up. The car had to remain overnight on the highway until a flatbed truck was available to take it away the following morning. Once the engine was turned off it would not restart and needed 2 men to move it which is why it couldn't be taken away that evening. Once taken to the bmw dealer, international autos in milwaukee, wi, they told me the fuel pump had failed and they replaced it. The 2008 bmw x5 3.0si had a little over 33,000 miles on it at the time. This has not happened again after replacement of fuel pump.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported October 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 BMW X5 loss of power

Is sudden loss of power a common problem on the 2008 BMW X5?

9 of 215 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 (4%) mention sudden loss of power. The model year with the most reports is 2011.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 BMW X5?

There is 1 recall and 48 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 BMW X5

Overheating 28Stalling 26Fuel pump 20Check engine light 15Fire or smoke 14Airbag light 8Hesitation 5

All model years of the BMW X5

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