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2008 BMW X5: fuel pump failure

20 of the 215 complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 describe fuel pump failure.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
85,000
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below

Fuel pump failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 147,644 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that two minutes later the instrument panel went blank. The contact stated that the infotainment system failed to display an image and a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 147,644.

Filed Nov 22, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · NY

My 2008 bmw x5 4.8i almost caught fire. The fuel pump connector is burnt into the fuel pump harness. My local mechanic said this was like a ticking time bomb. The issue is these trucks are known for this problem and there was a recall for this but my vin coming up with no recalls when this truck is clearly apart of the bad batch , I have pictures for proof.

Filed Mar 8, 2022 · Fuel system · AL

No warnings just went dead in traffic had it towed to a mechanic and his diagnosis is fuel pump is bad. A B160416 fuel pump was a recall and replaced thru BMW Chattanooga, TN on 12/08/18.

Filed Jan 18, 2022 · Fuel system · 85,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2008 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the driver’s air bag replacement and the fuel pump replacement recall; however, after the recall repairs, the vehicle stalled inadvertently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the fuel pump twice. The contact stated that the failure recurred while at the stop light in the middle lane of a road. The contact was able to move the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of the police patrol. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle the next day; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who installed a fuel pump relay switch; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who took the vehicle apart and diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The contact advised the dealer to forward the fuel pump for replacement; however, the dealer denied and advised the contact that he had to pay for the part if the repair was not completed at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Mar 24, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · 130,000 miles · WA

Vehicle shut off while stopped. A smell of hot electrical was present immediately before the shut off. Inspection of the vehicle showed a blown fuse for the fuel pump circut, as well as melting of the plastic power connection to the fuel pump, and the insulation on the power wires themselves. The bare wires were exposed at the connection. The wiring harness was stiff from the connector of the fuel pump to the rubber seal on the body.

Filed Nov 27, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 141,244 miles · NY

Kept getting mail about a recall my car had didnt think it was that important so I stalled the process a little until I kept getting mail non stop about the matter so I finally find the time to take my car to get the recall done of course I imagined it will be a walk in the park due to the fact that it was free of charge , so after I get the recall done for fuel pump and airbags I pick vehicle up from the dealer everything seems to be fine , next day comes my car leaves me stranded on a random block and completely shuts down on me , what makes matters worst now im stuck somewhere and have to get a tow truck to take me somewhere im not bothering or move me out the way , I contact the dealer tel them whats going on they make me pay a tow truck to bring the car to them again , so I bring the car to the dealer and let them check over the work they just did on my car because I wasnt having any problems with my car before this literally none maybe a lightbulb went out that was about it nothing else even passes inspection with flying colors , so anyways pass that now they telling me that the problem is in the fuel system that they just was suppose to replace mind you I never had a problem with my vehicle and ive owned it a few years , so now I got this recall done and now this problem comes up , so now I agree to pay them 1100$ just to fix something that was suppose to be free which im not happy about one bit not only they take longer then they suppose too working on my car but few days after I pay them and take my vehicle now the same problem again !! Get stranded so now im not thinking going back because I cant afford to have something else come up and have to pay once again ! So as of now I had to take my car to my own personal mechanic so he can fix a problem my car never had prior to this recall visit im furious and spend over 3000 trying to clean up the dealers mess !

Filed Nov 2, 2018 · Brakes, Fuel system · 122,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. While driving 50-70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was applied, but the brakes failed to respond and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 122,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Fuel system · NC

2008 bmw x5. Consumer writes in regards to in-tank fuel pump remedy unavailable recall issues. *ld

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Fuel system · CA

We had a defective in-tank fuel pump replace in september 2016 by an independent mechanic. We then received a recall from bmw USA in december 2016. We've since had bmw san diego review the installation and they determined that the part installed was not a bmw part so bmw USA denied reimbursement under the tread act. We then confirmed with our mechanic that bmw parts were used and forwarded this info to bmw but they still refuse to reimburse. We replace a defective part and should be compensated . Reference; bmw correspondence [1-8113168403] . I asked for photos and their denial in writing and they refused to provide either. I saw the part initially removed and it was burned up inside the gas tank!!!

Filed Aug 19, 2017 · Airbags, Fuel system · MO

Takata recall received notified march 2016 driver's front air bag module recalled, july 2016 passenger's front air bag module recalled, and december 2016 in-tank fuel pump recalled. No notices to fix any of these items. Takata recall

Filed Jul 26, 2017 · Airbags, Fuel system · NV

Bill pearce bmw (billpearcebmw.com/) in reno, nv has in no way resolved these recalls in a timely manner. I have made at least 10 calls over the last 17 months to their service/parts department to inquire on availability of replacement parts. The engine is not running at its optimal level and is potentially getting damaged as a result of the faulty fuel pump that is under recall. I am driving at my and my family's risk due to both airbags and fuel pump not meeting safety regulations and bmw is being negligent in treating these 3 recalls as a priority. I have also escalated the matter to bmw customer relations on 7/26/17 and am awaiting their response. There is no incident related to this complaint, but I strongly believe the vehicle is not safe to drive. I have indicated the date of the first communication received by bmw as well as uploaded a pdf version of their initial notification.

Filed Jul 11, 2017 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · NV

We are smell gasoline inside the cabin while we were driving and also when we stop we could still smell gasoline. We took in to the bmw shop on july 5, 2017, but they said they didn't the recall in-tank fuel pump part yet

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 17, 2016 · 136,188 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 16V746000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 26, 2010 · 20,750 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008 x5 savs vehicles with 6-cylinder engines manufactured from november 1, 2007 through august 31, 2008. Due to a manufacturing process fault, the fuel pump was not produced to specifications. Under specific vehicle operating conditions, the fuel pump's commutator could experience an increase in wear.
Risk
This wear could lead to fuel pump malfunction and engine stalling. Engine stalling could create a potential for a crash resulting in injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the in-tank fuel pump free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 10V518000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 BMW X5 fuel pump

Is fuel pump failure a common problem on the 2008 BMW X5?

20 of 215 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 (9%) mention fuel pump failure. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

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

There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 BMW X5

Overheating 28Stalling 26Check engine light 15Fire or smoke 14Loss of power 9Airbag light 8Hesitation 5

All model years of the BMW X5

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