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2008 BMW X6 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 BMW X6 is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical X6 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
240
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15-17mpg

The worst 2008 BMW X6 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seats
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 8

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 4,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 20V016000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 14, 2019 · 83,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 19V017000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/superchargerReported April 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1‑800‑525‑7417, MINI at 1‑866‑825‑1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1‑877‑877‑3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Recall number 18V248000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 48,951 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V020000 · Recall details

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

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 25, 2016 · 97,738 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 16V364000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/superchargerReported October 20, 2011 · 32,084 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 5-series, model year 2010-2011 5-series gran turismo, model year 2009-2011 7-series, model year 2010-2011 x5 sav, and model year 2008-2011 x6 sav vehicles equipped with 8- or 12-cylinder, turbocharged, engines because the circuit board for the electric auxiliary water pump can overheat.
Risk
This could lead to a smoldering of the pump or an engine compartment or vehicle fire.
Remedy
Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump free of charge. The safety recall began on december 19, 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 11V521000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2008 BMW X6

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 BMW X6 240

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 240 bulletins for the 2008 BMW X6

2008 BMW X6 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD152017
4.4L 8‑cyl4WD131815

What 2008 BMW X6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 18, 2020 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x6. The contact stated that vehicle failed to start after multiple attempts. The contact also stated that several electric features failed to function as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with an intelligent battery sensor cable malfunction. The contact called bmw of honolulu (777 kapiolani blvd, honolulu, hi 96813) where he was informed of an unknown manufacturer's recall that was initiated on similar vehicles however, the VIN was not included. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. No further assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 58,000.

Filed Aug 16, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Defected air back has been recalled since march. So far, I do not know what happen to the replacement part. Can you put a lot of pressure to the company for this problem. I have been driving this SUV since I received the recalled letter. Every time we get out with this SUV, we put our life on the line. How can we do to get it replace sooner. Please help.

Filed Feb 4, 2010 · Driver assistance, Engine · 18,000 miles · KY

I was trying to pass a car on the interstate when the power to my engine was cut by the car's computer. The car following me almost ran into the back of me. This happened three times over 4 months. In numerous written letters to bmw and to the dealer, they responded by saying it was my fault, because I had not installed the "proper" tires on the car when the original ones wore out. Or course, they sold and installed the replacements, and never warned me about anything. The original 20" tires, and the only "approved" ones, are run-flat high performance tires that ride terribly, and are not recommended for winter driving. So I wanted to install all-season tires - bmw doesn't approve any all-season tires for this car- not in the 20" size required. So I picked a model tire that michelin sales for summer and winter use, and the dealer obtained them installed them - saying nothing about any problems. To make a long story short - the bmw stability control system was programmed for only this one tire, and now with different tires the computer thinks the car is sliding when it is not, and cuts fuel to the engine. This happens if I try to pass a car on a curve. So now I have a choice - I can drive on all season tires that are reasonably effective in the snow - and hope I don't have to accelerate in a curve on interstate - or I can use the recommended tires - that are not suitable for winter driving in ky. Frankly, this is a disaster waiting to happen.

Filed Jul 8, 2009 · Seats · 500 miles · CA

I bought a brand new 2008 bmw x6 in april 08 and various problems keep re-occurring with it. The main problem now is the back covers of the driver and passenger front seat keep coming out of place. It has occurred 3 times in the past 12 months. This is a major safety concern for me if the car is in an accident, the back cover would loose and detach from the seat during impact and cause serious injury to my 20 months child. The bmw dealers refused to repair the issue and claiming that they are only cosmetic problems. But the vehicle should be retested by the federal safety agency for the seat issues and recall the vehicles for such problem due to childrens' safety concerns.

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Questions about the 2008 BMW X6

Is the 2008 BMW X6 reliable?

Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2008 BMW X6, fewer than a typical X6 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW X6?

Airbags, with 1 complaint. Next is driver assistance (1).

How many recalls does the 2008 BMW X6 have?

8 recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW X6 airbags?

Yes, 5 recalls: 20V016000, 20V017000, 19V017000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW X6 get?

Official estimates for the 2008 BMW X6 range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.

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