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Chart based on 24 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
the motor that turns the headlamps right or left when you steer right or left, broke, in the right headlight. I chose to not fully repair it, as it would cost $1200. Just making the light aim straight now - cost $240
90300 mi
US $1600
automatic tailgate hydraulic failure. replaced pistons and electrical wiring.
Check engine light came on. Dealer could find nothing wrong, and could not replicate it.
46300 mi
The passenger door would not open sometimes from the inside. Video of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO61Z6Bv-ns The passenger front door will not open at all from the outside.
25000 mi
leaking windshield washer pump or reservoir. repaired under warranty. seems to be a known problem on the BMW forums.
7000 mi
The cause of the problem was determined to be "turbo rattle". A reflash of the car's software (DME) to resolve other problems (voice recognition of media system and AWD/DSC malfunction warning) also fixed the previously described vibration problem.
63500 mi
US $450
Replace leaking windshield washer pump
3000 mi
Courtesy lights failed; Display indicated AWD and DSC malfunction; Date/Time reset. Cause: frequent short trips failed to fully recharge battery. Least important computers start shutting down to preserve battery life. Bought BMW battery charger.
Front and rear windscreen seals deteriorating. Howling noise upon turning at low speeds. Passenger side seat extention cover falling off. Trim piece missing from Driver's side left A/C vent. Steering wheel roundel oxidizing from the inside.
Windshield washer jets were not working. One was clogged and the other popped out of the connector. Easy fix for both. Had regular maintenance completed as well.
84000 mi
US $10
Passenger side marker light out. When replacing bulb noticed black wire shield was dry rotted and broke off in pieces once touched exposing wire. Repaired with electrical tape.
See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how
frequently 2008 BMW 5-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.