2008 BMW 5-Series BMW 5-Series 2008

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2008 BMW 5-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (48%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (7%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (23%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (7%)

Other (4%)

Chart based on 644 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 BMW 5-Series.

2008 BMW 5-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (10%)

$1000 - $2499 (19%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (21%)

< $100 (34%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 418 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 BMW 5-Series

Engine not specified

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

28000 mi
fuel pump replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Great Britain
Mar 2013 - Apr 2013
Apr 2013

90000 mi

£450
The rear wiper should automatically come on if front wipers are on and reverse gear is engagaed. It does not do so. The garage took four attempts to fix that and has failed to do so. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Apr 2012 - Apr 2017
Mar 2012

44000 mi
Leak of trans oil. 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2010 - Oct 2013
Oct 2011

39500 mi
Excessive wind noise from sunroof seal. Replaced under new car warranty per BMW SIB Car had carbon buidlup on back of valves. Dealer noticed car running rough. Dealer claimed repair ($500) was not covered under warranty, but got authorization to clean valves from BMW 
Jan 2013

56000 mi

US $800
Noise in drivers side when applying brakes. They installed a new brake carrier, $628 for parts and labor. Trans pan leaking 
May 2013

60000 mi
Electric Automatic gave error code and had to be replaced 
Aug 2013

63000 mi

US $350
Vacuum hoses replaced Replaced both turbos Fuel sensor not working 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2007 - Nov 2010
Mar 2008

7000 mi
iPod selection would spontaneously switch to the radio. 
Oct 2009

34000 mi
Front park distance sensor failed. 
Mar 2010

38000 mi
Rear window latch failed.  Warning light panel had to be replaced. 
May 2010

40000 mi
fuel system problem related to turbocharger 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Feb 2014
Mar 2013

89000 mi

US $600
Battery needed replacing Water pump failed 
Jun 2013

92000 mi
Turbo failed, required replacement due to rattling wastegate actuator. 
Feb 2014

99000 mi
Turbos found to be badly seated and worn, replaced entire units. Rear differential found to be noisy and worn, part replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Jan 2013 - Jul 2014
May 2014

63600 mi

US $25
Need to replace a 10 amp relay that controled the rear air shocks. 
BMW 5-Series in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2011 - Dec 2012
Jan 2012 Weak AC. Schader valve was found leaking. System re-charged. Loose sunroof panel. Replaced sunroof seal. 
Apr 2012

44020 mi
Rear hatch would open on its own intermittently while driving. 
BMW 5-Series in Kansas, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2015
Jun 2013

34000 mi

US $900
A rubber gasket on the selectable automatic gear shifter was worn, and the whole piece had to be replaced. The part cost about $250 and labor was about $240. No other problems with the transmission, fluid replaced and new oil pan installed. 
BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States
Nov 2012 - Sep 2014
Jul 2012

35000 mi
Brake wear sensor damaged - causing light squealing sound. Replaced all brake pads/rotors/sensors under warranty 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
May 2011 - Jul 2015
Jun 2011

77500 mi

C $2500
Replace turbocharger - waste gates sticking Replace rear window switch Actuator motor for transfer case Actuator motor for transfer case Replace solenoid for turbocharger Replace switch for rear window 
Sep 2011

83700 mi

C $5500
Water leak into trunk - sunroof drains plugged. Shorted out modules for I-drive, sunroof, load leveling, transmission display and one other. 
May 2012

89860 mi

C $300
Replace vacuum hose - engine was losing power under acceleration 
May 2013

99700 mi

C $1100
Overheating - leaking water pump - replaced 
Oct 2013

103000 mi

C $1500
Sun roof drain tube plugged - water backs up into rear compartment (wagon) and shorts out electronics 
Dec 2013

106640 mi

C $650
Replaced faulty coil and spark plug 
Jul 2014

115200 mi

C $1500
Drain hoses in sunroof plugged (3rd time failed) - overflow runs into rear compartment. Minor electronics are located below spare tire - shorted out Tire pressure monitor 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
May 2015 - Aug 2017
Mar 2016

112000 mi

US $1700
Oil Filter Housing Seals Leaking. Seals replaced including oil cooler. Thrust Arm Bushings - Both Sides 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2010 - May 2017
Oct 2011

54700 mi
water leak from sunroof during heavy rain shorted out electronics under spare tire. drains were blocked. 
Aug 2012

66200 mi

US $302
warm a/c replaced compressor and expansion valve 
Feb 2013

73800 mi

US $450
wires to tailgate cycled and broke. needed to replace wires to tailgate. 
Oct 2013

80700 mi

US $439
replace water pump. new bushings for front suspension 
Jul 2014

90300 mi

US $1600
automatic tailgate hydraulic failure. replaced pistons and electrical wiring. 
Aug 2015

101500 mi
replace air conditioner compresser 
Mar 2016

106000 mi

US $100
tire pressure monitor needed replacement on left front wheel. 
Mar 2017

116000 mi

US $116
water from drains shorted out electrical components. replaced sirius module under insurance claim. replaced mechatronic sleeve on transmission under extended warranty. 
BMW 5-Series in Switzerland
Nov 2017 - Jul 2018
Jul 2018

55800 mi

$3500
Distance sensor for adaptive cruise control had to be replaced 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011

56000 mi
Turbocharger replaced 
Aug 2015

107700 mi

US $600
Replace crankshaft position sensor 
Sep 2015

108000 mi

US $1000
Low pressure fuel pump 
Aug 2016

120000 mi

US $350
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 
Mar 2017

133000 mi

US $800
Key fob stopped working, and the problem was the wiring harness, which developed a short where it travels from the chassis to the rear hatchback. 
Nov 2017

136000 mi

US $550
The headlamp unit developed condensation and the corroded the bulb connection. The entire headlamp unit was replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2007 - Jun 2011
Mar 2009

24000 mi

US $90
Code reduced power engine malfunction comes up...code then clears, and engine power returns to normal. 
Apr 2009

24000 mi
replaced both turbochargers and valvecase cover. 
Sep 2009

29000 mi
replaced both turbochargers due to broken actuator arm 
Aug 2010

41000 mi
air conditioner blows hot air code on fuel pump recurred after repair, then went away on its own. 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2014 - Jul 2022
Jan 2015

82500 mi

C $800
labour + parts for 6 spark plugs and 6 ignition coils 
Mar 2015

76260 mi

C $4011
Rebuilt 1st gear and reverse 
Jul 2015

79360 mi
Warning light appeared indicating "High Battery Drain". Took to mechanic to check diagnostic message. Apparently, the 12V socket would not go to "sleep" and thus warning light appeared. Mechanic cleared message and reset computer. 
Jun 2017

96720 mi

C $550
Intelligent battery sensor replaced 
May 2021

114700 mi
slight leak from engine oil pan gasket 
Sep 2021

119660 mi

C $1200
Front left axel shaft 
Oct 2021

121520 mi

C $500
passenger door lock actuator 
Nov 2021

122140 mi

C $570
engine oil cooler hose 
Jul 2022

130820 mi

C $1200
1 cylinder not firing consistently. Replace all 6 spark plugs and ignition coils 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2008 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

22000 mi
Engine stopped running, injectors, coils, plugs all replaced, now fine. 
Jun 2010

29000 mi
High pressure fuel pump, N54 engines Achilles heel. Upgraded the software. 
Jul 2010

29700 mi
Long cranks, 'engine malfunction reduced power' including while on the freeway - not great to be on the 405 stuck at 35. Replaced high pressure fuel pump. The car's now running properly for the first time this year. 
BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States
Jan 2012 - Apr 2015
Feb 2012

65000 mi
HPFP (high pressure fuel pump) a known issue covered under BMW TSB and replaced under warranty. BMW has actually extended coverage of this item out to 120,000 miles / 10 years. Mine did not "give out" but was done as a preventative fix. 
Nov 2012

76800 mi

US $50
this is a wagon so, rear hatch glass "switch" to latch the glass window was "popping" itself unlatched. simple fix, covered under warranty. 
Mar 2013

86000 mi
DME (engine control unit) failed. When this happened engine would not run properly and computers forced car to slow down and ultimately require pulling off road and stopping. It saves itself from more damage basically. Very annoying. 
Aug 2013

90600 mi

US $55
AC compressor failure. Replaced under CPO warranty. The problem I have with CPO I am realizing is paying $50+tax every time. Over 2 years this could easily add up to $500 plus the annoyance of having to go to shop in the first place. 
Dec 2013

97000 mi

US $50
2 turbos. it is a known issue that the factory turbos may not last longer than 100,000 - 120,000 miles 
Jun 2014

100000 mi

US $100
water appearing in battery compartment which in a wagon is in the right rear corner beside cargo area. headliner has to be removed in order to clear the drain lines that come off the sunroof. 
Apr 2015

111000 mi

US $4100
rear air suspension wiring damage to left rear sensor, possibly from road debris $500 Thrust rod bushings totally shot. Noticed with increased vibration/clunking in steering wheel immediately upon sharp braking at low speeds. $600 Thermostat failing. Noticed by CEL code. Replacing water pump at same time due to labor into same area of engine and mileage on original pump. $1450 for both items car not responding to remote keys. (doors won't lock/unlock, hatch won't open, etc) $2500-$3300 to repair/replace wiring looms in rear hatch area !!!!!! Oil filter Housing Gasket- heavy leak, $950 to access and repair! 
BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
Apr 2014 - Mar 2018
May 2014

46700 mi

US $600
Water pump died 
Jan 2017

US $4000
Draining battery symptoms were slow clock, various error message. Battery and alternator both bad. Fuel injectors replaced improperly by prior shop 
Feb 2018

70000 mi
A headlight filled with water that never evaporated and caused the bulb to fail … I did a DIY fix to get out the condensation and replaced the bulb on my own. 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2015
Feb 2013

88200 mi

US $600
The N54 twin turbo motor had excessive carbon buildup on the intake valves due to the poor design of the EGR system on this direct injection motor. BMW's solution is a walnut shell blasting of the valves every 40K miles as 'maintenance'. 
Apr 2013

89000 mi

US $300
Check engine light came on for misfire. Engine running rough. Replaced all six plugs. Problem persisted. Ended up replacing all six coils. Problem solved. BMW recommends coil replacement every 45000 miles. Indies recommend 30000 miles. 
Jun 2013

94000 mi

US $500
Engine malfunction warning upon hard acceleration. Replaced boost control solenoids - didn't fix it. New diagnosis - bad turbos - leaking wastegates. BMW extended the warranty on the turbos for wastegate issues but only to 82,000 miles. SOL 
Nov 2013

98700 mi

US $3700
Both turbo wastegates were leaking resulting in lost power and numerous CEL. Both turbos were replaced with factory remanufactured units. Low speed engine misfire/rough idle when cold and under high load. 
Jan 2014

100500 mi

US $440
CEL caused by engine misfire. Replaced one injector. These were replaced in 2009 under recall but are proving to be bad as well. BMW has a newer version of injector that the BMW community says is solid but BMW won't replace. Customer pays 
Aug 2014

108000 mi

US $2000
Brake Master Cylinder failure. 
Sep 2014

109000 mi

US $650
Thrust bushings in the front lower control arms failed. Common with all BMW's with high mileage. Caused toe induced tire wear. Recommenmdation is to replace every 80,000 miles. 
May 2015

116600 mi

US $150
Rear shocks were tired. Replaced both with Bilstein HD. Intermittent low battery warning. The battery was original from 2008. Had it replaced with aftermarket Interstate battery and also had the battery registered to the ECU. Rear self leveling suspension failure warning. Had shop inspect it at same time battery was being replaced. Shop found water in the spare tire well (where BMW put the self leveling susp. control unit). Shop drained the water. Rear self leveling suspension failure came back. Problem took a week to trace. Sunroof cassette drain clogged by dead bugs. Drain cleared. Problem corrected. Holes drilled in spare tire well to prevent future water accumulation. 
Jun 2015

118000 mi

US $700
Front struts were tired. Replaced front struts with Bilstein HD and had car aligned. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 232hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in Sweden
Dec 2012 - Oct 2015
Jun 2014

11160 mi

$2000
Left Rear bearings had to be replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Czech Republic
Oct 2008 - Jul 2013
Dec 2008

18600 mi
Rear hatch window unlocking by itself. 
Jan 2009

19840 mi
Rear hatch window unlocking by itself. Fixed on second attempt. 
Feb 2009

21080 mi
Front suspension making squeeking noises when going through deeper. Replaced some rubber dampeners to fix front suspension creaking on second attempt. 
Mar 2009

22940 mi
Rear hatch making creeking noises when soft-close function is activated. 
May 2009

27280 mi
"Excessive battery drain" message on car start because of CD player which keeps spinning after car is turned off. Known problem which should have been sorted by CIP progman upgrade but the dealer claims that the newest version is there already. 
Oct 2009

38440 mi

$150
The CCC unit was faulty and had to be replaced. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Ireland
Aug 2010 - Sep 2016
Sep 2014

182900 mi

€1300
Blown Turbo 
Feb 2015

195300 mi

€3700
The timing chain broke 
May 2015

199020 mi
Tailgate wiring faults 
Mar 2016

228160 mi

€100
Bad oil leak. 
May 2016

233120 mi

€300
Oil leak at the oil filter housing returned after about three weeks. 
Sep 2016

238080 mi
Developed a second oil leak at the rear of the engine. The garage reported that the auto clutch was on the way out. When cruising on the motorway the engine rpm often varies +- 100 with no input from the driver. Good car, horrible engine. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Slovak Republic
Sep 2012 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012

114700 mi

€28
No heating on the right side. Heater core was flushed and blown with compressed air. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Dec 2011 - Nov 2012
Jun 2012

69000 mi

US $6600
Turbocharger waste gate failure. Replaced turbochargers. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Sep 2015 - Mar 2016
Sep 2015

41000 mi
transmission went into limp mode, showed transmission error on mmi, shut off car, restarted message gone transmission fine. Indie shop checked for fault code and battery condition no codes battery fine (original). Car never repeated problem. 
BMW 5-Series in Nevada, United States
Oct 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

2200 mi

US $64000
Bad fuel pump and bad fuel injectors mean potential fire hazzard and possible explosion. You should know that the 2008 535i has some major defects engine wise. My car has been in for this problem twice now, this time though it was the worst. 
Jan 2009 Problems fixed by dealer So far so good. 
Dec 2009

26000 mi
Fuel pump and fuel injectors -gas pouring into the engine. Clouds of smoke shooting out of exhaust. Car shaking at any speed including while at stop. 
BMW 5-Series in Nevada, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

38000 mi
Low pressure sensor replaced.  Fuel injector #6 replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Jan 2016 - Jan 2016
Jan 2016

64000 mi

US $650
Valve cover gasket leak. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Mar 2011 - Mar 2018
Apr 2011

53000 mi

US $50
Water pump failed while driving. Car came to a halt with Overheat warning. Towed to deal and replaced water pump. Paid $50 for deductible on extended warranty. 
Jul 2012

60300 mi
Engine losing power upon accelerating from stoplight. Had to replace 3 fuel injectors Index 9 to newer Index 12, that solved the problem. the other 3 injectors were index 11 already. All index 9 injectors were subject to recall but some deals did not change them all. 
Feb 2018

111000 mi

US $1100
Replaced 3 fuel injectors with index 12 from original index 9 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2019
Aug 2014

92700 mi

US $2000
Turbo Replacement 
Oct 2014

94300 mi

US $2400
Replaced injectors 
Jan 2015

96000 mi

US $500
Water Pump / Thermostat 
Jul 2015

101000 mi

US $550
Oil leak 
BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011

38000 mi

US $134
Clunk / thump from rear of the car immediately after starting the car - replace a rear differential seal. Helped the issue, but didn't resolve it. after a parking brake adjustment at the shop, the parking brake assembly failed and became noisy and smelly - towed car back to shop for complete parts replacement  problem with passenger seat belt warning turning on randomly - passenger seat sensor replacement 
BMW 5-Series in Missouri, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2012
Aug 2011

33000 mi
Steering wheel had discoloration, new wheel ordered Week after steering wheel ordered was installed by dealer. 
Jun 2012

42000 mi
Air conditioner thermostat not working correctly. Fixed better than before but still not great 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Jul 2010 - Mar 2011
Oct 2010

50000 mi
Loose trim piece fixed, faulty adhesive on the back of a clip. 
Dec 2010

53000 mi
Trim came loose agaiin about a month later, fixed again. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Mar 2009 - Sep 2010
Mar 2009

8600 mi
Fuel pump failure 
Dec 2009

17000 mi
Second replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump. First in March 2009. Had to be flatbedded both times. Fuel pump failure, 2nd time 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2017
Nov 2014

79000 mi

US $300
Wastegates rattle. BMW replaced under mfg extended warranty. Replaced vacuum lines. 
Dec 2014

79000 mi

US $2600
Rough idle on cold start. Engine stalled and cd check engine light came on with P0300,0301,0302misfire codes. Replaced plugs, injectors and coils on all cylinders. 
Aug 2015

91900 mi

US $180
Slight front wheel bearing noise. Replaced both front wheel bearings. 
Mar 2017

122700 mi

US $2100
Struts, shocks, mounts 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Jul 2015 - Mar 2016
Aug 2015

123700 mi

US $200
Oil leak from the gasket on the oil cooler. 
Oct 2015

125300 mi

US $660
Oil filter gasket failed and required replacement. Had slow but constant/steady leak. 
Jan 2016

127300 mi

US $1700
Coolant system leak. Cooling line to turbo bank #2 failed. Car was spewing coolant at an alarming rate when car is operating under pressure while driving. 
Mar 2016

129000 mi
3 ignition coils failed. Replaced by mechanic. 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Nov 2007 - Jan 2012
Apr 2008

19000 mi
Oil line leak from oil filter to oil cooler - replaced line. Oil cooler leak - problem occurred after the oil line was replaced. Suspect mechanic damaged the oil cooler. Another oil leak - oil leaking around drain plug. 
Dec 2008

37000 mi
Cold engine runs rough, misfires. Once warm runs smoothly, but check engine light is on. Replaced oxygen sensors and hi-press fuel pump. Problem remains. 
Feb 2009

40000 mi
New software version 32.1 uploaded, plugs cleaned, full reset of computers. Car did run much better and cold start roughness was better, but not completely fixed. Car is back at dealers for further repair. 
Mar 2009

41000 mi
Engine light- cold start misfire/roughness, DME fault 29E0 mixture rich, tank vent valve replaced, replace fuel injectors, smoke test for leaks. Car now has not exhibited the problem over the last 1,000 miles so I consider it fixed. 
Jun 2009

49000 mi
High pressure pump failed. This is the 2nd pump - the first was replaced as part of the rough engine start problem I was having. 
Mar 2011

88000 mi

US $175
TPM in a wheel failed. Dealer determined which TPM sensor was bad, pulled the tire and replaced it. 
Sep 2011

98000 mi

US $1049
TPM failure. Dealer could not determine which unit in tire failed. Solution was to replace all for $800. Choose not to but had to pay $200 for diagnostic. Left Halo light not working - cost $339.04 to replace - have to remove the front bumper to get to the light! Replaced all tire TPM sensors as dealer could not determine which one failed. I paid for 3 of the 4 sensors. 5 of the 6 fuel injectors found leaking. I paid for 3 and 2 were under warranty. 
Oct 2011

98000 mi

US $1049
3 of 6 injectors leaking, including two of the new ones - replaced TPM failure light on - all 4 TPM sensors replaced because BMW dealer could not determine which individual sensor was bad 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Apr 2013 - Sep 2013
Jul 2013

57700 mi

US $50
Water pump failed, but replaced under warranty. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Sep 2009 - Apr 2011
Apr 2010

22500 mi
Front right daytime running lamp was burned out. It was replaced at the dealership. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Mar 2008 - Apr 2011
Mar 2009

8000 mi
A warning light came on indicating "Engine Malfunction/Power Reduced" and the car felt sluggish. It was diagnosed as a software issue; the software was updated by the dealership. 
Mar 2010

12000 mi
The driver side window made a "clunking" noise upon rolling it down. The window regulator was replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Apr 2013 - May 2013
May 2013

60000 mi

US $3500
air conditioner failed again. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2007 - Dec 2013
Mar 2010

21000 mi
replaced sunroof seal. 
Aug 2011

30000 mi

US $1080
Stability control and start off assistance not working 
Mar 2013

43000 mi

US $63
Replaced hood shocks 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Sep 2021 - Jan 2022
Nov 2021

99850 mi

US $2000
Replaced BOTH headlight housings with New Hella OE Adaptive Xenon units. The internal wiring harnesses and plastics of the e60 factory headlight housings (Hella) are notorious for failing internally. I had attempted to refurbish mine but to no avail. I ended up having to cannibalize the adaptive xenon control unit and igniters to install in the new $2000/pair Hella replacements plus the cost of new bulbs. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2007 - Dec 2015
Feb 2010

19100 mi
"Increased Battery Discharge" light came on. Dealer said that I am driving too many short trips so that battery is not recharged by driving. Suggested that I get a battery charger. Seems like a $50K car should not have this problem. 
May 2015

55100 mi

US $1300
Water pump failed 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2022
Jan 2015

115700 mi

US $700
front hubs/bearings 
Apr 2015

116700 mi

US $4500
Replaced oil pan gasket which had a very slight leak. This was covered by my 3rd party warranty. Hydraulic leak in active stabilizer bar. Bar was replaced. 
Oct 2015

122000 mi

US $2700
Leaking power steering pump replaced with re-manufactured unit. I paid $200 to cover tax and the v-belt which the warranty co. doesn't cover. Third party warranty company paid the balance. 
Jan 2016

122500 mi
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket and oil cooler gasket leaking. Gasket removal and replacement paid for by 3rd party warranty company. A/C compressor was making a growling noise when A/C was on. Warranty company covered replacement of noisy A/C compressor under warranty. 
Apr 2016

125000 mi
Previously repaired (9 months ago) oil pan leak started leaking again. Dealer removed the replacement gasket and replaced it with a second new gasket. They claimed that the original replacement part was defective. Car was making a squeaking noise right at start up. I thought it was an issue with the installation of a replacement A/C compressor from a previous repair. Was due to the DVD drive instead. I declined to replace that as it works fine. 
Sep 2016

127000 mi

US $2624
Engine running rough sometimes at startup and then for a few miles. Problem got worse and more frequent. ECU finally set a code which turned on the check engine light(CEL). 2 injectors were found to be bad. All six had to be replaced, what? 
Mar 2017

131194 mi
Oil Cooler Gasket, which was replaced in 1/2016, started leaking again. Gasket was re-replaced under warranty from last replacement. 
Jul 2017

132000 mi
There is a connection point under the hood where the battery wire from the trunk terminates and is connected to the jump-start point. This point then has another wire going down to the starter. Car wouldn't start. Found loose nut/bolt at this point. Tightened bolt, problem fixed. 
Feb 2018

137000 mi

US $136
One ignition coil failed under hard acceleration. Code was read indicating which of the 6 coils failed. Coil was replaced. Should have done it myself since the coil is available from a number of internet sources for about $25. Would have been a great excuse to buy a code reader. Oh well... 
Jul 2021

151000 mi
Battery failed and replaced by me 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Jun 2008 - Feb 2016
Nov 2009

38000 mi
Check engine light on. Engine had faulty fuel injector. 
Dec 2015

125000 mi

US $2500
replaced water pump, heating core 
Jan 2016

125000 mi

US $6000
Transmission was whinning and required replacement 
Feb 2016

125000 mi

US $6000
The transmission failed and had to be replaced. Cost was $6000 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Nov 2010
Nov 2009

22000 mi
Replaced fuel injector 
Dec 2009

24000 mi
Nav system quit working. Service advisor saw the problem. It spontaneously resolved prior to my service appt. 
Apr 2010

28000 mi
iDrive crashing. Reload of sw fixed it. 
Nov 2010

34000 mi
CEL on and running rough at startup when turned in. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2008 - Jul 2013
Jan 2008

1300 mi
Purchased the car late June 2008. Late September I noticed some oil beneath the car and indeed it was an oil leak. They said it was from a defective engine oil cooler and lost a fair amount of oil. It was repaired without charge. Hope this was a fluke. 
Oct 2008

1000 mi
Oil leaking below car. Found by dealer to be a leak in the 'engine oil cooler' and was a factory defective item. No cost for repair. 
Jan 2009

2000 mi
Driver's side door speaker went out. Was replaced at no charge. 
Mar 2011

13000 mi
Noticed misfiring. Replaced three injectors, three gasket rings, and six decoupling elements per recall. Would have also replaced the HPFP, but none in stock. 
Jul 2013

26000 mi
2 rattles- one front drivers side, had it for ayear cannot find cause. sounds metal. the other was new, on the right front, sounded in dashboard and also could not find the cause. it developed during a visit 2 months ago for oil change and dent removal. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Mar 2011 - Sep 2013
Aug 2012

52300 mi

US $36
Clips holding center dash trim broke. 
Jun 2013

61000 mi

US $100
Rear window regulator failed. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Oct 2012 - Mar 2015
Mar 2013

85000 mi

US $750
Replaced oil filter housing seal 
Feb 2015

134100 mi

US $980
Replaced valve cover gasket 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2012 - Feb 2016
Dec 2013

49000 mi

US $950
water pump replaced 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Sep 2009 - Oct 2009
Mar 2009

18000 mi

US $6000
Replaced both turbo units under warranty 
Jul 2009

21000 mi

US $3000
Replaced high pressure fuel pumps. Engine went in limp home mode 
Oct 2009

27000 mi
Steering inoperative; also battery replaced bad cell. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2013 - Jun 2022
Jun 2014

91000 mi

US $200
Water pump quit working and car would only idle. Water pump was covered under warranty, but I had to pay for thermostat replacement not covered. 
Apr 2020

122000 mi

US $2800
Had to replace transfer case. 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2010 - Nov 2014
Jan 2012

36000 mi

US $350
Housing for the rear turn and reverse light... 
Aug 2012

40500 mi

US $160
Right Low bean headlight. 
Dec 2012

43000 mi

US $317
Accidentally poured engine oil into power steering oil compartment, had to have it flushed out. 
Oct 2013

47200 mi

US $345
Replaced with a new battery 
Nov 2014

50000 mi

US $4500
Transmission mechatronics leak Replaced mechatronics 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Nov 2014 - Dec 2016
Nov 2014

106000 mi

US $500
Water hose needed replacement 
May 2015

115400 mi

US $1049
Diagnosed as faulty DMTL pump and IBS cable, which caused my check engine light to stay on. The faulty pump and IBS cable had to be replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Oklahoma, United States
Oct 2015 - Jun 2022
Sep 2016

89000 mi

US $2100
Replace Turbos that BMW and Dealer would not cover under warranty. Had waste gate rattle, bushings worn out. TSB. Replace fuel injectors due to prior dealer installing incorrectly damaging all six. Replaced leaking oil filter gaskets Replaced leaking Valve cover gasket Walnut shell blasted intake valves to clean carbon off of them. 
Oct 2017

100800 mi

US $75
Changed oil & oil filter. Rotated tires. Small oil leak at engine pan, could not identify source. 
Jan 2022

143000 mi

US $450
Brake pads and rotors worn. Flushed brake fluid 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

72000 mi

US $50
Coolant Pump went bad. Dealer replaced it under CPO warranty. Also, Replaced Oil Pressure Sensor since false low engine oil level warning was coming. 
BMW 5-Series in Indiana, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2015
Apr 2015

62800 mi
Water pump failed. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Jan 2011 - Sep 2014
Feb 2011

25000 mi
leaking windshield washer pump or reservoir. repaired under warranty. seems to be a known problem on the BMW forums.  
Jan 2012

40000 mi
Ticking sound getting progressively louder. It sounds like a typewriter. The dealer says its normal. The car didnt make this sound until recently. 
Jan 2014

US $2000
Took it to an independent shop for a once over prior to extended warranty expired. They reccommended replacing control arm bushings. Took it to dealer who said it needed thrust arm replacement. They did out for $50 deductible. waterpump went out after 9 days past warranty. also all injectors, plugs, ignition coils had to be replace. fought with BMW NA and they agreed to pay for parts. Labor was over $2,000. Traded the car in for a brand new Mini Copper Hardtop S. 
BMW 5-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Aug 2011 - Apr 2012
Nov 2011

46000 mi

US $50
Got recurring check engine lights and reduced power "limp mode". The exhaust VANOS solenoid had failed. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2012 - Oct 2017
Jun 2012

45000 mi
battery failed 
Dec 2012

46000 mi
Cracked front windshield. Got in the car and noticed a 6-inch crack starting from the edge towards the center. No chips or any other indication of rock damage anywhere in the area. The glass repair company said this is typically a weak spot.  
BMW 5-Series in Kentucky, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2015
Jul 2011

29300 mi
Windshield washer pump was leaking washer fluid, repaired on the first trip, however it took 2 weeks before the dealer could see my car. I drove it until then. 
Oct 2011

31300 mi
Rear passenger window was stuck down. There was a strange noise when the window button was pressed. The power window motor was replaced and it took from Monday to Wednesday to get the part. 
Feb 2013

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. 
Jun 2015

57000 mi

US $900
Water pump went out, purchased one on Amazon (cheaper than dealer) then allowed the dealer to do the labor. 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Sep 2015 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

134900 mi

US $500
Turbocharger failed. Replaced CHRA's with good used units. Machined and installed new wastegate bushings and machined wastegate arms to match. Reinstalled with new gaskets/seals, coolant, and oil. 
Jul 2017

150000 mi

US $300
Oil pan gasket replaced.  Walnut blasted intake ports/valves. 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Feb 2014 - Mar 2014
Feb 2014

50000 mi
overheating rear passenger window inoperable. limp mode 
BMW 5-Series in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2011 - Apr 2015
Mar 2012

64000 mi

US $200
right rear lights went out, replaced connector and a bracket 
Dec 2012

76000 mi

US $150
Fuel injector bank failure 
Sep 2013

86000 mi
Engine Malfunction related to turbo charging system 
Oct 2013

87000 mi
Hp fuel pump replaced under warranty 
Mar 2014

94000 mi

US $200
Car overheated. Towed to dealer 
Jul 2014

99300 mi

US $300
Water pump failed Engine malfunction light 
Aug 2014

100000 mi

US $500
Both turbos replaced with purchased warranty. They paid $3K, I paid $500 
Dec 2014

105000 mi

US $2500
Oil gasket leak Tie rod ends frozen 
BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Jul 2007 - Aug 2010
Aug 2008

13000 mi
Car had little power and warned there was a malfunction. I was away from the dealer, if I had driven to the dealer instead of stopping it probably would not have had to have been towed. High pressure fuel pump had to be replaced. 
Jun 2009

22000 mi
Regular maintenance turned up a problem with an intermittent fuel sensor that I was told could have could have made the car undriveable if not fixed. 
Mar 2010

29000 mi
Oil change, halo (headlight) replaced, brakes replaced, battery replaced due to car stating there was a power outage when I would go back to car after driving it for a short period. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2007 - Feb 2011
Dec 2010

30000 mi
Failure of high pressure fuel pump 
BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
Feb 2010 - Aug 2011
Sep 2010

25000 mi
seat cushion replaced due to failure 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2018
Aug 2010

31700 mi
Car ran roughly. Dealer diagnosed problem and repaired it under warranty. 
Nov 2011

49300 mi

US $900
Both headlamp fixtures needed replacement, no longer under original factory warranty. 
Sep 2016

103000 mi

US $2000
Gasket seals and oil filter gaskets 
Nov 2016

105000 mi

US $1200
Water pump needed replacement. 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
May 2010 - Dec 2011
Jul 2010

31620 mi
DVD Drive for Navigation DVD Repair for Nav. System 
Dec 2011

51460 mi

C $2000
Had to replace the Transmission sleeve as it had a slow leak Had to replace the Transmission slevel as it had a slow leak 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

25000 mi
High pressure fuel pump replaced early november. Fuel pump failed again in 2 weeks and replaced again middle of november. No problems since. High pressure fuel pump replaced Wndshield wiper motor replaced Seat belt sendor error- dealer rest it. 
Jan 2010 Fuel pump replaced third time. 
BMW 5-Series in Iowa, United States
Jul 2007 - Jun 2011
Apr 2008

16000 mi
The car would lose all time and date as if the battery had run out of charge. All it needed was a software flash. 
May 2008

16000 mi
Software flash as I was getting a problem with the clock losing time plus other things that the flash fixed. 
Jul 2009

37000 mi
Voice recognition would respond only part of the time. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2018
Mar 2010

24000 mi
Burned out daytime running light lamp. Took the shop over an hour to replace. 
Apr 2013

63500 mi

US $450
Transmission oil leak Replace leaking windshield washer pump 
Jun 2013

66000 mi

US $1000
Catastrophic water pump failure, causing immediate engine overheating. Computer shut down the engine, preventing further damage. Water pump was replaced. 
Oct 2013

74200 mi

US $200
Oil leak from the filter housing Control arm bushing fluid leak 
Dec 2015

109000 mi

US $400
Replace faulty crankshaft position sensor 
Aug 2017

138000 mi

US $1200
Compressor replaced 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Nov 2007 - Dec 2011
Sep 2011

66000 mi

US $1700
updated software, replace damaged steering arm, 
BMW 5-Series in Nevada, United States
Jul 2007 - Jan 2011
Jan 2008

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. 
Jan 2009

10000 mi
Defective High-pressure Fuel Pump. Removed and replaced with new high-pressure Fuel Pump. 
BMW 5-Series in Indiana, United States
Feb 2009 - Aug 2014
Mar 2011

27000 mi
High pressure fuel pump failure - noticed by driver and most recently a voluntary recall was initiated by BMW. 
Aug 2014

60000 mi

US $1200
water pump needed to be replaced (failed) and also replaced thermostat 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2009 - Sep 2017
Nov 2010

28000 mi

US $31
The car would often "hiccup" or hesitate sharply when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. The dealer re-installed software after finding no leaks or problems with the automatic transmission. This seems to have worked. 
Dec 2015

73000 mi

US $1000
Front suspension problem - replaced parts. 
BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Jul 2007 - Mar 2011
Mar 2008

6000 mi
Gear vibration heard and felt in steering wheel. Dealer said could not find cause but acknowledged it sounded like a pinion gear whine. It could be in transmission or AWD transfer unit. The symptoms are gradually getting worse and most likely be ... 
Apr 2008

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. Advertised voice recognition command to access USB/Ipod feature did not work at time of delivery. Previous trips for repair unsuccessful. A new sofware upgrade this trip fixed it. Now works perfectly. Upon car start, warning that AWD/DSC malfunction occurred. Warning would reset after driving a few feet. Recently when this occurred, the time and date display had to be reset. Reflash of DME software fixed the problem. It's all about computers now. 
May 2009

17000 mi
The oil pan was replaced due to an oil leak through a mounting hole for the front differential. This is an AWD vehicle. This problem came from the factory when purchased new. 
Aug 2009

20000 mi
The High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failed. This is a known issue with the 535 series engine (which BMW issued an extended 10yr warranty for HPFP.) I was able to drive the car to the dealer under reduced power. Fixed in one day...gave me a loaner 
Dec 2010

35000 mi
'Klunk' when starting up. Fixed with TSB software update. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Dec 2009 - Dec 2010
Jun 2010

32000 mi
Navigation system repair 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
- Sep 2011
Jul 2009

36000 mi
Pulled engine, opened head, cleaned cylinders, replaced injectors, reprogramed 
Sep 2011

36000 mi
car still miss firing 
BMW 5-Series in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2016 - Mar 2017
Dec 2016

95000 mi

US $1800
R/R oil pan, valve cover gasket, cooler housing gasket 
Jan 2017

96000 mi

US $800
Replace eccentric drive shaft sensor 
BMW 5-Series in Utah, United States
Jul 2007 - Sep 2017
Aug 2007

5000 mi
Gear shift assembly defective from factory/ordered replaced under warranty Installed new gear shift assembly. 
Jun 2008

14000 mi
Check engine light came on. Dealer could find nothing wrong, and could not replicate it. 
Sep 2008

15000 mi
Engine malfunction reduced power/reloaded new software. 
Dec 2008

17000 mi
Cooling fan replaced. 
Feb 2010

31000 mi
software problem 
Jun 2013

76000 mi
Twin turbos leak in transmission 
Nov 2015

92000 mi

US $1200
Bad water pump, replaced also replaced thermostat and expansion tank. 
Mar 2016

93000 mi

US $2500
Fuel injectors 
May 2017

104000 mi

US $1500
Ignition coil Head gasket repair 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in British Columbia, Canada
Mar 2014 - Apr 2018
Sep 2014

82460 mi

C $670
Mild leak was discovered oil housing gasket. Had that fixed and some adjacent seals replaced. 
Aug 2015

95480 mi

C $1400
Fuel injectors cleaned out with walnut shells. Car was running very rough. 
Jun 2016

106020 mi

C $2200
Thermostat was replaced and water pump was replaced proactively. 
Aug 2016

110120 mi

C $640
Coolent hose and sensor replacement 
Jan 2017

120900 mi

C $2200
Oil leak from two areas. 
Jul 2017

122760 mi

C $1400
Oil leak from seal and spark plug changes, but problem is with error code coming on randomly (engine malfunction - limp mode) due to turbo pressure failure. Still investigating... 
Sep 2017

124000 mi

C $400
One of the Turbos was setting off error messages and the linkage was adjusted due to wear. 
Apr 2018

124620 mi

C $2000
Alternator belt shredded and got sucked into the engine. 
BMW 5-Series in Nevada, United States
Jan 2011 - Jun 2011
Mar 2011

37500 mi
Piece of trim, Driver's HVAC vent missing aluminum trim. Dealer replaced register trim. 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. 
May 2011

42000 mi
NAV option not in idrive. DVD drive was not reading the NAV disc. Dealer replaced the DVD drive. NAV now functions. 
Jun 2011

42000 mi
Shortly after dealer repaired the no-nav problem, the CD drive would no longer read CDs. 
BMW 5-Series in Mississippi, United States
Aug 2011 - Apr 2014
Dec 2012

62000 mi
Failure of daytime running lights. Repair deferred due to cost to run diagnostics (>$200) 
Apr 2013

67000 mi

US $1500
Water pump failed. Water pump and thermostat replaced.  Also replaced passenger side angel eye bulb. 
Jul 2013

73200 mi

US $500
Replace left rear window regulator 
Feb 2014

81700 mi

US $2000
Replaced alternator belt and idler pulley. Repaired minor oil leak. Also address brake light recall issue (no charge). 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Feb 2012 - Jun 2018
Apr 2012

50000 mi
Car went into limp mode and displayed error on i-Drive. Took to dealer and they replaced cylinder 1 variable vanos solenoid.  Also had them replace carbon filters and sunroof seal due to excessive noise. 
May 2012

50300 mi
Car back in for sunroof. The dealer cannot seem to get it right. The car has been in 4 times now for the sunroof seal and excessive wind noise. I will report back later. 
Jun 2012

51000 mi
Back in for sunroof wind noise. As of today July 9th the dealers last repair has been successful and the sunroof is still quiet. This repair took 4 trips to the dealer to re mediate. 
Dec 2012

54000 mi

US $780
Replaced all ball joints and control arm bushings. I was having issues with the front brake rotors receiving pad material deposits. This would in turn produce heavy steering wheel vibration upon braking. Found bad balljoints. Engine cooling fan running on high with no heat in vehicle. Electric water pump failed. Replaced electric water pump. 
Mar 2013

57000 mi

US $500
The 4X4 light, including DSC ABS EBS, and I forget the rest came on. In combination with a stutter under acceleration and a inconsistent thud. All of this was related to replacement of the transfer case positioning motor. 
Aug 2013

63600 mi

US $50
Wastegates needed adjusted on the turbo chargers. Also had a leak in the charge pipe. Adjusted wastegate and replaced worn components on bypass valves. 
May 2014

78300 mi

US $299
Car was making growling noise when HVAC was on. This noise changed pitch with engine RPM's. AC system needed re-charged, with dye. Dealer claimed it was not leaking and that it is normal to lose 10% per year of refrigerant. 
Apr 2015

93300 mi

US $250
Evaporator developed a leak December 2014, just now getting around to replacing it. Parts are inexpensive, however must take dash completely out to repair. 
May 2015

94000 mi

US $400
The 4X4 light, including DSC ABS EBS, and I forget the rest came on. In combination with a stutter under acceleration and a inconsistent thud. All of this was related to replacement of the transfer case positioning motor. 
Mar 2018

144000 mi

US $1800
Replaced transfer case mounting bushing due to a "clunk".  Replaced tension struts, tie rod ends, control arms, ball joints and wheel bearings. Engine was leaking oil, source of leak was attributed to the oil filter and oil cooler gaskets failing. Replaced gaskets. Car had a misfire and needed the intake valves cleaned. This is a routine maintenance item that was way overdue. Replaced both front half shafts due to a severe vibration while accelerating. 
Jun 2018

146000 mi

US $4500
The car had severe boost lag. The original turbochargers waste gates were worn beyond their service life. Turbochargers were replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2016
Feb 2013

53000 mi
Engine misfire, now it is doing it again 
Dec 2013

78000 mi

US $18
Replaced tail light socket. 
Apr 2015

113000 mi

US $2100
Water pump, thermostat, oil in radiator. Reseal oil cooler 
Jun 2015

114000 mi

US $250
Plastic hose eroded away from front of head 
Dec 2016

136000 mi
Needed a turbo. Needed front wheel bearings. 
BMW 5-Series in Colorado, United States
Aug 2013 - Mar 2014
Oct 2013

64300 mi
Replaced engine under warranty. Spun main bearing 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Aug 2013 - Oct 2014
Sep 2013

71000 mi
Interior driver seat control buttom was not working. Dealer removed and reset button. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Jul 2014 - Jan 2022
Jul 2014

60000 mi

US $1300
water pump went out 
Jan 2016

US $950
fuel pump 
Jan 2022

86000 mi

US $1500
AC compressor 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Jul 2014 - Aug 2014
Jul 2014

127000 mi

US $972
starter was replaced. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 232hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in Finland
Nov 2007 - Mar 2014
Apr 2009

26040 mi
Bonnet was readjusted to close a gap between headlight and bonnet edge. Computer reported a fuel pump fault but it turned out be a sensor connection problem which was fixed. Problems with playing music from USB drive which caused navigation system resets. This only happens with some particular songs. Computer software was reportedly re-installed which I doubt. 
Jan 2010

39060 mi
Right front wheel made strange noise when driving over speed bumps. Lubrication re-aligning parts helped but the noise is still audible. According to service mgr, BMW have instructed to change parts only if the problem reappears after lubrication. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Ireland
Feb 2008 - Aug 2010
Aug 2009

52080 mi

€320
Clear coat peeling from front fender - required removal from car, stripping, re-painting and re-fitting. 
BMW 5-Series in Great Britain
Aug 2016 - Jun 2022
Jun 2016

80000 mi

£850
seal worn out, fluid changed. £850. 
Jun 2018

77000 mi

£250
Battery software update. My garage did not charge. Previous owner changed battery but not updated software causing all sorts of issues/code messages. Issue solved. 
Sep 2021

89000 mi

£200
Cable loom worn out, occasionally shorting the system for faults. 
BMW 5-Series in India
Feb 2013 - Jan 2016
Apr 2013

36940 mi
I heard rattling sound from engine compartmnt. when got checked company replaced all chains including timing, crankshaft , piston rings all studs bolts it costs me app. 4 lakhs in indian rupees 
Jul 2013

43160 mi
car has leakage from enginr oil filter assembly . and dealership takes 5 days torepair it , but leakge still persists after this they recall me and i left car for more 5 days now its ok ,.but now from till i get car it gives me stating prom 
Aug 2013

44640 mi
Rattling sound coming again from engine and there is consumption of engine oil 1 ltr per 2000 kms ..2 Dealer said we hav to again replace its pisyon rings, pulleys ,etc which they had already done 2 moths ago 
Oct 2013

48360 mi
my cars engine gets totaly damaged. sleeve in the engine bolck gets cracked and full block including pistons are replaced. 
Mar 2015

69440 mi

$90000
rpm fluctuates and car sometimes stop in the middle of road . problem was with fuel system 
Aug 2015

82460 mi

$15000
engine and gear mounts got replaced drive shft bearing mount also broken. bmw do not have the part. till then i cant drive car. they are out of stock worldwide. 
Sep 2015

84320 mi

$22000
Differential seal of right side axle got leaked and replaced both seal and differential oil 
Jan 2016

88040 mi

$7500
Drive shaft mount got damaged because of bmw workshop mechanics . Timing chain start rattling they adjust the tensioners. Hence they had removed the driveshaft and gearbox. They fix a bolt in centre of shaft and its alingment become out. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

500-horsepower 5.0L V10 7-speed automated manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Dec 2015 - Dec 2019
Jan 2016

55000 mi

US $500
ignition coil replacement 
May 2016

58000 mi
Suspension bushing wear 
Apr 2017

62000 mi

US $8000
Vanos system repair 
Jun 2018

71000 mi

US $2200
throttle actuators replaced 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Dec 2014
Aug 2011

16289 mi
Battery was weak due to lack of driving. BMW offered a goodwill replacement, provided I would use a battery conditioner on the vehicle while the car was not being used. Battery was weak due to lack of driving. BMW offered a goodwill replacement, provided I would use a battery conditioner on the vehicle while the car was not being used. 
Mar 2013

20000 mi

US $500
Check Engine called out an "Increased Emissions" fault. The Bank 2 secondary air valve was defective. After replacement, the increased emissions problem went away. 
BMW 5-Series in Districto Federal, Mexico
Jun 2014 - Mar 2017
Oct 2014

31000 mi

$100
DSC, EDC, ABS Lights on on dash, DSC disabled. DSC control module was reset. problem comes back about once a week, goes away on restart. 
May 2016

39460 mi

$800
DSC, EDC, ABS Lights on on dash, DSC disabled. Had the DSC pump removed, sent it to ecutesting.com in the UK for a rebuild. Got it back, had it installed back. Problem solved. Car wasn't driveable while waiting for the part. 
Aug 2016

42160 mi

$2000
The SMG pump motor failed and had to be replaced. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

500-horsepower 5.0L V10 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Dec 2015 - Feb 2017
Mar 2016

39000 mi

US $350
Tire pressure sensor 
BMW 5-Series in Michigan, United States
Jun 2021 - Jul 2022
Sep 2021

64500 mi

US $800
Needed all 10 new spark plugs and a coil pack went bad. 
Nov 2021

64000 mi
AC Compressor blown. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Apr 2011 - Oct 2014
Apr 2012

33000 mi
Voltage Regulator inside Alternator went bad. Electronic Damping Controller module exhibited a fault, causing a steering system warning to come on. 
May 2012

34300 mi
Clutch chatter lead to hot spots on the flywheel. Caused by wear to clutch assembly, less than 1mm remaining. Repair was free due to bumper-to-bumper warranty, otherwise would have cost $3,000+. 
Dec 2012

45000 mi
Vanos valve in oil pump sounded like it was "popping" when outside temp dropped below 56F. Problem was not properly isolated by the dealer because the outside temp rose above 56F while at the dealer. 
Oct 2014

76000 mi

US $4600
Oil cooler and oil lines started leaking with a Class III leak and needed repair. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Aug 2015 - Sep 2017
Sep 2016

80000 mi

US $990
Alternator replaced 
Mar 2017

83000 mi

US $350
Power window regulator. Window dropped into the door. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2012
Jun 2011

28000 mi
Left front running light failed prematurely. Related to software, which was updated for entire system (5 HR download) 
Nov 2011

34000 mi

US $89
Strong wind noise from closed sun roof 
Mar 2012

37000 mi
Wind noise at closed sun roof. Replaced seal 
BMW 5-Series in Kentucky, United States
Jan 2014 - Jul 2018
Feb 2014

88700 mi

US $375
Replace Battery 
May 2014

95500 mi

US $1500
VANOS solenoids 
Jun 2015

110000 mi

US $15000
Complete engine replacement 
Jul 2018

150000 mi

US $1000
Ignition coil 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Sep 2015
Dec 2013

55000 mi

US $1260
Alternator bracket leak 
Aug 2015

63000 mi

US $1200
Oil pan gasket 
Sep 2015

69000 mi
No start 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Feb 2015 - Jan 2017
Apr 2016

126000 mi
Replaced caliper that would periodically stick and cause overheating. Also replaced pads. 
Sep 2016

134000 mi

US $900
Cooling Fan Relay failed which requires the entire cooling fan assembly to be replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Sep 2013 - Mar 2014
Nov 2013

59100 mi

US $20
Shelled out $20 for a OBDII code reader to diagnose the check engine light.#5 Spark plug went bad. Luckily this was at the front and easily accessible allowing me to change myself. 
Feb 2014

64100 mi

US $350
Battery started to die, which Causes other systems to malfunction since the car has so many electrical systems. 
BMW 5-Series in South Carolina, United States
May 2013 - Dec 2016
Jul 2013

114000 mi

US $400
The car required a new control module. The transmission went into safety mode and wouldn't shift. The car had also been failing to start even thought the battery was charged. 
Sep 2013

119000 mi

US $390
The transmission went into safe driving mode. It wouldn't shift out of second gear. A control module was found to be faulty and replaced. 
Jan 2015 Leaking transmission pan and gasket replaced. The original pan warps at about 100,000 miles and begins to leak. I replaced pan and fluid myself for about $200.00. The dealer wanted $870.00. 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Apr 2014 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014

109000 mi
Severe jerk in transmission when shifting into reverse. Noticed it initially upon purchase, but thought it was software. Worsened over time. 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Apr 2013 - May 2013
May 2013

80000 mi

US $384
Transmission shifts horribly/slips from gear 3 to 4. Slips transmission is in gear 5 and I accelerate at a moderate pace. 
BMW 5-Series in Rhode Island, United States
Sep 2007 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

8000 mi
New "Sport Automatic Transmission" (SAT) not always shifting to reverse when desired. A button on lever must be pushed prior to moving to reverse (electronically controlled) but sometimes doesn't allow lever movement until 2nd or 3rd try. 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Nov 2014 - Jun 2015
Nov 2014

82000 mi
Coolant reservoir developed a leak. 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Nov 2008 - Jun 2012
Dec 2008

1000 mi
"Dynamic Drive System Malfunction" error. Taken to dealer, cleared fault, problem returned. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
May 2010 - Aug 2014
May 2012

88700 mi

US $400
Mehatronic unit 
Jul 2012

92000 mi
Ac compressor Fiber optic szl unit. (Handles communication with steering wheel controls, airbag.) Dsc unit Adjust parking brake 
Aug 2012

92700 mi
Guibo also known as flex disk 
Oct 2012

94000 mi
Dsc failed and computer 
Apr 2013

100500 mi
Water pump, valve cover gaskets, alt gasket 
Jul 2013

103000 mi
Oil pump and valve cover gasket 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Dec 2011 - Jul 2012
Jul 2012

35000 mi
Trunk seal. Computer replaced due to water damage in trunk from broken seal; Battery Recall  Windshield wiper motor replaced; Brakes 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2018
Apr 2013

57800 mi

US $500
Mechatronic controller inside tranny has seal that leaks and causes erratic shifting. Seal replaced and all fluid replaced as preventative maintenance. Vacuum pump for brakes leaking oil. Replaced 
Jul 2013

63700 mi

US $1530
3 of 4 fluid-filled control arm bushings were worn. 3 control arms assemblies were replaced 
Oct 2013

72800 mi

US $250
PDC module went bad resulting in frequent non functioning park distance control. Occurs when shifting to reverse. 
May 2014

82000 mi

US $5000
Valve covers and upper timing cover gaskets leaking Active roll bar system leaking; requires full assembly replacement 
Oct 2016

125000 mi

US $1100
Control arms and thrust bushings replaced; alignment Water pump and belt replaced Alternator;  battery, throttle body and throttle body wiring replaced. 
Dec 2017

141000 mi

US $700
Warped rotors, replacement pads on front 
Jan 2018

145000 mi

US $200
Cracked coolant reservoir, leaking temp sensor, cracked hose. Still losing coolant. Possible failing coolant passage tube in block or at rear of engine 
Feb 2018

155000 mi
Excessive oil usage (2 qts per 7500 Miles). Diagnosis service to check for leaks and determine extent of repairs required. Leaks found but determined that valve stems seals and guides bad. $4500 to repair gaskets and valve stem seals. Service declined due to exceeding value of car. Excessive front tire wear due to toe out condition, rough ride and vibration. Diagnosis provided for work required. Determined that all control arms, all shocks/struts, tie rods, possible wheel bearings will need replacement. Rear control arms will need replacement due to wandering rear end. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Aug 2016 - Aug 2016
Apr 2016

93000 mi

US $3500
Coolant system was leaking. Replaced several coolant temp sensors and hoses. Ended up being the valley pan gasket. Car was leaking oil. Ended up replacing, valve cover gaskets, upper timing cover gaskets, vacuum pump re-seal Car wen't into limp-mode during normal driving conditions. Needed to replace exhaust camshaft sensor. Car pulled to the right during acceleration. Replaced front thrust rods, front sway bar. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2016
Jan 2013

35500 mi

US $50
Service engine returned after 3 months. Found defective exhaust pump in trunk? Previous dealer reset light and advised it was gas cap issue. 
Oct 2014

40300 mi
Transmission shifting was erratic, replaced a control module and reprogrammed. 
Aug 2015

43900 mi

US $2800
Seal leak. 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - Jan 2022
Oct 2011

42000 mi
Transmission fluid leak from wiring harness gromet. 
Jun 2013

60000 mi

US $120
A/C not blowing cold after car sat for >24 hours until car was moving at road speed. 
May 2014

69800 mi

US $1132
Discovered a slight leak - alternator bracket and driver's side timing chain cover. Appears leak was about 2 months old, few drops of oil made it to the ground; that's how it was discovered. Replaced all associated gaskets and parts. 
Jan 2016

67200 mi
Chain tensioner housing crush washer leaking. Tightened bolt, oil leak stopped. 
Mar 2016

78000 mi

US $400
after market battery (purchased 2 yrs earlier)began to fail. Purchased new BMW battery and had it registered to the vehicle. 
May 2017

89000 mi

US $83
Expansion tank developed a hairline crack and dripped coolant. Ordered replacement tank and was able to replace myself in under an hour. Very easy to do. 
Jan 2018

98000 mi

US $500
Minor oil leak - passenger side valve cover. R&R, new gasket installed, work complete, leak stopped. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Sep 2017
Oct 2011

48000 mi
Vacuum pump oil leak, suspension hydraulic leak. Sun roof whistles when closed - won't fully closed. Was told was leaf and/or drain noise but persisted after are cleaned. Had tech ride on freeway and replicated noise. Had to be persistent and make 2nd trip to dealer. Cup holder rattle repair. 
Nov 2011

48500 mi
Sunroof whistle fixed. The sun roof gasket was replaced, necessitating a 2 hour software upgrade to the car. 
Sep 2013

63000 mi

US $50
Oil leak Fluid leak 
Apr 2014

68300 mi

US $375
Windshield washer pump failed. Also had a rear tail light bulb carriers recall repair 
Jul 2014

70300 mi

US $200
Oil leak from sending unit 
Sep 2014

72000 mi

US $3800
Starter replaced Two oil leaks: timing case cover and valve cover gaskets The front thrust arm bearings ($500) were also replaced. $240 went for a four wheel alignment. 
Feb 2016

83000 mi

US $3500
Cooling fan failed. Expansion tank cracked. Engine overheated. Repairs include: new radiator, water pump, electric fan and hoses. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2013
Apr 2011

38000 mi
Sunroof became noisy at speeds above 35 mph. Sunroof seal was replaced under warranty. 
Mar 2013

64000 mi

US $50
Leaks from upper and lower timing covers 
Apr 2013

64200 mi

US $50
Leak from transmission servotronic 
May 2013

64000 mi

US $50
Leak from radiator overflow Ignition coil on one cylinder went bad 
BMW 5-Series in Washington, United States
Aug 2011 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

50000 mi

US $50
Drove the car in for a check engine light. After the repairs for the check engine light the dealer noticed the transmission was leaking. After another day they told me they would be replacing the transmission. The check engine light came on and I took it into the dealer as I have certified warranty. After being there 1 day I got a call saying that the fuel pumps were bad. They replaced under warranty. 
BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Feb 2009 - Sep 2012
Sep 2010

47000 mi
Replaced right rear bearing. 
Dec 2011

65000 mi

US $350
Battery Replacement. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Jan 2009 - Oct 2011
Jan 2009

10000 mi
passenger side rear tire keeps setting off the tire pressure monitor. the sensor says tire pressure is low but tire is fine. not sure why the sensor keeps going off every couple of days. 
Jun 2010

23000 mi
windshield washer container had a slow leak 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Sep 2008 - Nov 2012
Mar 2010

18000 mi
High battery drain due to door latch short. Parts ordered, not installed yet 
Apr 2010

18300 mi
Replaced rear door handle that was shorting 
Oct 2010

26000 mi
Faulty oil sensor indicated overfull oil level. Sensor replaced. 
Mar 2011

32000 mi
Check engine light, replaced oxygen sensor.  Transmission had a leak, which resulted in poor shifting occasionally, all fixed. 
Aug 2011

39000 mi
After oil change, oil reading HIGH, faulty oil sensor, replaced 
Dec 2011

43000 mi
Oxygen sensor 
Jun 2012

50000 mi

US $350
Wind noise from sunroof. Seal replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2010 - Oct 2014
Dec 2010

59000 mi

US $200
battery drain - caused by LED bulbs 
May 2011

65000 mi

US $1400
radiator fan was only working intermitantly 
Nov 2011

75000 mi
Oxygen sensor on bank two behind catalyst is going out. 
May 2012

82900 mi

US $600
Tension Strut bushings were bad 
Aug 2012

85000 mi

US $320
Two bad coil packs replaced that caused a misfire Two bad coil packs replaced that caused a misfire 
Sep 2012

87500 mi

US $1350
replaced Mechatronics sleeve and pinion seal Mechatronics sealing sleeve was leaking and pinion seal was leaking. both fixed. also did transmission service 
Nov 2012

90000 mi

US $50
Tire pressure sensor 
Dec 2012

91000 mi

US $65
Tire TPMS sensor replaced 
Mar 2013

95000 mi

US $100
replaced with a Bosch battery from Pepboys. 
Apr 2013

95500 mi

US $100
Replaced expansion tank due to the measurement device inside the tank crumbled and broke 
May 2013

97000 mi

US $45
replaced sunroof seal 
Sep 2013

101000 mi

US $230
Over flow coolant hose 
Jan 2014

94000 mi

US $300
Replace battery and program car 
Jun 2014

113000 mi

US $450
Rear window lift Rear diff 
Aug 2014

115000 mi

US $100
Replaced 6 month old battery with AGM battery 
Oct 2014

117000 mi
Rear differential 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2010 - Nov 2011
Jan 2011

27000 mi
Oil level reading high in I-drive although no oil was introduced to the system since last dealer oil change. this problem has been reoccurring. Computer software reset and reading correctly now, although they've done this fix before. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Oct 2010 - Dec 2011
Nov 2010

22000 mi
Electric thigh extension in drivers seat broken. Gear stripped. 
BMW 5-Series in Oregon, United States
Apr 2011 - Jan 2012
May 2011

48000 mi
seat adjustment motor replaced under warranty 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Sep 2012 - Jan 2015
Jan 2014

63300 mi

US $500
CEL light was on when I took the car in for recall work. Dealer diagnosed that the DMTL unit needed replacement. 
Aug 2014

62000 mi

US $1200
Radiator cooling fan failed, causing engine to overheat in traffic. Could not get the car off the road, so overheating caused the coolant bottle to crack. Fan part alone was $650, plus $100 for the bottle and labor. Car had to be towed. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2018
Jan 2017

100000 mi
Alternator seal leak Coolant leak reservoir Alternator than new battery that was damaged by faulty alternator 
Mar 2018

111000 mi

US $9000
Complete valve job! Replaced defective valve stem seals. New valve guides. Machine shop cleaned all valves included replaced all gaskets including main engine gaskets. Multiple oil leaks from worn out gaskets repaired. Installed new manual clutch kit. Had to remove entire engine to do repair 2 weeks after $9000 repair to replace defective valve stem seals and install new manual clutch, battery light on indicating battery discharging while driving car. Just paid $1600 about 7 months ago for dealer installed new alternator. Had to at that time also replace battery that was only year old because bad alternator fried my battery. Car is presently back in shop. Mechanic indicates bad generator though only 7 months new! Thinks oil leaks damaged newly replaced generator looks like another $1000 repair 
BMW 5-Series in Maryland, United States
Sep 2012 - Jul 2022
Aug 2013

65000 mi

US $30
The weather strip located at the top of the front windshield was starting to crack and deteriorate (probably due to age and sun exposure. 
Jun 2014

79000 mi
All four front control arms, both stabilizer links, and one tie rod assembly needed to be replaced. The mass air flow sensor was dirty. It was causing the check engine light to activate. 
Nov 2014

90000 mi

US $55
The upper coolant expansion tank hose deteriorated and was leaking. It was replaced with an OEM hose. 
Feb 2016

112900 mi

US $1500
Valley pan was leaking coolant. During repair, all cooling system components (water pump, transfer pipe, thermostat, and hoses) were replaced. Also, miscellaneous o-rings and gaskets were replaced. Fuel purge valve was also replaced. 
Mar 2017

131000 mi

US $1900
Coolant leak due to failed gasket on the rear engine cover/plate. A new plate was about $65. Repair cost is mostly labor due to the need to remove transmission for the repair. Also, the rear crankshaft seal and clutch release bearing were replaced since they were both accessible at the time. It was preventive maintenance. 
Oct 2021

192000 mi

US $60
Brakes hoses were replaced. Brake system was bled. Parking brake was adjusted. I noticed the brake hoses were getting old and starting to crack. I replaced them with stainless steel braided upgrades instead of the OEM. The result is a much better brake feel. 
Jul 2022

203000 mi

US $300
Valve seals replaced. Other seals/gaskets were replaced in the process.  Transmission shift bushings were replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Oct 2010 - Sep 2015
Feb 2011

27800 mi
Replace Daytime Running Light. Also, recall for brake booster line leak. 
Oct 2011

39700 mi
Replace rubber gasket around sunroof opening. Original seal not working properly and causing excessive wind noise. 
May 2012

50500 mi

US $50
Side window regulator needed replacement, window would not roll up. 
Mar 2015

92000 mi

US $800
Electrical system giving "Increased Battery Discharge" warning. BCM replaced, problem not solved. Car now at different mechanic (dealer) diagnosing problem. 
Apr 2015

92200 mi

US $1800
Increased battery discharge warning received, fixed by replacing Body Control Module and reprogramming 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2015 - Sep 2017
Jan 2015

73000 mi

US $600
oil filter housing gasket replaced 
Aug 2017

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. 
BMW 5-Series in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2017 - Jun 2018
Apr 2018

121000 mi

US $295
Engine [ignition] coil. Still bucking bringing back 
BMW 5-Series in Arizona, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

84000 mi

US $1800
Worn ball joints and rear suspension 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Jul 2015 - Aug 2015
Aug 2015

87000 mi

US $1004
Starter Motor Replacement 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Jun 2011
Dec 2008

9000 mi
Battery charging computer replaced. 
BMW 5-Series in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2013
Dec 2011

52000 mi
Molding sunroof Spontaneously opening trunk Check engine light 
Feb 2012

53700 mi

US $800
Radiator and thermostat replaced. Computer reprogramming. 
Aug 2012

59700 mi

US $200
Cracked bushing. 
Mar 2013

64000 mi
Cracked bushing unrepaired. 
BMW 5-Series in British Columbia, Canada
Jul 2011 - Apr 2013
Nov 2011

55800 mi

C $200
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. 
Jun 2012

61380 mi

C $1700
Transmission pan bent and needed replaced. Slow leak and seals needed to be replaced. New fill of transmission fluid. Both front tie rods were worn and needed replacement. 
Dec 2012

68200 mi

C $350
Rear lighting harness burnt out affecting the driver side rear light array. Dealer did a re-wire job to save me the $1200 for a whole new harness. 
Apr 2013

72540 mi

C $865
Starter died. Had it replaced 
BMW 5-Series in North Dakota, United States
Oct 2011 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

35000 mi
Hydraulic valve lifter (HVA) replacement – this is a very common issue with pre-2009 N52 engines. A TSB existed, and the work was performed according to the TSB. The symptom was a ticking noise. Teflon tape was added to the sheet metal which contacts the door seals in order to alleviate a creaking noise. There is also a TSB for this issue. 
BMW 5-Series in Georgia, United States
Jun 2008 - Aug 2010
Sep 2008

16000 mi
Car would not start, dealer replaced fuel pump controller, fuel filter, and fuel pump. 
Mar 2009

21000 mi
Replaced 6/6 injectors to no avail. Replaced DME, vehicle still running "rich". Replaced fuel pump(s) and filter(s) and additional electronics. Problem has not recurred, dealer cannot pinpoint root cause. The injectors were clearly defective from factory. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Dec 2010 - Apr 2017
Mar 2014

60000 mi

US $50
Oil Filter housing leaking 
Sep 2014

64000 mi

US $2000
#5 Bank Solenoid Thermostat failed. Tensioner pulley failed Pan failed, leaking. 
May 2016

79000 mi

US $800
Starter went out. 
BMW 5-Series in North Carolina, United States
Jul 2010 - Apr 2014
Nov 2010

17000 mi
Shifter would block intermitently when trying to go into reverse. Had to go to drive first then push back into reverse. had to change one cupholder that would not come out. 
Mar 2011

22000 mi
Had to replace the Sirius satellite unit. Was playing but would sometimes stay on one channel and could not change it even after turning car off and back on again... 
Jun 2013

53000 mi
AC drainage tube was blocked and water stayed trapped in air ducts. Water vapor was felt when AC was on. This appears to be a relatively common problem based on what I read on blogs. The drainage opening under the car gets clogged. 
Sep 2013

57000 mi

US $850
Belt had to be replaced, battery had to be replaced 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Dec 2014
Jun 2011

26000 mi
Software controlling Vanos needed to be reflashed with a newer version. 
Jan 2012

54500 mi
Sensor controlling VANOS was bad - replaced. Too much voltage to DRL's - replaced bulbs and reflashed computer to permanently lower the voltage. 
Dec 2013

83000 mi
Fan control knob broke. Repaired and reinstalled. 
Jul 2014

89200 mi

US $1000
Leaking transmission oil, new pan & fluid change 
Dec 2014

90000 mi

US $600
Coil pack bad, replaced bad unit & injectors 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2018
Jul 2015

90000 mi

US $1000
replaced battery oil leak valve cover and oil filter husing 
BMW 5-Series in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - Jan 2018
Sep 2012

55000 mi
Battery replacement under warranty, Battery terminal recall done 
Apr 2014

68200 mi

US $50
Alternator failed Broken aluminum head bolts (4) were extracted and replaced 
Jul 2014

69700 mi
Oil leak from valvetronic seal, valve cover gasket and oil filter housing. Seem to be results from the head bolt work done in April Coil #1 died, replaced all 6 coils and plugs. I believe this was due to pressure cleaning at the dealer from the prior day's trip. 
Oct 2015

85500 mi
When in for an oil change, dealer said the valve cover gasket was leaking - I saw no evidence of this, but since they replaced it 1 year ago under warranty, it was replaced again under warranty. I'm still not sure if it was bad 
Sep 2016

96000 mi

US $1400
Coolant leak, replaced radiator. Proactively replaced water pump and hoses. 
Aug 2017

106000 mi

US $1000
Front wheel bearings needed to be replaced due to noise. Strut mounts were bad, replaced struts as well. 
BMW 5-Series in Texas, United States
Feb 2014 - Jul 2016
Apr 2014

89000 mi

US $100
#2 coil went out 
Jan 2015

106000 mi

US $50
Car was making a humming noise at low speeds. Turned off at to hear it better and noise went away. Checked and refrigerant was low. Topped off, noise went away 
Oct 2015

128700 mi

US $500
Fuel sending unit leaking 
Jul 2016

143000 mi

US $1500
Oil leaks on oil filter housing and valve cover 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Aug 2013 - Dec 2017
Jul 2014

73000 mi

US $800
small leak in the bottom corner of radiator. Replaced unit $690 included coolant. 
Nov 2014

84000 mi

US $750
Water pump failed. 
Dec 2014

87000 mi

US $300
Replaced the battery 
Jul 2015

104800 mi

US $1200
Replaced coils 
Sep 2015

109000 mi

US $1200
Engine ran hot and later would not start. Needed new starter. Replaced radiator reservoir which had a crack in the plastic. 
Dec 2015

116000 mi

US $1500
radiator replaced due to failure from earlier install , radiator hoses all replaced and electric water pump replaced 
Jan 2016

118000 mi

US $2100
Vanos system and motor/sensors 
BMW 5-Series in Virginia, United States
Jul 2013 - Sep 2013
Jul 2013

61000 mi

US $4250
Oil had leaked into the "timing belt solenoid" which was causing the engine to fire at the wrong times and making the car impossible to drive. 
BMW 5-Series in Tennessee, United States
Sep 2013 - Sep 2013
Sep 2013

55000 mi

US $400
Replaced rain sensor in front windshield for intermittent wiper system 
BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Sep 2013
Jun 2013

56000 mi

US $185
Oxygen sensor failed 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Feb 2008 - Jun 2011
Mar 2008

1000 mi
Check engine light came on exactly 2 weeks after I purchased the car at slightly less than 500 miles. Dealer repaired faulty wiring to the oxygen sensor. Also replaced oxygen sensor. 
Feb 2009

6000 mi
Metallic ticking in the engine. Dealer performed bleeding procedure, but ticking returned within 1 week. Scheduled new appt in April and will insist that dealer replace the cylinder head, which has been reported as the cause of the noise by prior owners. 
May 2009

7000 mi
After a second bleeding procedure in April, the metallic ticking sound in engine returned within one week. BMW headquarters approved cylinder head replacement. Dealer explained that BMW requires several bleedings before approving cylinder head replacement 
BMW 5-Series in Vermont, United States
Jul 2014 - Sep 2017
Apr 2017

109000 mi

US $200
new battery - i-drive was acting up - sending all sorts of errors. the new battery seemed to fix the issue 
BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
May 2008 - Nov 2010
May 2010

15400 mi
front parking sensor broke and was replaced.  
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
May 2010 - Aug 2011
Dec 2010

33000 mi
Car wouldn't start, reset the computer. 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Aug 2007 - Jan 2012
Nov 2007

1000 mi
BMW 2008 528xi- /Valve lifters were rattling- repaired /Computer showing adjustments needed-repaired 
Jul 2008

6000 mi
Valve lifters still rattling. 
Oct 2008

9000 mi
August 2008 new valve lifters installed. Still rattling...mid-October back into the dealer with the help of BMW regional repair rep., newer heads and hardware replaced again. No further rattling valve lifters. 
Nov 2011

39600 mi

US $550
Rip off high price for a new battery 
BMW 5-Series in Illinois, United States
Nov 2008 - Jun 2018
Apr 2009

16000 mi
poor AM radio reception, but was told this is normal for this model. 
Sep 2015

47000 mi

US $20
Dash panel trim clips broke and needed to be replaced 
Apr 2018

55000 mi

US $1000
Slipping transmission when first shifting into Drive, needed to rework gaskets for a leak 
BMW 5-Series in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2011 - Mar 2012
Nov 2011

34060 mi
complete replacing two drive shafts 
BMW 5-Series in New York, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2012
Feb 2012

78000 mi

US $1700
Transmission leak at seal, $751 Oil Leak at valve cover Oil Leak at oil filter head Tie rod end worn & rattling 
BMW 5-Series in Ohio, United States
Jan 2014 - Nov 2018
Feb 2014

82800 mi

US $1000
Routine maintenance 
Sep 2017

120000 mi

US $450
Oil stand leak 
Oct 2017

122000 mi

US $200
Replaced passenger side headlight. 
May 2018

128000 mi

US $75
Rear view mirror came deattavhed from windshield. Reattached by shop. 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2011
Apr 2011

40000 mi
Navigation did not work. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in California, United States
Sep 2009 - Oct 2020
Feb 2012

42000 mi

US $600
Emissions. Oxygen sensor and some valve 
Mar 2013

53000 mi

US $1000
Early gasket oil leak 
Mar 2015

99000 mi

US $500
Daylight lights out on one side. Simple checks could not fix it. So was gonna be a More major repair effort and I said not worth it. 
May 2015

102000 mi

US $1400
left rear window needed a new regulator. 
Sep 2015

109000 mi
worn out front bushings 
Mar 2016

124000 mi

US $1200
something about a worn out ball joint oil leak around gasket replaced cooling hoses and some other device related to it. close to be worn out. 
Jun 2017

156000 mi

US $2000
Gasket oil leak 
BMW 5-Series in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2012 - Jun 2016
Jan 2013

US $115
The accessory belt pulley was making noise and was found to be warped. It was replaced under CPO warranty and I paid about $70 for a new belt to be installed with the new pulley. 
Jul 2013

63300 mi

US $50
Valve ticking typical with n52 engine replaced lifters under cpo warrantee, now engine purrs quietly 
Jun 2015

85000 mi

US $40
Left Halo light burned. Changed the gasket for the oil cooler and housing. Two gaskets, very cheap, plas new bolts. Easy to do, look online for how to's. Some bolts can be a bit of a pain. Also, dont forget to lube the new gaskets with old oil. 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW 5-Series in Alabama, United States
Oct 2014 - Jun 2017
Dec 2014

31000 mi

US $7000
Transmission gave reading on computer..at 80 miles car went to 40 on highway and jerked. took to dealer : said needed new transmission. Had after market warratny which paid 6000 for rebuilt one.Car rides better but check engine light still n needed new tie-rod in front 

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2008 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

188-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

BMW 5-Series in Panama
Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jul 2010

6820 mi

US $14000
The car presented problems totally losing power and sending the computer message of "failure in the engine". I took it directly to the dealer and the car stayed there for almost 6 months. 

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2007.5 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 232hp 3.0L I6 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW 5-Series in Norway
Nov 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009

84940 mi

$2000
Did not start. Dealer found battery problem. Paid for replacement and software upgrade but dealer did not replace it! Same problem next day. Towed back and has been at dealer for three weeks waiting for a control module from BMW Germany. 

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2007.5 BMW 5-Series 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Sweden
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Dec 2009

19220 mi

$500
Central locking stopped working. Turns out the antenna receiver installed in the cars is not reliable in extremely cold, wet weather. Had to be replaced. 

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2007.5 BMW 5-Series 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual RWD

BMW 5-Series in Great Britain
Jun 2011 - Dec 2015
Jul 2011

68700 mi
Changed MAF because of constant emission exhaust life on dashboard. Job done under warranty. 
Jul 2012

80700 mi

£1
Boot / Trunk opened intermittently and this was traced to a damaged electrical wire that supplied power to the Boot / Trunk switch. The fix involves removing trims in the Boot / Trunk. 
Jun 2013

90000 mi
Fault with the steering lock system. Common fault with BMWs. 
Sep 2015

114000 mi
Glow plugs snapped deep inside the engine when bmw engineers attempted to replace the plugs. It cost me £1500 to fix. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.

2008 BMW 5-Series Repair Histories

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.