2008 BMW X5 BMW X5 2008

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2008 BMW X5 repairs by problem area

Engine (39%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 162 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 BMW X5.

2008 BMW X5 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (10%)

$1000 - $2499 (26%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (15%)

< $100 (33%)

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

Chart based on 112 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 BMW X5

Engine not specified

BMW X5 in Maryland, United States
Aug 2015 - Jan 2016
Oct 2015

123300 mi
A reoccurring problem with the smell of burning oil, even after short trips. They are thinking it is the " O Ring" again. It is due for maintenance, so I will just have them replace it this time, to be sure. 
BMW X5 in Tennessee, United States
Mar 2010 - Mar 2011
Dec 2010

39000 mi
Wrong readout of digital reporting screen. Could not fix. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Jan 2016 - Feb 2016
Feb 2016

90000 mi

US $170
Required cleaning Vanos solenoids and software updating to resolve check engine light and idle issues. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Dec 2016 - Dec 2017
Jun 2017

60000 mi

US $160
Battery died due to trunk malfunction. Because the trunk locking mechanism was broken, the trunk lights were always on and it ran down the battery. 

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2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV

350-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X5 in Alabama, United States
Oct 2013 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014

80000 mi
Car was tilted on flat ground. Intermittent warning light would come on - said '"level control system malfunction." They found a rear suspension problem and fixed it. 
BMW X5 in Missouri, United States
Dec 2012 - Jun 2015
Jan 2014

US $500
Engine was leaking oil - repaired crankcase valves. Coolant leak - repaired expansion tank. CV boot torn and had to be replaced. new right front axle required 
Aug 2014

125000 mi

US $900
The rear air spring shocks had a slight leak. They had difficulty maintaining air and the compressor ran constantly. 
Sep 2014

127000 mi

US $70
The X5 bluetooth was going in and out intermittently working with a iPhone 5. The dealer tested but could not isolate the problem. It is possible it is an Apple software issue. 
Dec 2014

131000 mi

US $4000
The dreaded BMW N62 V8 Valley Pan Repair. Car was leaking coolant. required 1 pint daily top offs. Indpendent shop confirmed and had to disassemble half the engine to access and replace valley pan gaskets and pipe. there were a host of known oil leaks (this was a CPO purchase). Since the engine was already open for valley pan repairs, shop replaced a host of gaskets incl. manifold and valve cover as part of Valley Pan Repair, shop replaced thermostat, cooling/heating hoses, water pump, and timing chain tensioner. Also flushed cooling system. vehicle has noticeably improved throttle response and drive 
Jan 2015

118200 mi

US $750
Engine oil thermostat was leaking. Silly $0.10 o-ring 
Jun 2015

139000 mi

US $155
Car has been consuming oil but no blue smoke. Shop said the engine seals needed to be replaced and it would be an $8,500 repair to pull engine. Car worth maybe $14-18k so we got rid of the car. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Oct 2013 - Oct 2013
Oct 2013

66000 mi

US $2700
Cooling water leak 
BMW X5 in Minnesota, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2015
Jan 2013

55000 mi

US $200
Heads up display showed "code invalid" and wouldn't display any information. 
Oct 2014

75500 mi

US $2500
Valve cover gaskets leaking and needed to be replaced.  Vacuum pump failing, replaced. A/C didn't cool, refrigerant replaced. 
Dec 2014

78000 mi

US $950
Bad thermostat Oil sensor failed, computer board failing 
Jan 2015

78000 mi
Oil leak from front of engine that dealer recommended to repair. 
BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Jan 2014 - Jul 2015
Mar 2014

115000 mi

US $12000
major coolent leak 
Jul 2014

124500 mi

US $1100
Alternator replacement 
Jan 2015

US $3100
Oil leak. Valve cover are plastic and had to be replace because they were warped. Also replaced spark plugs while valve covers were off. Valve covers and gaskets replaced. Low oil pressure warning light due to oil leakage. 
Jul 2015

145000 mi
Front struts making noise. 
BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2012 - Apr 2014
Apr 2013

60220 mi

C $100
the gas door spring needed replacement 
May 2013

62000 mi
The AC didn't work. They replaced parts. The Navigation DVD ROM is glitchy. They need to replace it. 
Apr 2014

75020 mi

C $2000
the track that the moon roof was on cracked and the moonroof would not close. The battery would die. 
BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2013 - Dec 2014
Jul 2014

128340 mi
AC belt tensioner failed. The bearing was squealing and the roller was quite worn. Replaced both parts Replaced both rear Airbags again 2 yrs after replacing them 
Oct 2014

138640 mi

C $321
Replaced rear lights on door. they accumulate water from washing the vehicle and eventually fail. replace heater hose. replaced battery. 
BMW X5 in Victoria, Australia
Jan 2015 - Feb 2015
Feb 2015

71300 mi
Crack in coolant tank leaking coolant 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Oct 2015 - Nov 2017
Nov 2015

116800 mi

US $4600
Valve seals and Oil leaking 
Mar 2016

121000 mi

US $280
relay for drive sensor 
Oct 2017

141000 mi

US $890
Fuel pump 
Nov 2017

144000 mi

US $1200
Alternator 
BMW X5 in Maryland, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

101000 mi

US $600
Bushing (front) replaced 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Dec 2011 - Jun 2018
Mar 2012

25000 mi
had issue with rough stops (felt like abrupt downshipt into 1st rolling to a stop, would lurch forward a tiny bit). dlr claimed could be battery problem, replaced. also did some sort of software "update." problem resolved. 
Oct 2017

100000 mi

US $1000
Left rear Air suspension developed leak (would deflate when parked), replaced Rear brakes worn, replaced pads and rotors 
Jan 2018

101000 mi

US $800
Other side rear air suspension also failed. (Was warned that both would fail around same time, but mechanic suggested that we just replace the first failure and wait for the second to fail. Which it did, in < 6 mo) 
Apr 2018

105000 mi

US $3500
was told that crankcase valve seals failed, causing high pressure leak in engine compartment. Cost of repair was primarily labor. Painful/expensive! 
BMW X5 in United Arab Emirates
Sep 2014 - Oct 2015
Sep 2014

98580 mi

¤1000
Right air suspension failure 
Dec 2014

101680 mi

¤3500
Oil leak. Gaskets replaced 
Sep 2015

111600 mi

¤1200
parking brake cable snapped 
Oct 2015

111600 mi

¤1000
water leaks into the cabin during car wash. Water comes in from the panoramic roof. 
BMW X5 in Mississippi, United States
Feb 2014 - Aug 2019
Apr 2014

88000 mi

US $500
Nonrechargable, replaced 
Jan 2016

120000 mi

US $200
Car burning oil, emitting blue smoke. Engine seals replaced by dealer under extended-service contract. Owner paid $200 deductible, service contract covered the rest. 
Apr 2016

130000 mi

US $500
Lift-gate motor failed. Had just replace with new motor roughly 8mo previously. Apparently, a seal-boot at the hinge of the lift-gate was left unattached, allowing water to flow down the interior rear channel and into the right rear quarter-panel electronics compartment, sorting the lift-gate controller. Inspection showed no issues with the sunroof or related drainage channels. Seal boot was re-attached, controller replaced. No issues since. 
Jul 2016

129800 mi

US $1120
Air bags (Compressor suboptimal but not replaced) 
Mar 2017

150000 mi

US $1250
Water pump and associated belts replaced in March, 2017. Two-day service. Had purchased a 4-year, 60K mile - extended-service contract. Contract expired at 140K miles - water pump failed at 143K miles. Repair cost $1250, owner paid all. 
Apr 2017

151300 mi

US $1250
Replaced compressor for air suspension 
Jun 2017

155000 mi

US $1100
Right Headlight (Driving, not Angel-eye) bulb replaced. 2nd time in 5 years 
Sep 2017

158720 mi

US $1927
Alternator - driving interstate when all indicators lit, engine stopped, power-steering/brakes failed. Towed to dealer. Alternator replaced 
Feb 2018

162000 mi

US $400
Problem-class first noted 2016, during heavy rain, right-rear quarter-panel leaked, with electronic tailgate failure, replaced by dealer, who advised body shop replace moon-roof drains. In March, 2018, moon-roof drain plugged, left-rear quarter-panel flooded with strong rain or car-wash. Electronics (bluetooth cellphone function, USB, SOS) all failed. Independent shop cleared drain, with leakage resolved. Electronics repair postponed d/t cost. Also changed wiper blades, oil during this trip. 
Jul 2018

172430 mi
Control arm struts and sway bars - both sides Banshee scream when car started - attributed to leaking coolant hose - hose replaced. Noise continues - will return for re-eval/repair some other time. SOS warning light illuminated. Simultaneously lost blue-tooth and USB connectivity, and 12-volt (cigarette lighter) and USB power. Repair attempt not successful - will revisit some other time Driver's low-beam/running light fail Bulb change attempted - fail. Schematic reviewed, problem not identified. Will revisit later. 
Jul 2019

181000 mi
Electrical system failure - car would not start and all warning lights on although battery fully charged; Electrical and transmission failures considered catastrophic cost far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. Leaking washer fluid reservoir. Transmission would not shift from park. Repair estimate far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. Transmission would not shift from park. Repair estimate far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. 
BMW X5 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

50000 mi
can't put transmission gear to R. overheating transmission leak. noise from rear suspension coolant leak from radiator. 
BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada
Feb 2010 - Dec 2011
Mar 2010

25420 mi
2008-X5 4.8 Premium with Sport Package. Notice 1 inch long radial crack on the inside edge of both rear rims. (during summer tire 315 x 20 change-over) Dealer replaced both rims and covered by warranty. The new rims have a thicker inside lip and OK 
Dec 2011

46500 mi
Power Steering hose leaking fluid. Cost was $300, and was covered by warranty. 
BMW X5 in West Virginia, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2011
Dec 2009

39000 mi
single running daylight went out 
BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States
Jul 2010 - Apr 2013
Oct 2010

33300 mi
Rattle behind the 2nd row latch (fixed) Rattle in the tailgate (not fixed) Weak heated steering wheel (not fixed). 
Dec 2010

35000 mi
This time, they actually adjusted the rear hatch guides. It worked this time. Further, now that I know what to adjust, I can do so when the rattle comes back (comes back when weather changes from cold to hot, hot to cold). 
Feb 2011

36700 mi
Auto leveling suspension failed = height level sensor replaced. 
Jun 2011

41000 mi
Center console wood trim cracked and steering wheel trim peeling = replaced Passenger mirror motor is slow to respond = replaced Battery drainage error message = unable to verify and nothing repaired. Rear seat rattle = adjusted (again) 
Feb 2012

50800 mi
Sunvisor shade was defective. It wasn't the bulb but the mechanism to turn the bulb on. A new visor was ordered to fix the problem. Weak start crank when it's cold outside - suspect weak battery. Rear passenger seat creaks and rattles 
BMW X5 in New South Wales, Australia
Dec 2009 - Aug 2016
Jan 2010

2480 mi
1) rear boot trim rattles since day-1, unable to repair due to the flexing of the body shell 2) noise on front-right suspension, dealers could not reproduce problem, so not repaired, but problem still exists. Please dont buy a BMW X5 at least. 
Feb 2010

2480 mi
Noise in the front right suspension is very intermittent. Dealers couldn't replicate. Another visit is booked for March for further inspection. 
Jul 2010

3720 mi

A $280
intermittent noises from front suspension, very hard to reproduce. 
Oct 2010

4340 mi
intermittent suspension noise while driving over uneven roads, could not replicate while at dealership 
Oct 2011

6200 mi
Completely dismantled and reassembled suspension. No noise so far. 
Feb 2014

8680 mi
Boot trunk rattles from plastic trims. Spent nearly 6hours to remove all trims, apply tapes and re-fit 
Aug 2016

10540 mi

A $300
Idler pulley 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Nov 2011 - May 2014
Oct 2013

52300 mi

US $750
A pressure tank cracked, caused coolant leak out. Towed the car to nearby dealer, replaced the pressure tank. 

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2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Singapore
Jun 2012 - Oct 2012
Jul 2012

42360 mi
Overheated on Highway and stalled even though I had recently changed the radiator. Replaced water pump. 

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2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV

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

BMW X5 in Texas, United States
Jul 2015 - Apr 2017
Dec 2015

146000 mi

US $1
Coolant fluid reservoir leaked fluid. Located a crack. Was replaced. 
BMW X5 in Alabama, United States
Jul 2015 - Jun 2017
Jul 2015

71000 mi

US $1400
Water pump failure, thermostat failure 
Aug 2015

71700 mi

US $1600
Electric Parking Brake Control Unit Failure 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2014 - Jul 2015
Apr 2015

105700 mi

US $750
Updated Radiator and Cooling System hose changes. 
BMW X5 in Maryland, United States
May 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015

100000 mi

US $1500
Replaced compressor 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

18000 mi
Rearview camera takes a long time for the screen to come up. Already driving forward by the time screen/camera comes on. When using the USB interface with iPod, audio gets static when making turns or on rough roads. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Nov 2015 - Jan 2016
Nov 2015

118000 mi

US $600
Had to change 2 parts that has something to do with the oil 
Dec 2015

119000 mi

US $590
Coil change and sparks failure, the car just stopped operating out of a sudden and had to tow it to the shop to be fixed 
BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2017 - Feb 2017
Feb 2017

101680 mi

C $1820
Repeating computer and sensor errors.rnReplaced:rnVanos Intake $300rnVanos Exhaust $350rnLeft Turn Signal $220rnBattery (which was new, under 1 year)rnrnAnd the service engine light is still on. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Jan 2021 - Feb 2022
Oct 2021

125000 mi

US $1400
Front axle control arms and struts replaced 
Feb 2022

131000 mi

US $660
Rear axle rotors and pads replaced 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Nov 2009 - Dec 2015
Feb 2011

44000 mi

US $350
fuel pump tsb recall leather on back of driver's seat separated and carpet anchor for driver's carpet mat was loose. 
Sep 2011

44000 mi
bad water pump - was replaced 
Sep 2012

51000 mi
coolant resevior leaking 
Jan 2014

46200 mi

US $1300
washer jet for headlight not functioning 
Feb 2014

55600 mi

US $2000
radiator was leaking and had a hole in it. 
Sep 2015

71000 mi

US $1200
NAV stopped working 
BMW X5 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2016 - Aug 2016
May 2016

206100 mi

US $2000
LH front wheel bearing shot. Steering angle sensor failed causing AWD and start-up assistance malfunction. 
Jun 2016

210000 mi
RH front wheel bearing failed a month after the LH. 
BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

34200 mi
Tailgate refused to open or close automatically (buttons or remote) - could force open manually. Issue was a software problem - reflashed computer and issue resolved. 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Sep 2016
Apr 2016

50000 mi

US $1500
Towed to the dealer to repair the water pump issue. 
BMW X5 in Oregon, United States
Oct 2014 - Nov 2015
Dec 2014

90000 mi
Water ingress in rear lights in tailgate 
Mar 2015

94000 mi

US $100
Oil filter housing gasket failed VANOS intake solenoid failed Driver sear motor failed Thrust bushings cracked 
Jun 2015

95000 mi

US $500
Both rear tailgate light units replaced 
Jul 2015

95000 mi

US $300
Coils replaced 
BMW X5 in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Jun 2014
Mar 2013

42000 mi

US $150
Vanos Solenoids needed to be cleaned 
Apr 2013

42500 mi
Emissions Sensor 
Nov 2013

50000 mi

US $500
Valve Cover Gasket problem finally fixed on fourth attempt. They had to replace the entire valve cover. Got expensive, though the shop covered the labor cost. The cover alone cost $450. Can't believe that BMW uses a plastic cover and it costs so much. 
May 2014

55900 mi

US $1300
Water pump went bad, the computer reduced engine power on the freeway, had to be towed to the garage. The water pump was replaced and because it is under the engine the labor cost was huge. 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2015
Aug 2011

27000 mi
Auto-level suspension malfunction. Replaced Air supply system on driver side left. 
Nov 2015

110000 mi

US $6000
Rear differential completely broke down and shredded both rear axles. 
Dec 2015

110000 mi

US $5000
Both catalytic converters failing.  Oil leaking from multiple sources in the engine. 
BMW X5 in Delaware, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2013
Feb 2013

78000 mi

US $1600
Cold start rattle and tapping noise from faulty design of head/valves. Dealer reluctantly covered cost under used car warranty since this is a known problem for pre-2009 engines. Mechatronic sleeve leaking and hairline crack found in transmission pan (it is plastic). Sleeve leak repaired and replaced with new pan. Battery died (clock lost programming and battery failed test when I took it to dealer) 3 weeks after purchasing used car (non-CPO from BMW dealership). Dealer agreed to pay half even though not covered under warranty. 
Mar 2013

80000 mi

US $1000
Radiator and expansion tank leaking. Replaced both. 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Aug 2009 - Mar 2010
Sep 2009

8000 mi

US $50
Child 2nd row center belt gets stuck. Has gotten stuck 3 times now!!! 
BMW X5 in Maine, United States
Aug 2011 - Sep 2017
Dec 2011

47000 mi
Sunroof trim rattling 
Apr 2012

57300 mi

US $50
Ball joint creaking 
Dec 2015

159000 mi

US $700
Loud rattling noise coming from under dash. Removed, cleaned, lubed and re-installed driveshaft. Corrected problem. Replaced muffler Replaced compressor Replaced radiator 
BMW X5 in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2012
Mar 2012

54000 mi

US $1250
Water pump failed. Replaced water pump and thermostat. 
BMW X5 in Nevada, United States
May 2011 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011

29500 mi
Navigation DVD Drive shot, they replaced immediately. Also fixed trunk emergency latch. Navigation DVD Drive shot, they replaced immediately. Also fixed trunk emergency latch 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Jul 2009 - Sep 2011
Oct 2009

17000 mi
HUD was deemed inop. BMW has to order the part. HUD Part was replaced in 1.5 hours. 
BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2011 - Feb 2014
Dec 2011

19000 mi
Lifters had to be replaced 
BMW X5 in Virginia, United States
Oct 2012 - Jul 2017
Nov 2012

66700 mi

US $985
Electric Water Pump failure 
Mar 2014

95000 mi

US $1100
Vehicle had a hesitation problem. Replaced the Valvetronic Servomotor 
Nov 2014

106700 mi

US $1058
check engine light on -- found vanos fault both solenoid valves faulty also serviced transfer case & oil change 
BMW X5 in New York, United States
Sep 2010 - Jul 2011
Mar 2010

9995 mi
Pop up washer for headlamps broke off during use and needed to be replaced under warranty 
Oct 2010

15000 mi
Fuel Pump failed and needed to be replaced. Car would not start. 
BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada
Jun 2012 - Feb 2015
Feb 2015

86800 mi

C $370
Oil filter housing gasket leak 

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2008 BMW X5 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 X5 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.