2008 BMW 535I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 535I: 1 recall, 74 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #13V407000 · 2013 · 134,100 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points May cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
Why it matters: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (27): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), warning light on (10), overheating (9).
- Exterior lights (16): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), fire / smoke (7), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (15): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), fire / smoke (5), warning light on (4).
- Fuel & propulsion (13): the most common themes are warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (3), fire / smoke (2).
The 2008 BMW 535I has 74 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 535I model years for complaints (2.4× the average 535I year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2009 (71 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 BMW 535I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW 535I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 BMW 535I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 BMW 535I problems?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (27), exterior lights (16), electrical (15).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 535I get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 BMW 535I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.