MotorDeets

2008 BMW 6 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 6 Series: 2 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
6owner complaints
0mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2008 BMW 6 Series
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #10V446000 · 2010 · 198,352 vehicles

What's wrong: A check valve of the brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time this could result in contamination of the brake booster.

Why it matters: Power assist braking performance could be adversely affected. In extreme cases there could be a complete loss of power assist braking. An unexpected reduction or loss in power braking assist May increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on November 24, 2010.

Electrical Vehicle recall #12V126000 · 2012 · 367,682 vehicles

What's wrong: The insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable May have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel, which can lead to a loosening of the bolt connection. As it loosens, an increase in electrical resistance at this cable connection is possible and could cause the cable connection to overheat.

Why it matters: Overheating could lead to a fire, even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the battery bolt cable connection as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 30, 2012.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical3
Stability control2
Airbags1
Seats1
Tires1
Body & structure1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2008 BMW 6 Series has 6 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 8 6 Series model years for complaints (1.9× the average 6 Series year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 17,725 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (2 complaints, 3 recalls), 2009 (0 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.8 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive152218Premium
4.8 L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive152318Premium
4.8 L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive142116Premium

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 6 Series.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 BMW 6 Series manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2008 BMW 6 Series manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2008 BMW 6 Series manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 BMW 6 Series manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 BMW 6 Series have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 6 Series. 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 6 Series problems?

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), stability control (2), airbags (1).

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 6 Series get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.8 L, Manual 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 BMW 6 Series 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.

Other 6 Series years

20042005200620072008200920102012