2008 BMW M5 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 BMW M5.

20072010
Complaints
12
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2008 BMW M5 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#12 complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:1
#22 complaints

Engine Problems

Fires:1
#31 complaints

Airbags

Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 BMW M5.

Electrical Faults
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Airbags
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 BMW M5. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 BMW M5

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~501,782 vehicles.

13V407000Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
~134,100 affected

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. 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).

12V126000Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables
~367,682 affected

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. 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.

Other BMW M5 Years

2008 BMW M5 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 BMW M5 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2008 BMW M5 has 12 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 2 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 BMW M5?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (2 complaints); Engine Problems (2 complaints); Airbags (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 2008 BMW M5?
NHTSA complaints for the 2008 BMW M5 include 2 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 501,782 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 BMW M5?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full BMW M5 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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