2008 BMW 528I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 528I: 2 recalls, 118 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls 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.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles
What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve May short circuit.
Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (17), fire / smoke (12), stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (30): the most common themes are electrical failure (16), fire / smoke (12), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine (20): the most common themes are fire / smoke (10), warning light on (5), stalls / loses power (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (15): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (10), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4).
The 2008 BMW 528I has 118 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 15 528I model years for complaints (2.1× the average 528I year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 90,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 2009 (23 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | 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 528I.
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.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW 528I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 528I. 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 528I problems?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (33), electrical (30), engine (20).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 528I get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 BMW 528I 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.