MotorDeets

2008 BMW X5 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW X5 Sav: 3 recalls, 20 owner complaints.

3vehicle recalls
20owner complaints
1mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2008 BMW X5 Sav
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Brakes, Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #13V045000 · 2013 · 30,265 vehicles

What's wrong: The brake vacuum pump May leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Why it matters: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners May call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles

What's wrong: 0si, x3 xdrive30i); 2008-2013 1 series convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 series sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 series wagon (328i, 328i xdrive); 2007-2013 3 series convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 series sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 series wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 x5 sav (x5 3.0si, x5 xdrive30i); 2006-2008 z4 coupe (z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 z4…

Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the pcv valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

The fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and 19v-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the pcv valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17v-683 and…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags9
Engine4
Electrical4
Seats3
Speed control / throttle2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Seat belts2
Brakes2

What owners describe

The 2008 BMW X5 Sav has 20 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 13 X5 Sav model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 16). Complaints peaked in 2017 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 70,049 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (59 complaints, 5 recalls), 2009 (19 complaints, 4 recalls).

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 X5 Sav.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
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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
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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
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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 X5 Sav manual

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FAQ

Does the 2008 BMW X5 Sav have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW X5 Sav. 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 X5 Sav problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (9), engine (4), electrical (4).

Where can I get a 2008 BMW X5 Sav 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 X5 Sav years

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