U.S. public vehicle records

2008 Bmw 535XI problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

71 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

93,003 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2008 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 61 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 71 complaints (36.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	17	23.9%
Braking behavior	9	12.7%
Fuel system concerns	9	12.7%
Engine operation	6	8.5%
Transmission and shifting	4	5.6%
Steering behavior	3	4.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System

Engine

Air Bags

Fuel/Propulsion System

Exterior Lighting

Power Train

Seat Belts

Seats

Electrical System: 26; Engine: 16; Air Bags: 13; Fuel/Propulsion System: 13; Exterior Lighting: 11; Power Train: 8; Seat Belts: 6; Seats: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 15; 100,000 to 149,999: 21; 150,000 and above: 5

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (21). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2022

2023

2024

2011: 1; 2012: 4; 2013: 9; 2014: 14; 2015: 11; 2016: 6; 2017: 8; 2018: 7; 2019: 4; 2020: 2; 2022: 2; 2023: 1; 2024: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 17 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10455169 · 2012-04-12 (April 12, 2012)

CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS UNRESOLVED FIRE SAFETY ISSUES WITH A 2008 BMW 535XI *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ON FEB 14, 2012, THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, SIX DAYS LATER, A SPARK OF FIRE AND BALL OF SMOKE OCCURRED AS THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ALTERNATOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN INSPECTION ALSO REVEALED AN OIL LEAK. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND EXPLODED, TOTALING THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE FRONT HOOD AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT WERE MELTED AND DESTROYED, AS WELL AS THE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10455169 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10493501 · 2013-01-19 (January 19, 2013)

THE GROUND CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT OPERATING. THE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND THE TAB ON THE LAMP SOCKET HOUSING (WHERE THE CONNECTOR PLUGS IN) WAS DAMAGED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 105,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493501 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10504111 · 2013-03-22 (March 22, 2013)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE EXTERIOR BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION BOTH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND PASSENGER'S SIDE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND A WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUF…

Owner-reported narrative. 56,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10519949 · 2013-06-15 (June 15, 2013)

WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING ON (WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON). BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. GAUGES ALL WENT TO ZERO INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. SUNROOF WOULDN'T CLOSE. DROVE TO DEALER. DIAGNOSED AS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS SUBMERGED IN REAR OF CAR DUE TO BLOCKED SUNROOF DRAIN. THE SAME ISSUE WAS REPAIRED A YEAR PRIOR. THIS TIME TO LIABILITY ASSUMED BY MANUFACTURER OR DEALER BECAUSE OF "OUTSIDE FORCE" (RAIN). $9,500 REPAIR ESTIMATE. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM/ FLAW WITH THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10519949 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10560129 · 2014-01-15 (January 15, 2014)

THE CAR HAS BEEN REPLACED A PUMP SENSORS 40 DAYS AGO BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION ,AND TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE STARTED IN COLD WEATHER, IT WAS SHAKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER CHECKED AND SAID THAT IT IS THE INJECTOR PROBLEM AND RECOMMEND TO CHANG ALL 6 INJECTORS. BUT THE INJECTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AT THE MILEAGE OF 27,000 IN 2010. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10560129 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10619117 · 2014-08-05 (August 5, 2014)

COLD START IN THE MORNING FOR DRIVE TO WORK, CAR SUFFERED SLOW START AND ROUGH IDLE. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION ON IDRIVE WITH HIGH COOLANT FAN RPM. SHUT DOWN CAR FOR 30 MINUTES, RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE INDICATED IN IDRIVE BUT YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. DROVE TO DEALER FOR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT ON SAFETY RECALL FOR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY (13V-407). WHILE AT 40 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE FROM DEALER, ENGINE SURGED THEN REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION AND CHECK ENGINE ON IDRIVE. RADIATOR…

Owner-reported narrative. 56,431 miles reported. Look up ODI 10619117 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10561137 · 2014-01-23 (January 23, 2014)

FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE IN 05/2011 DUE TO A FAULTY DESIGN UNDER A RECALL THROUGH BMW. THE SAME INJECTORS HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED AGAIN LESS THAN 3 YEARS SINCE THEY WERE REPLACED. THIS RESULTED IN A LOSS OF POWER WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE PUTTING ME AT RISK. BMW FAILS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY SAYING WARRANTY ON PARTS HAS EXPIRED ON PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED WITH KNOWN ISSUES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 79,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10561137 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10617252 · 2014-07-29 (July 29, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND THE ENGINE FAILED INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,400.

Owner-reported narrative. 100,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10617252 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10597035 · 2014-06-09 (June 9, 2014)

ON JANUARY 5, 2014 DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX. 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION DROPPED MY RATE OF SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH (SAFETY MODE) ALMOST SUSTAINED A REAR END COLLISION I THEN PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER I TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED 10 MINUTES AND TURNED IT ON WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW OF TENAFLY, NJ THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS AND SAID THE CAR WAS GOOD TO DRIVE ON THE WAY HOME TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH THE CAR AGAIN DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTI…

Owner-reported narrative. 66,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10597035 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10818784 · 2016-01-07 (January 7, 2016)

I PURCHASED A 2008 BMW 5 SERIES WAGON 9/1/2015 ON CALIFORNIA HAD ITS FIRST RAIN STORM CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE BMW RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS 12/16/115. THE DRAIN LINES ARE A WELL DOCUMENTED AND A BMW SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD SYSTEM FAILURE, TIRE WARNINGS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNINGS AND THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR DROPPED ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE BMW DEALERSHIP GAVE US $24,188.17 REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR ALL THE ELECTRICAL CO…

Owner-reported narrative. 88,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10818784 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10715851 · 2015-05-12 (May 12, 2015)

I WAS EXITING THE THE FREEWAY AND WHEN I WAS ON A BANKED ONRAMP THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE ABILITY TO RELEASE THE BRAKE. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE UNEXPECTED LOSS IN POWER STEERING CAUSED ME TO LOOSE GRIP ON THE WHEEL. THE ENGINE WAS IN NEUTRAL WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. UPON RESTARTING THE ENGINE (WHICH STRUGGLED TO START) THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON TELLTALE" ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE ENTERED "REDUCE ENGINE POWER MODE". AFTER SCANNING THE DTC (P3090) I LEARNED THE…

Owner-reported narrative. 129,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10715851 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

71 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

85.9%Usable mileage61 / 71 records

100.0%Valid incident date71 / 71 records

100.0%Valid filing date71 / 71 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates71 / 71 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2007	2008	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2636.6% ODI 10452640 THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS BURNED AND MELTED OUT FOR NO REASON. THE FUSE DID NOT PROTECT THE WIRES CONNECTOR FROM BURNING. ALL THE REAR RIGHTS ARE NON OPERATIONAL. *TR Look up ODI 10452640 at NHTSA ↗	320.0% ODI 10567488 · 45,000 mi AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR. *TR Look up ODI 10567488 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1622.5% ODI 10472497 · 46,802 mi I OWN A 2008 BMW 535XI. ONLY MONTHS AFTER THE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE WATER PUMP FAILED. A CAR IS RENDERED INOPERABLE WITHOUT THIS CRITICAL COMPONENT. BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE, I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE CAR, UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST EXIST. THE WATER PUMP FAILED IMMEDIATELY AND COMPLETELY WITH LITTLE-TO-NO WARNING. I WAS EXTREMELY SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THE ORIGINAL BMW WATER PUMP COULD NOT EVEN LAST FOR 50,000 MILES. HOW COULD THIS BE? WH… Look up ODI 10472497 at NHTSA ↗	426.7% ODI 10573910 · 59,000 mi INJECTORS FAIL AT JUST 59000; REQUIRE ALL SIX INJECTORS TO BE REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10573910 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10516068 · 44,000 mi WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THERE IS A VERY NOTICEABLE THROTTLE RESPONSE LAG OF OVER 1 SECOND BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS MOVING . IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS BEHAVIOR WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD WHEN PULLING INTO OR OUT OF INTERSECTIONS. IT IS AS IF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR TO USE AND TRIES TO START OUT IN SECOND GEAR, THEN WHEN THE CAR DOESN'T START MOVING THE DRIVER PRESSES THE ACCELERATOR DOWN FURTHER UNTIL FINALLY THE SOFTWARE IN THE COMPUTER DECIDES TO DOWNSHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR AND THEN THE CAR TAKE… Look up ODI 10516068 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	125.0% ODI 11114054 · 106,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE OIL PAN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. TT UPDATED 10/02/18JB Look up ODI 11114054 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1318.3% ODI 10669296 · 74,884 mi THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING DUE TO MISFIRING FUEL INJECTORS AND HAD ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION. NOTE: BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL IN DECEMBER 2010. BMW NOTED IN THE RECALL THAT THIS REPAIR IS TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IN MY EXPERIENCE, BMW IS NOT HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE. *JS Look up ODI 10669296 at NHTSA ↗	426.7% ODI 10788160 · 75,000 mi SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD THESE PROBLEMS. Look up ODI 10788160 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10918658 · 68,000 mi MY CAR IS A 2011 BMW 535 I X DRIVE, HAS 68,000 MILES. I BOUGHT IT NEW ON 10/19/2011 ON FRIDAY 10/21/2016 MY CAR STALLED AND WOULDN'T START WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAIN HIGH TRAFFIC BUSY ROAD IN RUSH HOUR. LUCKILY, I DIDN'T HAVE A CRASH AND I CALLED BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, THEY SAID "THIS SERVICE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE" TO ME. I CALLED MY INSURANCE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND THEY TOWED THE CAR TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER (WHERE I BOUGHT IT FROM). THE DEALER SERVICE DEPT. SAID THAT THE CAR WAS ON EMPTY (NO GAS) EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL SENSOR… Look up ODI 10918658 at NHTSA ↗	211.1% ODI 10496821 · 12,000 mi IT WAS 530AM AND WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING, AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. FEW CARS ON THE ROAD.OUT OF NO WHERE WE HEAR A LOUD BOOM COMING FROM WHAT SOUNDS THE BACK OF THE CAR. AFTER THE BOOM NOTHING HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES. THEN THE CAR HAD A MESSAGE OF "DRIVE TRAIN ISSUE DRIVE MODERATELY" THEN THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. WE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND CALLED THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE. THEY ARRIVED WITHIN TWENTY MINUTES OF OUR CALL. AS THE OFFICER PULLED UP, AND WE EXPLAINED… Look up ODI 10496821 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	925.7% ODI 10426387 · 1,800 mi 2011 BMW 535XI WITH M SPORT PACKAGE DEVELOPED BUBBLE ON FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRE IS A GOODYEAR LS-2 RUN FLAT TIRE. VEHICLE HAS 1830 MILES ON IT. SERVICE CENTER AGREED TO REPLACE TIRE HOWEVER THEY HAVE BEEN ON NATIONAL BACKORDER SINCE JULY (10 WEEKS BACKORDER). THERE IS NO OTHER ALL SEASON TOURING RUN FLAT TIRE AVAILABLE BY ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER. *TR Look up ODI 10426387 at NHTSA ↗	844.4% ODI 10475829 · 8 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535XI EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 TIRES, SIZE 245/40R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE BUBBLES IN THE FRONT DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER TIRES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000. Look up ODI 10475829 at NHTSA ↗	125.0% ODI 10568941 · 3,550 mi BOTH FRONT TIRES DEVELOPED A BUBBLE AFTER GOING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE/BUMP AT UNDER 30MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR THAT I HAVE OWNED FOR JUST OVER 7 MONTHS AND 3500 MILES. THESE STOCK TIRES ON 2013 BMW 535XI AWD WITH M SPORT PACKAGE -- GOODYEAR EAGLE LS2 - SIZE 245/40R19 -- 98V CLEARLY HAVE A DESIGN FLAW OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND MUST BE RECALLED. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN WHEN DRIVING OVER VERY MINOR ROAD HAZARDS MIGHT CAUSE TIRE BLISTERS THAT COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A BLOWOUT. *TR Look up ODI 10568941 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1318.3% ODI 10614846 · 72,097 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON IS THERE A RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10614846 at NHTSA ↗	213.3% ODI 10567488 · 45,000 mi AFTER HITTING A BUMP WHEN ENTERING A DRIVEWAY, WATER SPILLED IN THE REAR CARGO AREA OF THE STATION WAGON, WATER DRAINED INTO SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL WHERE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES RESIDE SHORTING OUT MOST MAJOR CONTROLS-ANTI LOCK BRAKES, LOAD LEVELING, TRANSMISSION, TRACTION CONTROL, ETC. IT IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE CAR'S INTERIOR. *TR Look up ODI 10567488 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10649338 · 44,586 mi I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 20 MPH WITH A FRIEND OF MINE SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SEATS AND THE CAR SYSTEM TELLS ME "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEAT BELT." I CHECKED ONLINE AND ITS BECAUSE SENSORS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN ALL BMWS SINCE 2006. I READ ONLINE THAT IT REOCCURS FREQUENTLY AND THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST $1200 TO REPAIR IT IF I AM OUT OF WARRANTY. I WILL HAVE TO PAY ATLEAST $150 FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I STRONGLY FEEL I SHOULD NOT BE THE ONE PAYING FOR BMWS MISTAKE … Look up ODI 10649338 at NHTSA ↗	15.6% ODI 11170230 · 76,000 mi MY CAR HAS 76,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ERROR POPPED UP ON THE MAIN SCREEN OF " "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION." IT ADVISED ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO A SERVICE CENTER WHICH I DID. BMW OF WICHITA DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED ME $2,500 TO FIX THE ISSUE AND I ASKED THEM IF THIS WAS BECAUSE OF DAMAGE OR ABUSE BY THE OWNER AND THEY SAID NO IT JUST A PART THAT FAILED. I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND ASKED IF THEY WOULD OFFER ASSISTANCE IN THE REPAIR AND THEY SAID THERE WERE NOT ANY… Look up ODI 11170230 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	811.3% ODI 10560129 · 72,000 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN REPLACED A PUMP SENSORS 40 DAYS AGO BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION ,AND TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE STARTED IN COLD WEATHER, IT WAS SHAKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER CHECKED AND SAID THAT IT IS THE INJECTOR PROBLEM AND RECOMMEND TO CHANG ALL 6 INJECTORS. BUT THE INJECTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AT THE MILEAGE OF 27,000 IN 2010. *TR Look up ODI 10560129 at NHTSA ↗	213.3% ODI 10560885 · 46,300 mi EXPERIENCING HARD BUMP WHEN BRAKING, HARD SHIFTS IN SPORT MODE, SLOW TO ENGAGE IN REVERSE AND HUNTING FOR THE RIGHT GEAR WHEN COASTING. THIS DELAYED AND JERKY RESPONSE PRESENTS A SEVERE DRIVING RISK AND DANGER AS THE VEHICLE BEHAVIOR IS UNPREDICTABLE AND INCONSISTENT. THESE ARE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A KNOWN MECHATRONICS FAILURE, HOWEVER BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS UNTIL A CODE IT THROWN. UNFORTUNATELY THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY SHOULD NOT REQUIRE A CODE!!!!! *TR Look up ODI 10560885 at NHTSA ↗	720.0% ODI 10432198 · 200 mi THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 10/7/2011 AND WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK I REPORTED A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING STATING THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A LAG ON TAKE OFF FROM A STOP. SALESMAN STATED HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS. ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH ON A HIGHWAY, A WARNING STATEMENT WAS DISPLAYED 'MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN NOT AVAILABLE' AND CAR IMMEDIATELY DECELERATED TO 30MPH...VERY LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD. AFTER TAKING TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. THREE DAYS LATER I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM NOW GO… Look up ODI 10432198 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1115.5% ODI 10452640 THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS BURNED AND MELTED OUT FOR NO REASON. THE FUSE DID NOT PROTECT THE WIRES CONNECTOR FROM BURNING. ALL THE REAR RIGHTS ARE NON OPERATIONAL. *TR Look up ODI 10452640 at NHTSA ↗	16.7% ODI 10788160 · 75,000 mi SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAD THESE PROBLEMS. Look up ODI 10788160 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	211.1% ODI 11164369 WATER CONDENSES INSIDE THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS IMPACTING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIGHTING SSYSTEM. REPORTED THIS WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW BUT WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. SINCE THEN I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM Look up ODI 11164369 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Wheels	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	22.8% ODI 10434372 · 72,000 mi I WAS CHANGING A FLAT TIRE AND THE JACK JUST FAILED ON ME LAST NIGHT AND ALMOST BUT MY ARM OFF. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE JACK WAS BEING USED. IT WAS A FLAT ROAD AND IT WASN'T WINDY. THE CAR WAS ON A STABLE SURFACE WITH NO STONES OR ANYTHING ELSE. THE CAR ALMOST LANDED ON MY HANDS AND BENT THE ROTOR BACK PLATE !!!! I THEN NOTED THAT THE JACK WAS VERY UNSTABLE AND MAYBE A LITTLE BENT. I GOT HELP FROM A TRUCK WHO STOPPED BY. I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER TODAY TO SEE IF THEY CAN REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY (3 YRS OLD BASICALLY) BUT THEY JUST SAI… Look up ODI 10434372 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	720.0% ODI 10424332 · 5,967 mi WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE I HAD A BLOWOUT OF MY LEFT FRONT TIRE , GOODYEAR 245/40 R 19 98VXL EAGLE LS2. IT IS A RUN FLAT TIRE. AFTER DRIVING 40 MILES, THE TIRE DISENTEGRATED, AND I NEED A TOW TRUCK TO GET ME OFF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER GETTING A NEW TIRE, LESS THAN ONE MONTH LATER AND LESS THAT 2000 MILES ON THE "NEW TIRE" I NOTED A BUBBLE IN THE SIDE WALL, THAT REQUIRED ME TO GET ANOTHER NEW TIRE ON 09/08/2011. THERE HAS TO BE SOME STRUCTURAL DEFECT IN THE TIRE THAT BMW IS PUTTING ON THIS CAR. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL OF ALL THESE TIRES … Look up ODI 10424332 at NHTSA ↗	422.2% ODI 10520703 · 11,017 mi THREE TIRES HAD LARGE BUBBLES, FIRST TIRE AT 11,000, TWO MORE AT 12,000. TIRES WERE ORIGINAL FOR A 2012 BMW 535XI SPORT. TIRES WERE "GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNONFLAT 245/40R19" TIRES HAVE GENTLE USE, 99% FREEWAY DRIVING ON GOOD ROADS. TIRES ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND MUST BE RECALLED. BMW KNOWS THIS BECAUSE THEY QUICKLY REPLACED THEM WITH MICHELIN'S AT PRORATED COST. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TO RECALL THESE TIRES! *TR Look up ODI 10520703 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Electrical System	62,000–101,000 mi	88,500 mi	21	ODI 10493501 · 105,000 mi THE GROUND CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT OPERATING. THE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND THE TAB ON THE LAMP SOCKET HOUSING (WHERE THE CONNECTOR PLUGS IN) WAS DAMAGED. TR Look up ODI 10493501 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504111 · 56,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE EXTERIOR BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION BOTH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND PASSENGER'S SIDE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND A WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504967 · 43,000 mi I HAVE THREE FAULTS, 1- TRUNK OPENS RANDOMLY, 2 - RDC UNIT IN TRUNK FLOODED BECAUSE TRUNK OPENED, 3 - BATTERY DISCHARGES. I NOTICED A FEW TIMES AFTER RETURNING TO MY CAR, THE TRUNK OPENED ON ITS OWN. I ALWAYS LOCK MY CAR AND WHEN I WALK AWAY, I MAKE SURE THAT THE TRUNK IS CLOSED. WHEN I RETURN TO MY CAR, THE TRUNK IS RANDOMLY OPENED. ONE DAY, WHEN IT WAS RAINING, THIS OCCURRED AND DRENCHED MY ENTIRE TRUNK. I DRIED THE TRUNK OUT AND STARTED DRIVING THEN I NOTICED THE TPMS STARTED FAILING. AFTER CHECKING ALL THE TPMS ANTENNAS ON MY CAR, I FOUND O… Look up ODI 10504967 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	58,427–105,350 mi	70,442 mi	14	ODI 10472497 · 46,802 mi I OWN A 2008 BMW 535XI. ONLY MONTHS AFTER THE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE WATER PUMP FAILED. A CAR IS RENDERED INOPERABLE WITHOUT THIS CRITICAL COMPONENT. BECAUSE OF THIS FAILURE, I WAS LEFT STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY, WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE CAR, UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST EXIST. THE WATER PUMP FAILED IMMEDIATELY AND COMPLETELY WITH LITTLE-TO-NO WARNING. I WAS EXTREMELY SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THE ORIGINAL BMW WATER PUMP COULD NOT EVEN LAST FOR 50,000 MILES. HOW COULD THIS BE? WH… Look up ODI 10472497 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10500629 · 50,056 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ENGINE HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,056. Look up ODI 10500629 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10560707 · 58,000 mi WHILE DRIVING THE 2008 BMW 535XI, THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. A MESSAGE APPEARED "CAR OVERHEATED" AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE WATER PUMP FAILED WITH ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. THE ACCELERATION WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL AND THE CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY INOPERABLE. IT WAS A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION WITH VEHICLES APPROACHING ME FROM BEHIND ESPECIALLY WITH NO SHOULDER SPACE AVAILABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER. I MANAGED TO TURN ONT HE HAZARD LIGHTS AND BARELY MANAGED TO ESCAPE THIS SITUATION WITHOUT AN INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOW… Look up ODI 10560707 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	89,025–112,500 mi	93,731 mi	12	ODI 10614846 · 72,097 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION LIGHT IS ON IS THERE A RECALL. TR Look up ODI 10614846 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10664889 · 68,000 mi VEHICLE IS STATION WAGON VARIANT OF 535. THE STATION WAGON HAS A POOR DESIGN WHERE THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF (STANDARD EQUIPMENT) IS GUTTER PRONE TO CLOGGING, AND WATER WHICH ENTERS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ACCUMULATES IN AN ELECTRONICS WELL UNDER THE CARGO FLOOR UNKNOWN TO THE DRIVER. THIS WATER CORRODES CONNECTIONS TO A NUMBER OF ELECTRONIC MODULES AND DAMAGES THE MODULES THEMSELVES WHEN SUBMERGED. THERE ARE MANY AFFECTED FUNCTIONS WHICH CAN BE DISRUPTED, BUT CRITICALLY SENSORS WHICH AFFECT WHETHER THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. AN INCORRECT DE… Look up ODI 10664889 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	108,942–141,250 mi	127,225 mi	12	ODI 10669296 · 74,884 mi THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING DUE TO MISFIRING FUEL INJECTORS AND HAD ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION. NOTE: BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL IN DECEMBER 2010. BMW NOTED IN THE RECALL THAT THIS REPAIR IS TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IN MY EXPERIENCE, BMW IS NOT HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE. JS Look up ODI 10669296 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10670481 · 145,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UPON START UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TWO FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NEW DESIGN FUEL INJECTORS MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. Look up ODI 10670481 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10701538 · 114,106 mi I STARTED MY CAR AND UPON STARTING IT BEGAN RATTLING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE MESSAGE THAT APPEARED ON THE DASH SAYING. ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED POWER. *TR Look up ODI 10701538 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	78,125–101,250 mi	93,502 mi	8	ODI 10493501 · 105,000 mi THE GROUND CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT OPERATING. THE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND THE TAB ON THE LAMP SOCKET HOUSING (WHERE THE CONNECTOR PLUGS IN) WAS DAMAGED. TR Look up ODI 10493501 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504111 · 56,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE EXTERIOR BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION BOTH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND PASSENGER'S SIDE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND A WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10519585 · 55,000 mi THE REAR RAIL LIGHT WARNING STARTED FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY AND THEN REAR TAIL LIGHT PERMANENTLY FAILED. INSPECTION OF REAR TAIL LIGHT SHOWED MELTING OF PLASTIC AROUND GROUND WIRE CONNECTION TO LIGHTING ASSEMBLY AND DAMAGE TO BOTH LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND THE WIRING. QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN BMWS DUE TO INADEQUATE CAPACITY OF GROUND WIRING. *TR Look up ODI 10519585 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	67,500–85,875 mi	75,000 mi	6	ODI 10560129 · 72,000 mi THE CAR HAS BEEN REPLACED A PUMP SENSORS 40 DAYS AGO BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION ,AND TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE STARTED IN COLD WEATHER, IT WAS SHAKING AND THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE DEALER CHECKED AND SAID THAT IT IS THE INJECTOR PROBLEM AND RECOMMEND TO CHANG ALL 6 INJECTORS. BUT THE INJECTORS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AT THE MILEAGE OF 27,000 IN 2010. TR Look up ODI 10560129 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10597035 · 66,000 mi ON JANUARY 5, 2014 DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX. 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION DROPPED MY RATE OF SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH (SAFETY MODE) ALMOST SUSTAINED A REAR END COLLISION I THEN PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER I TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED 10 MINUTES AND TURNED IT ON WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW OF TENAFLY, NJ THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS AND SAID THE CAR WAS GOOD TO DRIVE ON THE WAY HOME TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH THE CAR AGAIN DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTI… Look up ODI 10597035 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10597949 · 78,000 mi I WAS DRIVING MY FANTASTIC (EXPENSIVE) 535XI AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN I WOULD IMPLEMENT ANY PRESSURE ON THE THROTTLE I EXPERIENCED A JERKING/STUTTERING SENSATION. TR Look up ODI 10597949 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	90,115–102,250 mi	93,731 mi	6	ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10723102 · 97,000 mi APRIL 2013, BMW DEALER #1 (SELLER) WAS TOLD BY SELLING DEALER THAT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT JUST CAME ON HOURS BEFORE DELIVERY.. WAS TOLD TO BRING CAR TO A DEALER IN MY STATE AND THEY WILL FIX IT, NO CHARGE SINCE CAR IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER EXTENDED WARRANTY; MAY 23, 2013 BMW DEALER #2 (SERVICE) RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGH IS ON.. DEALER #2 ADVISED THAT BST CABLE WAS SLICED, HENCE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR, WHICH WAS $1,000.00. JUNE 12, 2013 BMW DEALER #3 (SERVICE) WENT TO DEALER #3 FOR SECOND OPINION, SUR… Look up ODI 10723102 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	90,000–103,000 mi	90,461 mi	5	ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034170 · 90,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. BROUGHT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR BMW. BUT SERVICE WOULD COST $2,300 TO FIX. I ASKED IF IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEN IT IS A DEFECT. BMW SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS I SEE IN OTHER RECENT RECALL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIKE LAST MONTH FOR THE BMW X3. Look up ODI 11034170 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2013: 2 complaints · 2014: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2013	1	2	2
2014	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2013	4	0	0
2014	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Electrical System	Engine	Air Bags	Fuel/Propulsion System	Exterior Lighting	Power Train	Seat Belts	Seats
Electrical System	—	4 ODI 10717391 · 59,709 mi THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP AND THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED. SOME BMW 5-SERIES WATER PUMPS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. Look up ODI 10717391 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10927425 · 135,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. Look up ODI 10927425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	9 ODI 10452640 THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS BURNED AND MELTED OUT FOR NO REASON. THE FUSE DID NOT PROTECT THE WIRES CONNECTOR FROM BURNING. ALL THE REAR RIGHTS ARE NON OPERATIONAL. TR Look up ODI 10452640 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493501 · 105,000 mi THE GROUND CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT OPERATING. THE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND THE TAB ON THE LAMP SOCKET HOUSING (WHERE THE CONNECTOR PLUGS IN) WAS DAMAGED. TR Look up ODI 10493501 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504111 · 56,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE EXTERIOR BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION BOTH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND PASSENGER'S SIDE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND A WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10818784 · 88,500 mi I PURCHASED A 2008 BMW 5 SERIES WAGON 9/1/2015 ON CALIFORNIA HAD ITS FIRST RAIN STORM CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE BMW RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS 12/16/115. THE DRAIN LINES ARE A WELL DOCUMENTED AND A BMW SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD SYSTEM FAILURE, TIRE WARNINGS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNINGS AND THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR DROPPED ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE BMW DEALERSHIP GAVE US $24,188.17 REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR ALL THE ELECTRICAL CO… Look up ODI 10818784 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11113836 · 103,000 mi WEDNESDAY JULY 25TH, 2018, AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE WORK, I STARTED MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN MY COMPANY'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE AND THE INTERIOR BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO CHECK THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND MORE SMOKE ENTERED INTO THE CAR. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WENT BACK TO MY OFFICE TO CALL AAA. APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MINUTES LATER I WENT BACK TO THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY SMELLED SMOKE IN THE GARAGE. AS I APPRO… Look up ODI 11113836 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	4 ODI 10717391 · 59,709 mi THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED DUE TO WATER PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP AND THE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED. SOME BMW 5-SERIES WATER PUMPS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. Look up ODI 10717391 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10927425 · 135,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. Look up ODI 10927425 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	4 ODI 10669296 · 74,884 mi THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING DUE TO MISFIRING FUEL INJECTORS AND HAD ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION. NOTE: BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL IN DECEMBER 2010. BMW NOTED IN THE RECALL THAT THIS REPAIR IS TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IN MY EXPERIENCE, BMW IS NOT HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE. JS Look up ODI 10669296 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10701538 · 114,106 mi I STARTED MY CAR AND UPON STARTING IT BEGAN RATTLING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE MESSAGE THAT APPEARED ON THE DASH SAYING. ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED POWER. TR Look up ODI 10701538 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10906002 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND OVERHEATED. IN ADDITION "PLEASE SHUT ENGINE OFF DUE TO OVERHEATING " WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10906002 at NHTSA ↗	0	4 ODI 10597035 · 66,000 mi ON JANUARY 5, 2014 DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX. 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION DROPPED MY RATE OF SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH (SAFETY MODE) ALMOST SUSTAINED A REAR END COLLISION I THEN PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER I TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED 10 MINUTES AND TURNED IT ON WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW OF TENAFLY, NJ THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS AND SAID THE CAR WAS GOOD TO DRIVE ON THE WAY HOME TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH THE CAR AGAIN DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTI… Look up ODI 10597035 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10619117 · 56,431 mi COLD START IN THE MORNING FOR DRIVE TO WORK, CAR SUFFERED SLOW START AND ROUGH IDLE. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION ON IDRIVE WITH HIGH COOLANT FAN RPM. SHUT DOWN CAR FOR 30 MINUTES, RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE INDICATED IN IDRIVE BUT YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. DROVE TO DEALER FOR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT ON SAFETY RECALL FOR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY (13V-407). WHILE AT 40 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE FROM DEALER, ENGINE SURGED THEN REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION AND CHECK ENGINE ON IDRIVE. RADIATOR… Look up ODI 10619117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	1 ODI 10877004 · 165,000 mi THE CAR HAS AN PASSENGER RESTRAINT ERROR THAT DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE CAR FUEL GAGE DOES NOT WORK EITHER Look up ODI 10877004 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	6 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10723102 · 97,000 mi APRIL 2013, BMW DEALER #1 (SELLER) WAS TOLD BY SELLING DEALER THAT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT JUST CAME ON HOURS BEFORE DELIVERY.. WAS TOLD TO BRING CAR TO A DEALER IN MY STATE AND THEY WILL FIX IT, NO CHARGE SINCE CAR IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER EXTENDED WARRANTY; MAY 23, 2013 BMW DEALER #2 (SERVICE) RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGH IS ON.. DEALER #2 ADVISED THAT BST CABLE WAS SLICED, HENCE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR, WHICH WAS $1,000.00. JUNE 12, 2013 BMW DEALER #3 (SERVICE) WENT TO DEALER #3 FOR SECOND OPINION, SUR… Look up ODI 10723102 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034170 · 90,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. BROUGHT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR BMW. BUT SERVICE WOULD COST $2,300 TO FIX. I ASKED IF IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEN IT IS A DEFECT. BMW SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS I SEE IN OTHER RECENT RECALL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIKE LAST MONTH FOR THE BMW X3. Look up ODI 11034170 at NHTSA ↗
Fuel/Propulsion System	0	4 ODI 10669296 · 74,884 mi THE CAR WAS SHUDDERING DUE TO MISFIRING FUEL INJECTORS AND HAD ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION. NOTE: BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL IN DECEMBER 2010. BMW NOTED IN THE RECALL THAT THIS REPAIR IS TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY REGARDLESS OF TIME OR MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE. IN MY EXPERIENCE, BMW IS NOT HONORING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL NOTICE. JS Look up ODI 10669296 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10701538 · 114,106 mi I STARTED MY CAR AND UPON STARTING IT BEGAN RATTLING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE MESSAGE THAT APPEARED ON THE DASH SAYING. ENGINE MALFUNCTION REDUCED POWER. TR Look up ODI 10701538 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10906002 · 60,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND OVERHEATED. IN ADDITION "PLEASE SHUT ENGINE OFF DUE TO OVERHEATING " WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. Look up ODI 10906002 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10877004 · 165,000 mi THE CAR HAS AN PASSENGER RESTRAINT ERROR THAT DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE CAR FUEL GAGE DOES NOT WORK EITHER Look up ODI 10877004 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	1 ODI 10877004 · 165,000 mi THE CAR HAS AN PASSENGER RESTRAINT ERROR THAT DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE CAR FUEL GAGE DOES NOT WORK EITHER Look up ODI 10877004 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting	9 ODI 10452640 THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS BURNED AND MELTED OUT FOR NO REASON. THE FUSE DID NOT PROTECT THE WIRES CONNECTOR FROM BURNING. ALL THE REAR RIGHTS ARE NON OPERATIONAL. TR Look up ODI 10452640 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493501 · 105,000 mi THE GROUND CONNECTION TO THE RIGHT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN THE RIGHT REAR LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL NOT OPERATING. THE CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED AND THE TAB ON THE LAMP SOCKET HOUSING (WHERE THE CONNECTOR PLUGS IN) WAS DAMAGED. TR Look up ODI 10493501 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10504111 · 56,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE EXTERIOR BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION BOTH THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND PASSENGER'S SIDE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND A WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE ELECTRICAL CONTACT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUF… Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Power Train	2 ODI 10818784 · 88,500 mi I PURCHASED A 2008 BMW 5 SERIES WAGON 9/1/2015 ON CALIFORNIA HAD ITS FIRST RAIN STORM CAUSING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THE BMW RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS 12/16/115. THE DRAIN LINES ARE A WELL DOCUMENTED AND A BMW SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD SYSTEM FAILURE, TIRE WARNINGS, TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNINGS AND THE SUSPENSION FAILED AND THE CAR DROPPED ABOUT 6 INCHES. THE BMW DEALERSHIP GAVE US $24,188.17 REPAIR ESTIMATE FOR ALL THE ELECTRICAL CO… Look up ODI 10818784 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10597035 · 66,000 mi ON JANUARY 5, 2014 DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROX. 55 MPH THE VEHICLE'S DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION DROPPED MY RATE OF SPEED TO APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH (SAFETY MODE) ALMOST SUSTAINED A REAR END COLLISION I THEN PULLED OVER ONTO THE SHOULDER I TURNED THE CAR OFF WAITED 10 MINUTES AND TURNED IT ON WITHOUT ANY ISSUES. I TOOK THE CAR TO BMW OF TENAFLY, NJ THEY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS AND SAID THE CAR WAS GOOD TO DRIVE ON THE WAY HOME TRAVELING APPROX. 45 MPH THE CAR AGAIN DISPLAYED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTI… Look up ODI 10597035 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10619117 · 56,431 mi COLD START IN THE MORNING FOR DRIVE TO WORK, CAR SUFFERED SLOW START AND ROUGH IDLE. THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION ON IDRIVE WITH HIGH COOLANT FAN RPM. SHUT DOWN CAR FOR 30 MINUTES, RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUE INDICATED IN IDRIVE BUT YELLOW CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. DROVE TO DEALER FOR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT ON SAFETY RECALL FOR TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY (13V-407). WHILE AT 40 MPH AND APPROXIMATELY 1/4 MILE FROM DEALER, ENGINE SURGED THEN REDUCED POWER NOTIFICATION AND CHECK ENGINE ON IDRIVE. RADIATOR… Look up ODI 10619117 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11279664 · 116,000 mi FOR OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE (SMALL) ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY & CONSTANTLY GOING ON/OFF. I'VE HAD SENSORS, SPARK PLUGS, TUBES & EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN REPLACED AND HAVE TAKEN (OR TOWED IN MOST CASES) THE CAR TO MANY DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS FOR MULTIPLE QUOTES & REPAIRS. THE LATEST PROBLEM IS THE SMALL ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE CAR WAS STUCK IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT WOULDN'T SHIFT. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMPLETELY GONE & THE CAR WAS FINE TO DRIVE/REVERSE. AF… Look up ODI 11279664 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0
Seat Belts	0	0	6 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10723102 · 97,000 mi APRIL 2013, BMW DEALER #1 (SELLER) WAS TOLD BY SELLING DEALER THAT RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT JUST CAME ON HOURS BEFORE DELIVERY.. WAS TOLD TO BRING CAR TO A DEALER IN MY STATE AND THEY WILL FIX IT, NO CHARGE SINCE CAR IS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER EXTENDED WARRANTY; MAY 23, 2013 BMW DEALER #2 (SERVICE) RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGH IS ON.. DEALER #2 ADVISED THAT BST CABLE WAS SLICED, HENCE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THE REPAIR, WHICH WAS $1,000.00. JUNE 12, 2013 BMW DEALER #3 (SERVICE) WENT TO DEALER #3 FOR SECOND OPINION, SUR… Look up ODI 10723102 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10877004 · 165,000 mi THE CAR HAS AN PASSENGER RESTRAINT ERROR THAT DOES NOT GO AWAY. THE CAR FUEL GAGE DOES NOT WORK EITHER Look up ODI 10877004 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	4 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034170 · 90,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. BROUGHT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR BMW. BUT SERVICE WOULD COST $2,300 TO FIX. I ASKED IF IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEN IT IS A DEFECT. BMW SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS I SEE IN OTHER RECENT RECALL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIKE LAST MONTH FOR THE BMW X3. Look up ODI 11034170 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	1 ODI 11113836 · 103,000 mi WEDNESDAY JULY 25TH, 2018, AS I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE WORK, I STARTED MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED IN MY COMPANY'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE AND THE INTERIOR BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT TO CHECK THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO SMOKE COMING FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND MORE SMOKE ENTERED INTO THE CAR. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WENT BACK TO MY OFFICE TO CALL AAA. APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MINUTES LATER I WENT BACK TO THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY SMELLED SMOKE IN THE GARAGE. AS I APPRO… Look up ODI 11113836 at NHTSA ↗	0	4 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034170 · 90,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. BROUGHT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR BMW. BUT SERVICE WOULD COST $2,300 TO FIX. I ASKED IF IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEN IT IS A DEFECT. BMW SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS I SEE IN OTHER RECENT RECALL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIKE LAST MONTH FOR THE BMW X3. Look up ODI 11034170 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	4 ODI 10616677 · 90,461 mi I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" FOR NO REASON AND IT SAYS "PASS, RESTRAINT SYSTEM - FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER" ETC. *JS Look up ODI 10616677 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10722670 · 104,000 mi I HAD THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR SHOW UP ON MY VEHICLE'S DASH IN 2013. AT THAT TIME, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED SOME MODULE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST. NOT SURE WHY WOULD THEY HAVE A REPLACE A MODULE IN "DRIVER SIDE" WHEN THE ERROR IS IN "PASSENGER SIDE." BUT I DIDN'T ARGUE AND LET THEM REPLACE IT AND PAID $400 FOR THE PRIVILEGE. NOW AGAIN IN APRIL 2015, SAME ERROR IS HAPPENING. FIRST THE DEALER (BMW OF CLEVELAND, SOLON, OH) COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM FOR 2 DAYS. BUT WHEN I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE, THEY SAY … Look up ODI 10722670 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11034170 · 90,000 mi THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT FAILURE LIGHT INDICATOR IS ON. BROUGHT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR BMW. BUT SERVICE WOULD COST $2,300 TO FIX. I ASKED IF IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM, THEN IT IS A DEFECT. BMW SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE AS I SEE IN OTHER RECENT RECALL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIKE LAST MONTH FOR THE BMW X3. Look up ODI 11034170 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 9.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 114,950 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10561137 · 79,000 mi

Look up ODI 10561137 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10617252 · 100,400 mi

Look up ODI 10617252 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10715851 · 129,500 mi

Look up ODI 10715851 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

6 mentions · 8.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 87,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10519949 · 23,000 mi

Look up ODI 10519949 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10617252 · 100,400 mi

Look up ODI 10617252 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10619117 · 56,431 mi

Look up ODI 10619117 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10504111 · 56,000 mi

Look up ODI 10504111 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11012517 · 120,000 mi

THIS IS THE 3RD COMPLAINT ON THE SAME VEHICLE I HAVE PLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS AND THEY HAVE FINALLY DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHERE THE COMPUTER COMPONENTS ARE LOCATED, HAS BEEN RECEIVING WATER LEAKAGE FROM FAULTY PLUGS VIA THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM LEADING TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THUS CAUSING MAJOR MALFUNCTIONS SUCH AS FUEL INJECTORS, STARTERS, BATTERIES, SENSORS, AND INDICATORS THAT MAJOR TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTIONS HAVE OCCURRED WHEN WHAT IS REALLY WRONG IS THAT ALL THE C…

Look up ODI 11012517 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10597949 · 78,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY FANTASTIC (EXPENSIVE) 535XI AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN I WOULD IMPLEMENT ANY PRESSURE ON THE THROTTLE I EXPERIENCED A JERKING/STUTTERING SENSATION. *TR

Look up ODI 10597949 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 129,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10715851 · 129,500 mi

Look up ODI 10715851 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b