Makes›BMW›5 Series›2008

2008 BMW 5 Series

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

BMW 5 Series
Pictured: 2015 BMW 528i (5 Series, F10) M Sport 4-door sedan (19119409664). Photo: Manoj Prasad from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
528i 4dr Sedan RWD, 535i 4dr Sedan RWD, 550i 4dr Sedan RWD, Touring 535xi 4dr Wagon AWD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.8L 8-cyl
Horsepower
230–360 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 28 hwy
Length
190.9–191.3 in
Curb weight
3,395–4,101 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.8L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 191 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,395 lb (528i 4dr Sedan RWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway), 0% better than the 2008 midsize car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

  • Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 5 Series →

Trims, performance & features

Engine230–255 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine360 hp4.8L 8-cyl

Trims

3.0si5-Series

Built in: Greer, South Carolina · Dingolfing, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2008 5 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
528i 4dr Sedan RWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,395 lb51/49
535i 4dr Sedan RWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,450 lb51/49
550i 4dr Sedan RWD190.9 in72.8 in57.9 in114.2 in61 / 61.8 in3,946 lb51/49
Touring 535xi 4dr Wagon AWD191.3 in72.8 in58.7 in113.8 in61.4 / 62.2 in4,101 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
528i3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 28 / 210%$3,900423
528i3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 210%$3,900423
528xi3.0L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-5%$4,100444
528xi3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-5%$4,100444
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-5%$4,100444
535xi3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-5%$4,100444
535i3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-5%$4,100444
535xi Sport Wagon3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 24 / 19-4%$4,350468
535xi3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 25 / 19-10%$4,350468
550i4.8L 8-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-15%$4,550494
550i4.8L 8-cylAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 18-15%$4,550494
535xi Sport Wagon3.0L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 18-9%$4,550494
Spend $7,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.1 MPG2008 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 BMW 5 Series under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 BMW 5 Series (this car)21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPGNot rated0
2008 Audi A621 MPGNot rated3
2008 Lexus LS21 MPGNot rated2
2008 Lexus GS23 MPGNot rated4
2008 Audi A521 MPGNot rated1
2008 Lexus ES22 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (3)

Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Mar 2, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, 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 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
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.
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 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery › Cables · Mar 26, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V126000 · 367,682 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum · Oct 1, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V446000 · 198,352 vehicles

Problem
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, 6-SERIES, AND MODEL YEAR 2002-2008 7-SERIES VEHICLES. 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.
Risk
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.
Fix
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

8Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
79,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System5
Exterior Lighting3
Air Bags2
Steering1
Visibility/Wiper1
Seats1
Unknown Or Other1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 115/04: 115/10: 116/02: 116/03: 116/08: 117/11: 125/11: 115/0115/0415/1016/0216/0316/0817/1125/11max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 5 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other 5 Series years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 5 Series31–Not rated00
2026 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2025 5 Series31199.2 inNot rated00
2024 5 Series30195.3 inNot rated00
2023 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated10
2022 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2021 5 Series28195.3 inNot rated00
2020 5 Series28194.5 inNot rated00
2019 5 Series29194.5 inNot rated00
2018 5 Series30194.5 inNot rated00
2017 5 Series27194.5 inNot rated00
2016 5 Series30192.9 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →