2008 BMW 5 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- 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
Trims
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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i 4dr Sedan RWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,395 lb | 51/49 |
| 535i 4dr Sedan RWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,450 lb | 51/49 |
| 550i 4dr Sedan RWD | 190.9 in | 72.8 in | 57.9 in | 114.2 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,946 lb | 51/49 |
| Touring 535xi 4dr Wagon AWD | 191.3 in | 72.8 in | 58.7 in | 113.8 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 4,101 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 528i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | 0% | $3,900 | 423 |
| 528xi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 528xi | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535xi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -5% | $4,100 | 444 |
| 535xi Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -4% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 535xi | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 468 |
| 550i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 550i | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 494 |
| 535xi Sport Wagon | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -9% | $4,550 | 494 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 5 Series (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Audi A5 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
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.
Not every 2008 BMW 5 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 BMW 5 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Exterior Lighting — 3 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 79,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 5 Series | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 5 Series | 31 | 199.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 5 Series | 30 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 5 Series | 28 | 195.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 5 Series | 28 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 5 Series | 29 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 5 Series | 30 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 5 Series | 27 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 5 Series | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →