2008 Bmw X5 Sav problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Air Bags (5) · Seats (3) · Vehicle Speed Control (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw X5 Sav model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (Pcv) 2022-03-02 · campaign 22V119000 · 917,106 vehicles
Defect: 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 SA
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 ow
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module 2016-02-05 · campaign 16V071000 · 840,000 vehicles
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013
Risk: 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.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Service Brakes 2013-02-07 · campaign 13V045000 · 30,265 vehicles
Defect: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. 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.
Risk: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
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.
Service bulletins (7)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-04-23 · B611026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
while performing a 12-volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the bmw footwell module (frm) may become unresponsive. as a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: headlights including the high beam
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2020-10-01 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
discharged battery energy diagnosis must be performed: the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to
Service Brakes, Air:disc 2013-05-01 · SIB-34-06-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, abs and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. models 2012 f25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, e70, 71, 84. *pe
Engine 2013-05-01 · SIB-24-03-13 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
bmw: some vehicle engines may experience a delay in response to acceleration, after slowing down, due to an unfavorable software calibration. models f10, 25, 07, e70, 71. no model years listed. *pe
Showing the 6 most recent of 7 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-03-01 · Seats · 61,250 mi“bww has an ongoing problem with its seat sensor mat. these sensors are critical to the safety of the front passenger in the event of an accident. bmw has only issued recalls for select model of its vehicle on this particular issue. it has failed to acknowledge that it is a widespread problem affecting all of its vehicles across years and models. i …”
2017-11-08 · Air Bags“takata recall i called bmw of north america last year to complain about not receiving a replacement airbag for my 2008 bmw x5 3.0 si. they told me it will be available towards the end of summer 2016. i have not received any notification of its availability up to now (late fall 2017). i think they completely ignored my complaint. the catastroph…”
2017-07-30 · Electrical System“takata recall i have replace my key fob two time in one year each time it cost me $275.00 by bmw why can't bmw replace the key with a $2.00 like all its other models. only the 2008 models cost that much…”
2017-04-19 · Engine · 37,700 mi“engine suddenly overheats due to defective water pump and shuts down quickly. over heat warning came on a few seconds before engine immediately derated and went to idle. very difficult to get out of harms way with no acceleration at all. only 37,700 on vehicle. bmw owners reporting high frequency of premature water pump failures. repairs cost $1,4…”
2017-03-16 · Vehicle Speed Control · 85,000 mi“while vehicle is running transmission malfunction code comes on and vehicle instantly loses power. almost been rear ended on highway several times.spent 1000 recently on transmission parts. researched and found out this is a soft ware issue and bmw has not acknowledged although thousands of reports have been filed-some by owners with only 1000 m…”
2017-03-15 · Air Bags“takata recall. i was notified over a year ago, since have brought in my car twice for service. dealer says the airbag replacements are not available for me yet. i am concerned for our safety.…”
2017-03-06 · Service Brakes“"takata recall" airbags have not been replaced nor serviced. recall campaign 13v-045: inspect brake booster vacuum supply line. involves the e70 (x5) with the n62tu engine produced from september 2006 to march 2010. si b34 04 13 (labor operation 00 61 028)- brake booster vacuum supply line was replaced in july 2013 at bmw hawai'i ... …”
2017-02-27 · Air Bags“takata recall. i received a notification by mail from bmw that my vehicle is included in the recall and that the driver's and passenger's front airbags will be replaced. i received the letters in march 2016 (recall campaign # 16v-071) and july 2016 (campaign recall # 16v-364). i called bmw of north america regarding these recalls and i was told t…”
2016-10-31 · Air Bags“takata recall. bmw north america and my local bmw dealership in irvine, california have not provided options for alternative transportation while waiting for parts to become available to complete the air bag replacement. *tr…”
2016-10-01 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 118,000 mi“on september 2, around midnight, after about 30 minutes of stop and go traffic at the border, my 2008 bmw sav x5 awd 4dr 3.0i coughed, choked, stopped and refused to be revived. we were at the front of a long line of folks heading through customs into canada. yes, at the head of the line. it was so embarrassing! after fussing for another 30 minu…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.