RecallMyCar

2008 BMW M5 Recalls, Complaints & Specs

2 safety recalls list the 2008 BMW M5, and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

2
safety recalls
6
owner complaints to NHTSA
1 / 2
complaints citing a crash / fire
13–16
MPG combined (EPA)

2 safety recalls for the 2008 BMW M5

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Tail lights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 13V407000 Reported 134,100 vehicles potentially affected BMW of North America, LLC

    BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or…

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

  2. Cables (electrical system)

    NHTSA 12V126000 Reported 367,682 vehicles potentially affected BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

    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…

    Remedy: 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…

6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2008 BMW M5 have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash and 2 describe a fire. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 64,413 miles. Complaints peaked in 2014 with 1 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“Tl* the contact owned a 2008 BMW m5. The contact stated while attempting to parallel park, the vehicle was shifted to reverse and a loud pop noise was heard as flames was seen coming from underneath t”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, April 26, 2021 · Engine

“While driving my BMW m5, the vehicle became momentarily unstable while driving on state route 52 between walker valley and ellenville around a turn @ ~50mph. Shortly after the ABS and dsc lights becam”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, June 8, 2020 · Service brakes

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 2008 BMW M (M3, M3 Convertible, M3 Coupe, M5, …). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined13–16 mpg
City / Highway11–14 / 17–20
FuelPremium
EPA classCompact Cars, Midsize Cars, Subcompact Cars
Engine8/10 cyl, 4/5 L
TransmissionAutomatic (S7); Manual 6-spd

Compare BMW M5 model years

Recall and complaint counts for every BMW M5 model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
1989 BMW M510
1990 BMW M510
1991 BMW M530
1992 BMW M520
1993 BMW M510
1994 BMW M510
1995 BMW M510
2000 BMW M524
2001 BMW M534
2002 BMW M526
2003 BMW M513
2006 BMW M5139
2007 BMW M516
2008 BMW M526
2009 BMW M520
2010 BMW M521
2013 BMW M5210
2014 BMW M512
2015 BMW M513
2016 BMW M521
2018 BMW M536
2019 BMW M538
2020 BMW M532
2021 BMW M512
2022 BMW M501
2025 BMW M521
2026 BMW M510

Checking a specific 2008 BMW M5

How do I know if my 2008 BMW M5 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2008 BMW M5; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised BMW dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 12V126000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other BMW models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.