2008 BMW M5: common problems and reliability
· E60One of the weaker M5 years.
6 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2008 M5?The 2008 BMW M5 has 6 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag rod bearing wear and failure.
Safety record for the 2008 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 BMW M5 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other M5 years only. How we score it
Is 2008 a good year for the M5?
Across the 19 M5 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 124 (2006). With 6 complaints, the 2008 M5 sits about the same as the model's median of 4.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2008 M5
electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Campaign 12V126000BMW 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.
exterior lighting:tail lights
Campaign 13V407000BMW 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 permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
What owners report on the E60 M5
Owners describe the E60 M5 as an intoxicating but demanding car: a V10 super sedan with a soundtrack and character that nothing else in its price range matches, wrapped in a package that is expensive and sometimes fragile to keep on the road.
- Very frequentRod bearing wear and failure
- Very frequentSMG transmission problems, including pump failure and the "red cog"
- Very frequentHigh maintenance and repair costs generally
- Very frequentOil consumption requiring regular top-offs
- RecurrentThrottle actuator failure
Owner insights for the E60 M5. Read the full E60 owner report.
Other M5 model years
Compare every M5 year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.
Compare the M5 against its rivals
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