2008 BMW X5 engine problems
66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2008 BMW X5 — 31% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“X5 was off, parked and the engine compartment burst into flames. Car was totaled There was apparently a recall issues in 2022 in which I was unaware and had no direct contact from the BMW dealer I purchased it from. The recall states that in some vehicles, this part could cause a fire. Well, I had…”
filed Nov 17, 2023
“My 2008 BMW X5 was taken to a shop to be diagnosed due to Diagnosis as followed:( low coolant light coming on) “coolant crossover pipe from timing belt cover leaking” it is available for inspection, although it is not safe to drive. The low coolant light went off after I put more in it and did not…”
filed Jul 11, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuitCampaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
Engine problems in other X5 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 X5 | 3 | 5% |
| 2024 X5 | 13 | 9% |
| 2023 X5 | 3 | 10% |
| 2022 X5 | 10 | 17% |
| 2021 X5 | 22 | 22% |
| 2020 X5 | 28 | 27% |
| 2019 X5 | 49 | 27% |
| 2018 X5 | 10 | 15% |
| 2017 X5 | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 X5 | 13 | 19% |
| 2015 X5 | 42 | 28% |
| 2014 X5 | 16 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 BMW X5
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.