2008 BMW 550I

2 recalls — 49 complaints

13V407000 Sep 11, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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 permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
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 [email protected].
134,100 vehicles affected
07V479000 Oct 12, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
29,250 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 13, 2025
Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result of a leaking coolant passage at rear of engine within bellhousing where sensor is located. Coolant intrusion into sensor connector resulted in electrical short and melted connections.
ENGINE Sep 13, 2025
Vehicle abruptly shut off while reversing out of my driveway. Vehicle restarted after a long crank and appeared to enter a reduced power mode/limp mode with a transmission fault that locked the transmission in 4th gear. Reading OBD2 codes revealed a code for the crankshaft position sensor. Inspection of the 3 terminal sensor revealed 2 of the terminal contacts on the sensor to be shorted out with melted plastic on both the sensor and the wiring connector plug. Shorted wire could be a result of a leaking coolant passage at rear of engine within bellhousing where sensor is located. Coolant intrusion into sensor connector resulted in electrical short and melted connections.
ENGINE Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 BMW.The contact stated that he was getting ready to drive the vehicle, however when he started the vehicle, the ABS and check engine lights illuminated.The contact stated that he noticed the vehicle was overheating and turned the vehicle off.The contact heard an unusual sound which came from under the hood.The contact inspected and noticed that the coolant reservoir lid had detached and dented the hood due to the vehicle overheating.The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided no assistance.The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Oct 22, 2023
The daytime running lights aka Angel Eyes wiring is sub-standard. The plastic coating on the wires for the daytime running lights/Angel Eyes has melted away exposing bare wiring that has fused causing the lights to malfunction and not work. I believe the manufacturer is aware of this sub-standard issue and needs to provide a suitable fix or replacement for the sub-standard wiring of their product.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 7, 2023
I was driving and came to a stop and noticed smoke and an odd smell coming from under the hood. The heater control valve and the wire connector started to smolder and melt the plastic. If it wasn’t for me disconnecting the connector wire to the heater control valve, it would have definitely would have caught on fire.There was no warning other than the smoke and smell coming from the car. I am in the process of the car getting inspected from a bmw service center
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 2, 2022
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 2, 2022
The wiring in my headlight assembly is crumbling and the headlight is shorting out. The coating on the wiring is trash. I own a 08 Bmw550i. BMW should be ashamed. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Mar 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 550I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the battery warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
ENGINE Jan 13, 2021
VEHICLE PARKED FOR DAYS, NOTICED SMOKE FROM PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE BAY, INSPECTION FOUND POSSIBLE FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR OIL LEAK ONTO ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSING SMALL FIRE ON ENGINE FLOOR. DISCONNECTED NEGATIVE TERMINAL TO BATTERY.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 13, 2021
VEHICLE PARKED FOR DAYS, NOTICED SMOKE FROM PASSENGER SIDE ENGINE BAY, INSPECTION FOUND POSSIBLE FAULTY ELECTRICAL WIRING OR OIL LEAK ONTO ELECTRICAL WIRING CAUSING SMALL FIRE ON ENGINE FLOOR. DISCONNECTED NEGATIVE TERMINAL TO BATTERY.
Fire
POWER TRAIN Jul 19, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE POWER TRAIN LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LOOSE A LOT OF POWER THEN WHEN I PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD THE CAR TURNED OF AND WOULD NOT START UNTIL SEVERAL ATTEMPTS . I WAITED ABOUT 8 MIN THEN STARTED TO DRIVE . AND IT DOES THIS ALL THE TIME NOW . THEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT AND DRIVES FINE . BUT THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS . AND IT'S VERY DANGEROUS. I'VE BEEN IN SOME TIGHT SITUATIONS.
SEAT BELTS Jul 2, 2020
CAR SMOKES BAD VALVE SEALS AND SEATBELT RESTRAIN WENT BAD TWICE AND CAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT GOES BAD
AIR BAGS Jul 2, 2020
CAR SMOKES BAD VALVE SEALS AND SEATBELT RESTRAIN WENT BAD TWICE AND CAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT GOES BAD
ENGINE Jul 2, 2020
CAR SMOKES BAD VALVE SEALS AND SEATBELT RESTRAIN WENT BAD TWICE AND CAR SEAT ADJUSTMENT GOES BAD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 12, 2018
I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR 8 WEEKS. MY 2008 BMW 550I CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR AND THE FIRE CHIEF BOTH STATED THAT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. I HAVE THE FIRE REPORT. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON FEB. 5, 2018 AND WAS TOLD THERE 'LOOKS LIKE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN'WORK DONE TO THE WIRING OF THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE APRIL 2017 (7 MONTHS) AND HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO THE WIRING. I ALSO PULLED A CARFAX REPORT BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT SHOWED 0 ACCIDENTS AND 0 MAJOR MECHANICAL WORKING. I ASKED BMW FOR A COPY OF THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT AND WAS DENIED. THAT REALLY MADE ME SUSPECT SOMETHING FOUL FROM BMW.
Fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 12, 2018
I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR 8 WEEKS. MY 2008 BMW 550I CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR AND THE FIRE CHIEF BOTH STATED THAT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. I HAVE THE FIRE REPORT. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON FEB. 5, 2018 AND WAS TOLD THERE 'LOOKS LIKE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN'WORK DONE TO THE WIRING OF THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE APRIL 2017 (7 MONTHS) AND HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO THE WIRING. I ALSO PULLED A CARFAX REPORT BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT SHOWED 0 ACCIDENTS AND 0 MAJOR MECHANICAL WORKING. I ASKED BMW FOR A COPY OF THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT AND WAS DENIED. THAT REALLY MADE ME SUSPECT SOMETHING FOUL FROM BMW.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 12, 2018
I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR 8 WEEKS. MY 2008 BMW 550I CAUGHT FIRE WHILE STATIONARY AT A GAS STATION AT THE GAS PUMP. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO CONTAIN THE FIRE. THE FIRE INSPECTOR AND THE FIRE CHIEF BOTH STATED THAT IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE. I HAVE THE FIRE REPORT. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE ON FEB. 5, 2018 AND WAS TOLD THERE 'LOOKS LIKE THERE COULD HAVE BEEN'WORK DONE TO THE WIRING OF THE CAR. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE APRIL 2017 (7 MONTHS) AND HAVE NOT DONE ANY WORK TO THE WIRING. I ALSO PULLED A CARFAX REPORT BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. IT SHOWED 0 ACCIDENTS AND 0 MAJOR MECHANICAL WORKING. I ASKED BMW FOR A COPY OF THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT AND WAS DENIED. THAT REALLY MADE ME SUSPECT SOMETHING FOUL FROM BMW.
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Oct 18, 2016
FRAYED AND DISINTEGRATING HEADLIGHT WIRING PRESENT THROUGHOUT MY HEADLAMPS. THESE ARE SEALED ENCLOSURES FOR WHICH THERE ARE NO PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ITEMS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE HEADLIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING, PARTICULARLY IN HOT WEATHER. THESE ARE NON CONSUMER REPLACEABLE PARTS AND PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AND SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AFTER ONLY 8 YEARS OF SERVICE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 28, 2016
I HAD A PARKING LIGHT GO BAD AND WHILE I WAS REPLACING IT I NOTICED THAT THE WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NO LONGER INSULATED. THE INSULATION HAS BECOME BRITTLE AND IS FLAKING OFF. I REMOVED THE COVER FOR THE OTHER HEADLIGHT AND THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED TO THAT LIGHT. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THESE BARE WIRES COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jun 28, 2016
BOUGHT A 2008 BMW 550I AND EXPERIENCED HEADLIGHT FAILURE WITH THE HEADLIGHT FUSE BLOWING REPEATEDLY WHEN I WENT TO CHANGE THE BULBS NOTICED THAT ALL THE WIRES IN THE HEADLIGHT WERE BARE. USED LIQUID INSULATION TO FIX THE ISSUE HOWEVER HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS OF THIS CAR CATCHING FIRE FROM THE ISSUE AFTER SOME RESEARCH
AIR BAGS May 4, 2016
CONSISTENTLY RECEIVING 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM' WARNING INDICATING LOSS OF AIRBAG PROTECTION ON ONBOARD WARNING SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP SUPPORT NOTIFIED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE UNDER MANUFACTURER AS WELL AS PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTEES WITHOUT ANY REMEDY. 'NO FAULT' FOUND BY DEALERSHIPS - REPORTEDLY THEIR DIAGNOSTICS INDICATED NO CURRENT ISSUE WITH PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM CONTINUES TO INDICATE SHUT-DOWN WHILE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. LIMITED ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THIS IS A PERSISTENT PASSENGER SAFETY CONTROL SYSTEM ISSUE SPECIFIC TO THIS MANUFACTURER AND MODEL.
SEAT BELTS Mar 6, 2016
WARING LIGHT FOR SEAT BELT RESTRAINT STAYS ON, ONLY ON PASSENGER SIDE. NOT SURE IF THIS AFFECTS INTEGRITY OF SEAT BELT OR AIR BAGS.
SEAT BELTS Feb 5, 2016
PURCHASED USED WITH 83,000 MILES. CURRENTLY 100,000. THE INTERMITTENTLY REPORTS A FAILURE IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. WHEN EXAMINED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC, THERE IS NO INDICATION OF AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS. WHEN THIS WARNING IS PRESENT ON THE VEHICLE, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT SAFETY SYSTEMS (IF ANY) HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED. DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON SIMILAR VEHICLES DURING THE SAME YEAR, BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT USES THE SAME COMPONENTS.
AIR BAGS Feb 5, 2016
PURCHASED USED WITH 83,000 MILES. CURRENTLY 100,000. THE INTERMITTENTLY REPORTS A FAILURE IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. WHEN EXAMINED BY A QUALIFIED MECHANIC, THERE IS NO INDICATION OF AN ISSUE WITH ANY OF THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS. WHEN THIS WARNING IS PRESENT ON THE VEHICLE, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT SAFETY SYSTEMS (IF ANY) HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED. DEALERSHIP HAS STATED THERE IS A RECALL ON SIMILAR VEHICLES DURING THE SAME YEAR, BUT NOT THIS VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH IT USES THE SAME COMPONENTS.
SEAT BELTS Dec 14, 2015
PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR. PLEASE HELP! I GET THIS WARNING EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND REGARDLESS OF A PASSENGER PRESENT OR NOT. SEVERAL TIMES THE BEEPING SIGNAL WILL BEGIN TO MAKE NOISE, TO BUTTON THE SEAT BELT, EVEN WHEN NOTHING IS IN THE SEAT. THIS IS CREATING A VERY ANNOYING DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
AIR BAGS Dec 14, 2015
PASS RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR. PLEASE HELP! I GET THIS WARNING EVERY SO OFTEN WHEN I GET IN MY CAR AND REGARDLESS OF A PASSENGER PRESENT OR NOT. SEVERAL TIMES THE BEEPING SIGNAL WILL BEGIN TO MAKE NOISE, TO BUTTON THE SEAT BELT, EVEN WHEN NOTHING IS IN THE SEAT. THIS IS CREATING A VERY ANNOYING DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING May 12, 2015
I RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING FUSES BLOWING ON MY RIGHT FRONT HEAD LIGHT UNITS. ERRORS WOULD INDICATE IT WAS THE 'RIGHT DAYLIGHT PARKING UNIT' AND THEN WOULD CLEAR OR STAY CONSTANT. WHEN IT WAS CONSTANT, IT WAS DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE. IT TURNS OUT WHEN I HAD A BMW CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN LOOK AT THE ISSUE HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE WIRING INSIDE THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT. THE WIRING HAD INSULATION THAT WAS STARTING TO FLAKE OFF ALLOWING CONTACT OF THE TWO WIRES GOING TO THE BULB AND WAS EVEN APPARENT ON OTHER WIRES WITHIN THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. IF I HIT A BUMP OR WENT OVER RUMBLE STRIPS THESE WIRES COULD TOUCH AND SHORT CAUSING THE FUSE TO BLOW AND/OR ERROR MESSAGE. AFTER 3 FUSES AND BUYING AN UNNECESSARY SET OF H8 BULBS, THE TECHNICIAN FIXED THE WIRING WITH SOME ELECTRICAL TAPE BUT SUGGESTED THAT A FILE A COMPLAINT HERE SINCE THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THIS COMMON ISSUE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WITH WIRE INSULATION FALLING OFF WAS VERY COMMON ON BMW'S THAT WERE 5-7 YEARS OLD. I COULD SEE BURN MARKS ON THE WIRE AN INSTALLATION FROM WHERE THE SHORT OCCURRED AND WAS SHOCKED THAT ALL THE WIRING WITHIN THE HEAD LAMP ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT SHOWED THESE FLAKING AND CRACKING. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE AT SEVERAL BMW FORUMS I FOUND MANY SIMILAR ISSUES AND IMAGES ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONES MY TECHNICIAN TOOK. I WOULD LIKE A RECALL TO BE ISSUED BY BMW TO REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES OR INTERNAL WIRING WITH WIRES THAT HAVE A BETTER/PROPER INSULATOR THAT DOESN'T FLAKE OFF. I'VE NOT HAD THE BACK LIGHTS CHECKED, BUT FOUND THAT THIS IS COMMON ON MOST IF NOT ALL BMW LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FRONT/BACK FOR A FEW ONLINE RESEARCH QUERIES. ALSO WHERE CAN I SEND THE DIGITAL PICTURES MY TECHNICIAN TOOK OF THE WIRING?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 12, 2015
I RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING FUSES BLOWING ON MY RIGHT FRONT HEAD LIGHT UNITS. ERRORS WOULD INDICATE IT WAS THE 'RIGHT DAYLIGHT PARKING UNIT' AND THEN WOULD CLEAR OR STAY CONSTANT. WHEN IT WAS CONSTANT, IT WAS DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE. IT TURNS OUT WHEN I HAD A BMW CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN LOOK AT THE ISSUE HE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE WIRING INSIDE THE FRONT HEAD LIGHT. THE WIRING HAD INSULATION THAT WAS STARTING TO FLAKE OFF ALLOWING CONTACT OF THE TWO WIRES GOING TO THE BULB AND WAS EVEN APPARENT ON OTHER WIRES WITHIN THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. IF I HIT A BUMP OR WENT OVER RUMBLE STRIPS THESE WIRES COULD TOUCH AND SHORT CAUSING THE FUSE TO BLOW AND/OR ERROR MESSAGE. AFTER 3 FUSES AND BUYING AN UNNECESSARY SET OF H8 BULBS, THE TECHNICIAN FIXED THE WIRING WITH SOME ELECTRICAL TAPE BUT SUGGESTED THAT A FILE A COMPLAINT HERE SINCE THERE IS NO OPEN RECALL FOR THIS COMMON ISSUE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WITH WIRE INSULATION FALLING OFF WAS VERY COMMON ON BMW'S THAT WERE 5-7 YEARS OLD. I COULD SEE BURN MARKS ON THE WIRE AN INSTALLATION FROM WHERE THE SHORT OCCURRED AND WAS SHOCKED THAT ALL THE WIRING WITHIN THE HEAD LAMP ON BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT SHOWED THESE FLAKING AND CRACKING. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE AT SEVERAL BMW FORUMS I FOUND MANY SIMILAR ISSUES AND IMAGES ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ONES MY TECHNICIAN TOOK. I WOULD LIKE A RECALL TO BE ISSUED BY BMW TO REPLACE THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES OR INTERNAL WIRING WITH WIRES THAT HAVE A BETTER/PROPER INSULATOR THAT DOESN'T FLAKE OFF. I'VE NOT HAD THE BACK LIGHTS CHECKED, BUT FOUND THAT THIS IS COMMON ON MOST IF NOT ALL BMW LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FRONT/BACK FOR A FEW ONLINE RESEARCH QUERIES. ALSO WHERE CAN I SEND THE DIGITAL PICTURES MY TECHNICIAN TOOK OF THE WIRING?
TIRES Feb 4, 2015
I GOT THIS ZENNA TIRES FROM CARSHOEZ.COM AND THE TIRES HAVE A TREAD PATTERN WRONG. IT DOES NOT FOR WITH THE FLOW OF ROTATION OF THE TIRE. THE INSIDE SIDE TREAD IS GOING BACKWARD AND THE OUTSIDE TREAD IS BACKWARD ON TWO TIRES AND FORWARD ON THE OTHER TWO TIRES. TIRES SIZES IS 275/30/19 REAR AND 245/35/9 FRONT. *TR
SEATS Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
AIR BAGS Nov 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
AIR BAGS Sep 21, 2013
I WAS DRIVING AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, THE WARNING SAYS (PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIR BAG, BELT TENSIONER BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE WEARING SAFETY BELT. HAVE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER. I WAS DRIVING NORMALLY WITH NO SUDDEN STOP OR ANY OUT OF THE ORDINARY MOVE.
ENGINE Nov 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 550I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE TO STOP. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACCUM PUMP WAS LEAKING OIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED, BUT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
POWER TRAIN Jan 10, 2012
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AND FAILS TO RESTART, ADDITIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY FAIL TO START. THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY, OR SHORTLY AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK. NO WARNINGS OR ERRORS ARE GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED OR LOGGED HOWEVER IN RARE INSTANCES DRIVETRAIN WARNINGS ARE DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE DISPLAYS NO STRANGE BEHAVIOR PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING AND SHUTS OFF AS IF IT WERE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE REGULARLY FAILS TO START. THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER AT ALL OR MAKE ANY INDICATION THAT IT IS ATTEMPTING TO START. THE VEHICLE RESPONDS AS THOUGH THE IGNITION WAS NOT ACTIVATED AND WAS NEVER INSTRUCTED TO START. AFTER A RANDOM TIME INTERVAL FROM 5 MINUTES TO 2 HOURS THE CAR WILL START AS IF NO PROBLEMS WERE EVER ENCOUNTERED. NO ERRORS ARE LOGGED IN THE ECU. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO FIND ANY ISSUES WHICH THEY CLAIM ARE REPAIRABLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 40 DAYS OF SHOP TIME AND WELL OVER 100 OCCURRENCES. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 10, 2012
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AND FAILS TO RESTART, ADDITIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY FAIL TO START. THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY, OR SHORTLY AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK. NO WARNINGS OR ERRORS ARE GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED OR LOGGED HOWEVER IN RARE INSTANCES DRIVETRAIN WARNINGS ARE DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE DISPLAYS NO STRANGE BEHAVIOR PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING AND SHUTS OFF AS IF IT WERE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE REGULARLY FAILS TO START. THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER AT ALL OR MAKE ANY INDICATION THAT IT IS ATTEMPTING TO START. THE VEHICLE RESPONDS AS THOUGH THE IGNITION WAS NOT ACTIVATED AND WAS NEVER INSTRUCTED TO START. AFTER A RANDOM TIME INTERVAL FROM 5 MINUTES TO 2 HOURS THE CAR WILL START AS IF NO PROBLEMS WERE EVER ENCOUNTERED. NO ERRORS ARE LOGGED IN THE ECU. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO FIND ANY ISSUES WHICH THEY CLAIM ARE REPAIRABLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 40 DAYS OF SHOP TIME AND WELL OVER 100 OCCURRENCES. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 10, 2012
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY AND FAILS TO RESTART, ADDITIONALLY THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY FAIL TO START. THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN DRIVING SLOWLY, OR SHORTLY AFTER SHIFTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE FROM PARK. NO WARNINGS OR ERRORS ARE GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED OR LOGGED HOWEVER IN RARE INSTANCES DRIVETRAIN WARNINGS ARE DISPLAYED. THE ENGINE DISPLAYS NO STRANGE BEHAVIOR PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING AND SHUTS OFF AS IF IT WERE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE REGULARLY FAILS TO START. THE ENGINE DOES NOT TURN OVER AT ALL OR MAKE ANY INDICATION THAT IT IS ATTEMPTING TO START. THE VEHICLE RESPONDS AS THOUGH THE IGNITION WAS NOT ACTIVATED AND WAS NEVER INSTRUCTED TO START. AFTER A RANDOM TIME INTERVAL FROM 5 MINUTES TO 2 HOURS THE CAR WILL START AS IF NO PROBLEMS WERE EVER ENCOUNTERED. NO ERRORS ARE LOGGED IN THE ECU. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO FIND ANY ISSUES WHICH THEY CLAIM ARE REPAIRABLE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 40 DAYS OF SHOP TIME AND WELL OVER 100 OCCURRENCES. *TR
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Dec 21, 2011
2008 BMW 550I. CONSUMER STATES WHEN NORMALLY DOWN SHIFTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PUSHED IN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED IN A LOWER GEAR, IT MAINTAINED THE HIGHER SPEED AND MERELY REVVED THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED HE COULD NOT DOWN SHIFT, BUT HAD TO BREAK INSTEAD. THE CONSUMER AND THE BMW TECHNICIAN WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE CLUCTH HAD TO BE HELD FOR ABOUT SIX SECONDS IN ORDER FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE DELAY WAS APPARENTLY WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Dec 21, 2011
2008 BMW 550I. CONSUMER STATES WHEN NORMALLY DOWN SHIFTING TO REDUCE SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PUSHED IN *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED IN A LOWER GEAR, IT MAINTAINED THE HIGHER SPEED AND MERELY REVVED THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER LEARNED HE COULD NOT DOWN SHIFT, BUT HAD TO BREAK INSTEAD. THE CONSUMER AND THE BMW TECHNICIAN WENT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND IT WAS SOON DISCOVERED THAT THE CLUCTH HAD TO BE HELD FOR ABOUT SIX SECONDS IN ORDER FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL TO DISENGAGE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE DELAY WAS APPARENTLY WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS
STEERING Nov 19, 2009
MY BRAND NEW 2008 BMW 550I WAS INVOLVED IN THREE SEPARATE COLLISIONS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN A SPAN OF LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AFTER I LEASED IT. IT HAS 7 MILES WHEN I WAS GOT IT AND THE FIRST COLLISION OCCURRED WHEN MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING IT IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO AND THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 2,000 MILES. THE SECOND COLLISION OCCURRED SEVERAL WEEKS LATER (AFTER THE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED) -- THE CAR COLLIDED WITH A BIG-RIG ON THE RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. THE THIRD ACCIDENT HAPPENED WITHIN 4 MILES AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE HIGHWAY CONCRETE BARRIERS. THE CAR COULD HAVE ROLLED OVER THE CONCRETE EMBANKMENTS AND PLUNGED OVER 100 FEET -- I WAS EXITING FROM THE ELEVATED OFF-RAMP OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY BRIDGE. (THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL RESPONDEDTO THE SECOND COLLISION AND THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND TOWED TO SAN FRANCISCO FROM THE SUBMIT OF THE GRAPEVINE NEAR LOS ANGELES.) *TR
Crash 1 injured
SUSPENSION Nov 19, 2009
MY BRAND NEW 2008 BMW 550I WAS INVOLVED IN THREE SEPARATE COLLISIONS ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN A SPAN OF LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AFTER I LEASED IT. IT HAS 7 MILES WHEN I WAS GOT IT AND THE FIRST COLLISION OCCURRED WHEN MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING IT IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO AND THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 2,000 MILES. THE SECOND COLLISION OCCURRED SEVERAL WEEKS LATER (AFTER THE DAMAGES WERE REPAIRED) -- THE CAR COLLIDED WITH A BIG-RIG ON THE RIGHT SIDE, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE. THE THIRD ACCIDENT HAPPENED WITHIN 4 MILES AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE REPAIR SHOP. THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, PULLED TO THE RIGHT AND COLLIDED WITH THE HIGHWAY CONCRETE BARRIERS. THE CAR COULD HAVE ROLLED OVER THE CONCRETE EMBANKMENTS AND PLUNGED OVER 100 FEET -- I WAS EXITING FROM THE ELEVATED OFF-RAMP OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY BRIDGE. (THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL RESPONDEDTO THE SECOND COLLISION AND THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND TOWED TO SAN FRANCISCO FROM THE SUBMIT OF THE GRAPEVINE NEAR LOS ANGELES.) *TR
Crash 1 injured
STRUCTURE Jul 9, 2008
BMW 528I - IF YOU CARRY LIQUIDS WHICH SPILL IN YOUR TRUNK, THE LIQUID CAN SEEP THROUGH AND BURN THE WIRES, OR THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING (PER SERVICE DEPARTMENT), WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ON 7-5 MY CAR HAD A LOW TIRE LIGHT GO ON. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR IN AS THEY MIGHT NEED TO "RESET" SOMETHING. I TOOK THE CAR IN &WAS TOLD TO RETURN ON 7-7 AS THEY COULDN'T GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF. ON 7-7 WE TOOK THE CAR IN.THE SERVICE REP. CALLED &ASKED ME IF I HAD SPILLED WATER IN THE TRUNK.I TOLD HIM ON 7-4 A WATER BOTTLE SPILLED.HE TOLD ME DUE TO THE WATER SPILL, THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.HE SAID THEY RAN TESTS AND WIRES WERE BURNT 3 TO 4'. HE SAID THERE IS A CHANCE WHEN YOU PUT WATER BOTTLES IN TRUNK & THEY ARE NOT SEALED TIGHTLY THE HEAT CAN CAUSE THEM TO EXPAND,& OPEN UP & SPILL. HE SAID HE WARNED HIS WIFE OF THIS. I WAS NOT WARNED THE WIRES ARE DOWN THERE & NOT TO CARRY LIQUID IN THE TRUNK. I ASKED IF I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AND HE SAID NO THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN WHEN THE WIRES ARE BURNED. I CAN'T USE THE TRUNK FOR GROCERY SHOPPING FOR FEAR THAT SOMETHING WILL 'LEAK' AND CAUSE THE WIRES TO 'BURN' AGAIN,CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. IF THERE IS NO FIRE DUE TO THE BURNT WIRES, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR 'SHUTTING DOWN', CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY TO MYSELF OR ANOTHER PARTY. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD BE WARNED THE BMW TRUNK CAN'T HANDLE TRANSPORTING LIQUID STORED IN CONTAINERS.THE WIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTED FROM WATER DAMAGE DUE TO THEIR LOCATION AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE BY LIQUID. THESE WIRES ARE SOMEWHERE UNDER THE SPARE TIRE IN THE TRUNK AREA, WHICH IS, IN MY OPINION, A FLAW IN THE DESIGN. I WOULD FEEL BAD IF ANYONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE WIRES PLACED WHERE THEY ARE & THE FACT THAT THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED FROM LIQUID. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 9, 2008
BMW 528I - IF YOU CARRY LIQUIDS WHICH SPILL IN YOUR TRUNK, THE LIQUID CAN SEEP THROUGH AND BURN THE WIRES, OR THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING (PER SERVICE DEPARTMENT), WHICH CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. ON 7-5 MY CAR HAD A LOW TIRE LIGHT GO ON. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR IN AS THEY MIGHT NEED TO "RESET" SOMETHING. I TOOK THE CAR IN &WAS TOLD TO RETURN ON 7-7 AS THEY COULDN'T GET THE LIGHT TO GO OFF. ON 7-7 WE TOOK THE CAR IN.THE SERVICE REP. CALLED &ASKED ME IF I HAD SPILLED WATER IN THE TRUNK.I TOLD HIM ON 7-4 A WATER BOTTLE SPILLED.HE TOLD ME DUE TO THE WATER SPILL, THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.HE SAID THEY RAN TESTS AND WIRES WERE BURNT 3 TO 4'. HE SAID THERE IS A CHANCE WHEN YOU PUT WATER BOTTLES IN TRUNK & THEY ARE NOT SEALED TIGHTLY THE HEAT CAN CAUSE THEM TO EXPAND,& OPEN UP & SPILL. HE SAID HE WARNED HIS WIFE OF THIS. I WAS NOT WARNED THE WIRES ARE DOWN THERE & NOT TO CARRY LIQUID IN THE TRUNK. I ASKED IF I COULD DRIVE THE CAR AND HE SAID NO THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR SHUTTING DOWN WHEN THE WIRES ARE BURNED. I CAN'T USE THE TRUNK FOR GROCERY SHOPPING FOR FEAR THAT SOMETHING WILL 'LEAK' AND CAUSE THE WIRES TO 'BURN' AGAIN,CREATING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. IF THERE IS NO FIRE DUE TO THE BURNT WIRES, THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR 'SHUTTING DOWN', CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY TO MYSELF OR ANOTHER PARTY. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD BE WARNED THE BMW TRUNK CAN'T HANDLE TRANSPORTING LIQUID STORED IN CONTAINERS.THE WIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN PROTECTED FROM WATER DAMAGE DUE TO THEIR LOCATION AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE BY LIQUID. THESE WIRES ARE SOMEWHERE UNDER THE SPARE TIRE IN THE TRUNK AREA, WHICH IS, IN MY OPINION, A FLAW IN THE DESIGN. I WOULD FEEL BAD IF ANYONE WAS INJURED BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE WIRES PLACED WHERE THEY ARE & THE FACT THAT THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED FROM LIQUID. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 8, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 528I (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SEALED BOTTLE OF WATER STORED IN THE TRUNK LEAKED. THE LEAK CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE, WHICH BURNED THE WIRES AND MODULATORS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jun 24, 2008
I HAVE A BMW 335I BOUGHT ON MARCH 28, 2008 AND IT HAS STALLED ON ME AND DIED OVER 4 TIMES. THE CAR NOW HAS 1000 MILES. THE FIRST TIME IT WENT ON LIMP MODE WAS AT 500 MILES AND THE FIRST TIME IT STALLED AND TOWED TO THE DEALER WAS AT 750 MILES. THE DEALER HAS TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS FAULTY GAS, WHICH WAS MY PROBLEM, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS OF A NEW GAS PUMP, NEW INJECTORS AND TO CLEAN OUT MY BRAND NEW GAS TANK, SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. I JUST GOT MY CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON, JUNE 23, 2008, AND WILL BE IN THE SERVICE FOR THE SAME THING, A FAULTY GAS PUMP, FOR THE SECOND TIME. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jun 19, 2008
NOTE THIS IS FOR A 2008 BMW 335XI NOT A BMW 550I I HAVE A 2008 BMW 335XI WHICH HAS HAD TWO FUEL PUMP FAILURES WITHIN A WEEK. FIRST WAS ON JUNE 9TH WHERE MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, AND LESS THAN 100 MILES, THE FUEL PUMP DIED AGAIN WITH AN ERROR MESSAGE OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION; REDUCED POWER... AND THE CAR KEPT RUNNING ROUGH... FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE, PLEASE REFER TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE08032 . THIS IS A DIFFERENT CLAIM MADE THAN THE ONE IN THAT ACTION NUMBER, HOWEVER, IT IS A DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
TIRES Apr 3, 2008
I NEED THE FOLLOWING US TIRE RETAILS TO BE INSPECTED, ANALYZED, TESTED AND/OR WHATEVER GOVERNMENTAL PROCEDURES NEED TO BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO FIND OUT, FINE, CORRECT, DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE TIRES STOCKED, MANUFACTURED ARE WITHIN FEDERAL GUIDELINES REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY AND ALL OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL SAFETY ASPECTS. PLEASE INSPECT ALL GOODYEAR, NTB, DISCOUNT TIRE, AND FIRESTONE SHOPS FOR THEIR STOCK OF KNOWN TIRE DEFECTS. *TR
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE:TORQUE ARM Apr 3, 2008
I NEED THE FOLLOWING US TIRE RETAILS TO BE INSPECTED, ANALYZED, TESTED AND/OR WHATEVER GOVERNMENTAL PROCEDURES NEED TO BE TAKEN IN ORDER TO FIND OUT, FINE, CORRECT, DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE TIRES STOCKED, MANUFACTURED ARE WITHIN FEDERAL GUIDELINES REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY AND ALL OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL SAFETY ASPECTS. PLEASE INSPECT ALL GOODYEAR, NTB, DISCOUNT TIRE, AND FIRESTONE SHOPS FOR THEIR STOCK OF KNOWN TIRE DEFECTS. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 31, 2008
2008 BMW 545I WITH DAMAGE DUE TO TOWING COMPANY. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE REPAIRS TO FIX THE VEHICLE AFTER THE TOWING COMPANY DAMAGED IT. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIMS AND FRONT SPOILER WERE DAMAGED.*JB