| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2008 BMW X5 repairs by problem area
Engine (39%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)
Brakes and Traction Control (2%)
Suspension and Steering (15%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (22%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)
Other (5%)
Chart based on 162 repairs.
2008 BMW X5 repair cost distribution
$2500+ (10%)
$1000 - $2499 (26%)
$500 - $999 (16%)
$100 - $499 (15%)
< $100 (33%)
Chart based on 112 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2008 BMW X5
Engine not specified
| BMW X5 in Maryland, United States Aug 2015 - Jan 2016 | |||
| Oct 2015123300 mi | A reoccurring problem with the smell of burning oil, even after short trips. They are thinking it is the " O Ring" again. It is due for maintenance, so I will just have them replace it this time, to be sure. | ||
| BMW X5 in Tennessee, United States Mar 2010 - Mar 2011 | |||
| Dec 201039000 mi | Wrong readout of digital reporting screen. Could not fix. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Jan 2016 - Feb 2016 | |||
| Feb 201690000 miUS $170 | Required cleaning Vanos solenoids and software updating to resolve check engine light and idle issues. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Dec 2016 - Dec 2017 | |||
| Jun 201760000 miUS $160 | Battery died due to trunk malfunction. Because the trunk locking mechanism was broken, the trunk lights were always on and it ran down the battery. | ||
2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV
350-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW X5 in Alabama, United States Oct 2013 - Jan 2014 | |||
| Jan 201480000 mi | Car was tilted on flat ground. Intermittent warning light would come on - said '"level control system malfunction." They found a rear suspension problem and fixed it. | ||
| BMW X5 in Missouri, United States Dec 2012 - Jun 2015 | |||
| Jan 2014US $500 | Engine was leaking oil - repaired crankcase valves. Coolant leak - repaired expansion tank. CV boot torn and had to be replaced. new right front axle required | ||
| Aug 2014125000 miUS $900 | The rear air spring shocks had a slight leak. They had difficulty maintaining air and the compressor ran constantly. | ||
| Sep 2014127000 miUS $70 | The X5 bluetooth was going in and out intermittently working with a iPhone 5. The dealer tested but could not isolate the problem. It is possible it is an Apple software issue. | ||
| Dec 2014131000 miUS $4000 | The dreaded BMW N62 V8 Valley Pan Repair. Car was leaking coolant. required 1 pint daily top offs. Indpendent shop confirmed and had to disassemble half the engine to access and replace valley pan gaskets and pipe. there were a host of known oil leaks (this was a CPO purchase). Since the engine was already open for valley pan repairs, shop replaced a host of gaskets incl. manifold and valve cover as part of Valley Pan Repair, shop replaced thermostat, cooling/heating hoses, water pump, and timing chain tensioner. Also flushed cooling system. vehicle has noticeably improved throttle response and drive | ||
| Jan 2015118200 miUS $750 | Engine oil thermostat was leaking. Silly $0.10 o-ring | ||
| Jun 2015139000 miUS $155 | Car has been consuming oil but no blue smoke. Shop said the engine seals needed to be replaced and it would be an $8,500 repair to pull engine. Car worth maybe $14-18k so we got rid of the car. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Oct 2013 - Oct 2013 | |||
| Oct 201366000 miUS $2700 | Cooling water leak | ||
| BMW X5 in Minnesota, United States Dec 2012 - Jan 2015 | |||
| Jan 201355000 miUS $200 | Heads up display showed "code invalid" and wouldn't display any information. | ||
| Oct 201475500 miUS $2500 | Valve cover gaskets leaking and needed to be replaced. Vacuum pump failing, replaced. A/C didn't cool, refrigerant replaced. | ||
| Dec 201478000 miUS $950 | Bad thermostat Oil sensor failed, computer board failing | ||
| Jan 201578000 mi | Oil leak from front of engine that dealer recommended to repair. | ||
| BMW X5 in Texas, United States Jan 2014 - Jul 2015 | |||
| Mar 2014115000 miUS $12000 | major coolent leak | ||
| Jul 2014124500 miUS $1100 | Alternator replacement | ||
| Jan 2015US $3100 | Oil leak. Valve cover are plastic and had to be replace because they were warped. Also replaced spark plugs while valve covers were off. Valve covers and gaskets replaced. Low oil pressure warning light due to oil leakage. | ||
| Jul 2015145000 mi | Front struts making noise. | ||
| BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada Dec 2012 - Apr 2014 | |||
| Apr 201360220 miC $100 | the gas door spring needed replacement | ||
| May 201362000 mi | The AC didn't work. They replaced parts. The Navigation DVD ROM is glitchy. They need to replace it. | ||
| Apr 201475020 miC $2000 | the track that the moon roof was on cracked and the moonroof would not close. The battery would die. | ||
| BMW X5 in Alberta, Canada Dec 2013 - Dec 2014 | |||
| Jul 2014128340 mi | AC belt tensioner failed. The bearing was squealing and the roller was quite worn. Replaced both parts Replaced both rear Airbags again 2 yrs after replacing them | ||
| Oct 2014138640 miC $321 | Replaced rear lights on door. they accumulate water from washing the vehicle and eventually fail. replace heater hose. replaced battery. | ||
| BMW X5 in Victoria, Australia Jan 2015 - Feb 2015 | |||
| Feb 201571300 mi | Crack in coolant tank leaking coolant | ||
| BMW X5 in Virginia, United States Oct 2015 - Nov 2017 | |||
| Nov 2015116800 miUS $4600 | Valve seals and Oil leaking | ||
| Mar 2016121000 miUS $280 | relay for drive sensor | ||
| Oct 2017141000 miUS $890 | Fuel pump | ||
| Nov 2017144000 miUS $1200 | Alternator | ||
| BMW X5 in Maryland, United States Jun 2014 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Jun 2014101000 miUS $600 | Bushing (front) replaced | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Dec 2011 - Jun 2018 | |||
| Mar 201225000 mi | had issue with rough stops (felt like abrupt downshipt into 1st rolling to a stop, would lurch forward a tiny bit). dlr claimed could be battery problem, replaced. also did some sort of software "update." problem resolved. | ||
| Oct 2017100000 miUS $1000 | Left rear Air suspension developed leak (would deflate when parked), replaced Rear brakes worn, replaced pads and rotors | ||
| Jan 2018101000 miUS $800 | Other side rear air suspension also failed. (Was warned that both would fail around same time, but mechanic suggested that we just replace the first failure and wait for the second to fail. Which it did, in < 6 mo) | ||
| Apr 2018105000 miUS $3500 | was told that crankcase valve seals failed, causing high pressure leak in engine compartment. Cost of repair was primarily labor. Painful/expensive! | ||
| BMW X5 in United Arab Emirates Sep 2014 - Oct 2015 | |||
| Sep 201498580 mi¤1000 | Right air suspension failure | ||
| Dec 2014101680 mi¤3500 | Oil leak. Gaskets replaced | ||
| Sep 2015111600 mi¤1200 | parking brake cable snapped | ||
| Oct 2015111600 mi¤1000 | water leaks into the cabin during car wash. Water comes in from the panoramic roof. | ||
| BMW X5 in Mississippi, United States Feb 2014 - Aug 2019 | |||
| Apr 201488000 miUS $500 | Nonrechargable, replaced | ||
| Jan 2016120000 miUS $200 | Car burning oil, emitting blue smoke. Engine seals replaced by dealer under extended-service contract. Owner paid $200 deductible, service contract covered the rest. | ||
| Apr 2016130000 miUS $500 | Lift-gate motor failed. Had just replace with new motor roughly 8mo previously. Apparently, a seal-boot at the hinge of the lift-gate was left unattached, allowing water to flow down the interior rear channel and into the right rear quarter-panel electronics compartment, sorting the lift-gate controller. Inspection showed no issues with the sunroof or related drainage channels. Seal boot was re-attached, controller replaced. No issues since. | ||
| Jul 2016129800 miUS $1120 | Air bags (Compressor suboptimal but not replaced) | ||
| Mar 2017150000 miUS $1250 | Water pump and associated belts replaced in March, 2017. Two-day service. Had purchased a 4-year, 60K mile - extended-service contract. Contract expired at 140K miles - water pump failed at 143K miles. Repair cost $1250, owner paid all. | ||
| Apr 2017151300 miUS $1250 | Replaced compressor for air suspension | ||
| Jun 2017155000 miUS $1100 | Right Headlight (Driving, not Angel-eye) bulb replaced. 2nd time in 5 years | ||
| Sep 2017158720 miUS $1927 | Alternator - driving interstate when all indicators lit, engine stopped, power-steering/brakes failed. Towed to dealer. Alternator replaced | ||
| Feb 2018162000 miUS $400 | Problem-class first noted 2016, during heavy rain, right-rear quarter-panel leaked, with electronic tailgate failure, replaced by dealer, who advised body shop replace moon-roof drains. In March, 2018, moon-roof drain plugged, left-rear quarter-panel flooded with strong rain or car-wash. Electronics (bluetooth cellphone function, USB, SOS) all failed. Independent shop cleared drain, with leakage resolved. Electronics repair postponed d/t cost. Also changed wiper blades, oil during this trip. | ||
| Jul 2018172430 mi | Control arm struts and sway bars - both sides Banshee scream when car started - attributed to leaking coolant hose - hose replaced. Noise continues - will return for re-eval/repair some other time. SOS warning light illuminated. Simultaneously lost blue-tooth and USB connectivity, and 12-volt (cigarette lighter) and USB power. Repair attempt not successful - will revisit some other time Driver's low-beam/running light fail Bulb change attempted - fail. Schematic reviewed, problem not identified. Will revisit later. | ||
| Jul 2019181000 mi | Electrical system failure - car would not start and all warning lights on although battery fully charged; Electrical and transmission failures considered catastrophic cost far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. Leaking washer fluid reservoir. Transmission would not shift from park. Repair estimate far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. Transmission would not shift from park. Repair estimate far-exceeded car's value. Car sold at auction. | ||
| BMW X5 in New Jersey, United States Jan 2013 - Feb 2013 | |||
| Feb 201350000 mi | can't put transmission gear to R. overheating transmission leak. noise from rear suspension coolant leak from radiator. | ||
| BMW X5 in British Columbia, Canada Feb 2010 - Dec 2011 | |||
| Mar 201025420 mi | 2008-X5 4.8 Premium with Sport Package. Notice 1 inch long radial crack on the inside edge of both rear rims. (during summer tire 315 x 20 change-over) Dealer replaced both rims and covered by warranty. The new rims have a thicker inside lip and OK | ||
| Dec 201146500 mi | Power Steering hose leaking fluid. Cost was $300, and was covered by warranty. | ||
| BMW X5 in West Virginia, United States Jul 2009 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Dec 200939000 mi | single running daylight went out | ||
| BMW X5 in Massachusetts, United States Jul 2010 - Apr 2013 | |||
| Oct 201033300 mi | Rattle behind the 2nd row latch (fixed) Rattle in the tailgate (not fixed) Weak heated steering wheel (not fixed). | ||
| Dec 201035000 mi | This time, they actually adjusted the rear hatch guides. It worked this time. Further, now that I know what to adjust, I can do so when the rattle comes back (comes back when weather changes from cold to hot, hot to cold). | ||
| Feb 201136700 mi | Auto leveling suspension failed = height level sensor replaced. | ||
| Jun 201141000 mi | Center console wood trim cracked and steering wheel trim peeling = replaced Passenger mirror motor is slow to respond = replaced Battery drainage error message = unable to verify and nothing repaired. Rear seat rattle = adjusted (again) | ||
| Feb 201250800 mi | Sunvisor shade was defective. It wasn't the bulb but the mechanism to turn the bulb on. A new visor was ordered to fix the problem. Weak start crank when it's cold outside - suspect weak battery. Rear passenger seat creaks and rattles | ||
| BMW X5 in New South Wales, Australia Dec 2009 - Aug 2016 | |||
| Jan 20102480 mi | 1) rear boot trim rattles since day-1, unable to repair due to the flexing of the body shell 2) noise on front-right suspension, dealers could not reproduce problem, so not repaired, but problem still exists. Please dont buy a BMW X5 at least. | ||
| Feb 20102480 mi | Noise in the front right suspension is very intermittent. Dealers couldn't replicate. Another visit is booked for March for further inspection. | ||
| Jul 20103720 miA $280 | intermittent noises from front suspension, very hard to reproduce. | ||
| Oct 20104340 mi | intermittent suspension noise while driving over uneven roads, could not replicate while at dealership | ||
| Oct 20116200 mi | Completely dismantled and reassembled suspension. No noise so far. | ||
| Feb 20148680 mi | Boot trunk rattles from plastic trims. Spent nearly 6hours to remove all trims, apply tapes and re-fit | ||
| Aug 201610540 miA $300 | Idler pulley | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Nov 2011 - May 2014 | |||
| Oct 201352300 miUS $750 | A pressure tank cracked, caused coolant leak out. Towed the car to nearby dealer, replaced the pressure tank. | ||
2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV
268-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW X5 in Singapore Jun 2012 - Oct 2012 | |||
| Jul 201242360 mi | Overheated on Highway and stalled even though I had recently changed the radiator. Replaced water pump. | ||
2008 BMW X5 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| BMW X5 in Texas, United States Jul 2015 - Apr 2017 | |||
| Dec 2015146000 miUS $1 | Coolant fluid reservoir leaked fluid. Located a crack. Was replaced. | ||
| BMW X5 in Alabama, United States Jul 2015 - Jun 2017 | |||
| Jul 201571000 miUS $1400 | Water pump failure, thermostat failure | ||
| Aug 201571700 miUS $1600 | Electric Parking Brake Control Unit Failure | ||
| BMW X5 in Illinois, United States Dec 2014 - Jul 2015 | |||
| Apr 2015105700 miUS $750 | Updated Radiator and Cooling System hose changes. | ||
| BMW X5 in Maryland, United States May 2015 - Jul 2015 | |||
| Jul 2015100000 miUS $1500 | Replaced compressor | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Aug 2009 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Sep 200918000 mi | Rearview camera takes a long time for the screen to come up. Already driving forward by the time screen/camera comes on. When using the USB interface with iPod, audio gets static when making turns or on rough roads. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Nov 2015 - Jan 2016 | |||
| Nov 2015118000 miUS $600 | Had to change 2 parts that has something to do with the oil | ||
| Dec 2015119000 miUS $590 | Coil change and sparks failure, the car just stopped operating out of a sudden and had to tow it to the shop to be fixed | ||
| BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada Jan 2017 - Feb 2017 | |||
| Feb 2017101680 miC $1820 | Repeating computer and sensor errors.rnReplaced:rnVanos Intake $300rnVanos Exhaust $350rnLeft Turn Signal $220rnBattery (which was new, under 1 year)rnrnAnd the service engine light is still on. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Jan 2021 - Feb 2022 | |||
| Oct 2021125000 miUS $1400 | Front axle control arms and struts replaced | ||
| Feb 2022131000 miUS $660 | Rear axle rotors and pads replaced | ||
| BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States Nov 2009 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Feb 201144000 miUS $350 | fuel pump tsb recall leather on back of driver's seat separated and carpet anchor for driver's carpet mat was loose. | ||
| Sep 201144000 mi | bad water pump - was replaced | ||
| Sep 201251000 mi | coolant resevior leaking | ||
| Jan 201446200 miUS $1300 | washer jet for headlight not functioning | ||
| Feb 201455600 miUS $2000 | radiator was leaking and had a hole in it. | ||
| Sep 201571000 miUS $1200 | NAV stopped working | ||
| BMW X5 in Illinois, United States Jan 2016 - Aug 2016 | |||
| May 2016206100 miUS $2000 | LH front wheel bearing shot. Steering angle sensor failed causing AWD and start-up assistance malfunction. | ||
| Jun 2016210000 mi | RH front wheel bearing failed a month after the LH. | ||
| BMW X5 in Pennsylvania, United States Jul 2009 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Nov 201034200 mi | Tailgate refused to open or close automatically (buttons or remote) - could force open manually. Issue was a software problem - reflashed computer and issue resolved. | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Sep 2015 - Sep 2016 | |||
| Apr 201650000 miUS $1500 | Towed to the dealer to repair the water pump issue. | ||
| BMW X5 in Oregon, United States Oct 2014 - Nov 2015 | |||
| Dec 201490000 mi | Water ingress in rear lights in tailgate | ||
| Mar 201594000 miUS $100 | Oil filter housing gasket failed VANOS intake solenoid failed Driver sear motor failed Thrust bushings cracked | ||
| Jun 201595000 miUS $500 | Both rear tailgate light units replaced | ||
| Jul 201595000 miUS $300 | Coils replaced | ||
| BMW X5 in California, United States Feb 2013 - Jun 2014 | |||
| Mar 201342000 miUS $150 | Vanos Solenoids needed to be cleaned | ||
| Apr 201342500 mi | Emissions Sensor | ||
| Nov 201350000 miUS $500 | Valve Cover Gasket problem finally fixed on fourth attempt. They had to replace the entire valve cover. Got expensive, though the shop covered the labor cost. The cover alone cost $450. Can't believe that BMW uses a plastic cover and it costs so much. | ||
| May 201455900 miUS $1300 | Water pump went bad, the computer reduced engine power on the freeway, had to be towed to the garage. The water pump was replaced and because it is under the engine the labor cost was huge. | ||
| BMW X5 in New York, United States Jun 2011 - Dec 2015 | |||
| Aug 201127000 mi | Auto-level suspension malfunction. Replaced Air supply system on driver side left. | ||
| Nov 2015110000 miUS $6000 | Rear differential completely broke down and shredded both rear axles. | ||
| Dec 2015110000 miUS $5000 | Both catalytic converters failing. Oil leaking from multiple sources in the engine. | ||
| BMW X5 in Delaware, United States Jan 2013 - Jun 2013 | |||
| Feb 201378000 miUS $1600 | Cold start rattle and tapping noise from faulty design of head/valves. Dealer reluctantly covered cost under used car warranty since this is a known problem for pre-2009 engines. Mechatronic sleeve leaking and hairline crack found in transmission pan (it is plastic). Sleeve leak repaired and replaced with new pan. Battery died (clock lost programming and battery failed test when I took it to dealer) 3 weeks after purchasing used car (non-CPO from BMW dealership). Dealer agreed to pay half even though not covered under warranty. | ||
| Mar 201380000 miUS $1000 | Radiator and expansion tank leaking. Replaced both. | ||
| BMW X5 in New York, United States Aug 2009 - Mar 2010 | |||
| Sep 20098000 miUS $50 | Child 2nd row center belt gets stuck. Has gotten stuck 3 times now!!! | ||
| BMW X5 in Maine, United States Aug 2011 - Sep 2017 | |||
| Dec 201147000 mi | Sunroof trim rattling | ||
| Apr 201257300 miUS $50 | Ball joint creaking | ||
| Dec 2015159000 miUS $700 | Loud rattling noise coming from under dash. Removed, cleaned, lubed and re-installed driveshaft. Corrected problem. Replaced muffler Replaced compressor Replaced radiator | ||
| BMW X5 in Tennessee, United States Jun 2011 - Jun 2012 | |||
| Mar 201254000 miUS $1250 | Water pump failed. Replaced water pump and thermostat. | ||
| BMW X5 in Nevada, United States May 2011 - Jun 2011 | |||
| Jun 201129500 mi | Navigation DVD Drive shot, they replaced immediately. Also fixed trunk emergency latch. Navigation DVD Drive shot, they replaced immediately. Also fixed trunk emergency latch | ||
| BMW X5 in Virginia, United States Jul 2009 - Sep 2011 | |||
| Oct 200917000 mi | HUD was deemed inop. BMW has to order the part. HUD Part was replaced in 1.5 hours. | ||
| BMW X5 in Connecticut, United States Oct 2011 - Feb 2014 | |||
| Dec 201119000 mi | Lifters had to be replaced | ||
| BMW X5 in Virginia, United States Oct 2012 - Jul 2017 | |||
| Nov 201266700 miUS $985 | Electric Water Pump failure | ||
| Mar 201495000 miUS $1100 | Vehicle had a hesitation problem. Replaced the Valvetronic Servomotor | ||
| Nov 2014106700 miUS $1058 | check engine light on -- found vanos fault both solenoid valves faulty also serviced transfer case & oil change | ||
| BMW X5 in New York, United States Sep 2010 - Jul 2011 | |||
| Mar 20109995 mi | Pop up washer for headlamps broke off during use and needed to be replaced under warranty | ||
| Oct 201015000 mi | Fuel Pump failed and needed to be replaced. Car would not start. | ||
| BMW X5 in Ontario, Canada Jun 2012 - Feb 2015 | |||
| Feb 201586800 miC $370 | Oil filter housing gasket leak | ||
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See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.
