VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW 528i lighting problems

The 2008 BMW 528i has 34 lighting complaints filed with NHTSA — 19% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

34

Lighting complaints

19%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Lighting complaints by year

528i lighting complaints by model year34 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 2 complaints2008: 34 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 4 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 2 complaints
528i lighting complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

13V407000LightingSeptember 11, 2013 · 134,100 units

Defect

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).

Consequence

Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

What owners report

HEADLIGHTS.... ANGEL EYES BOTH SIDES BURNED OFF PROBLEM WITH ELECTRIC SOCKETS I WOULD THINK!!! THIS IS HAPPENING TOO A LOT OF BMW AS RESERCH! *BF *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 8, 2018 · fire

Common questions

How many lighting complaints does the 2008 BMW 528i have?

NHTSA has 34 complaints about the 2008 BMW 528i lighting — 19% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2008 BMW 528i lighting?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the lighting: 13V407000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.