VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW 750Li problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 103 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.4 times the median 750Li year — the 2008 model ranks #3 of 15 750Li years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (20), body & structure (17), and electrical system (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

103

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 750Li years?

750Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted300 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 300 complaints2007: 121 complaints2008: 103 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 49 complaints2011: 39 complaints2012: 40 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 4 complaints
750Li NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 750Li years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW 750Li problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2019%
Body & Structure1717%
Electrical System1313%
Latches & Locks1111%
Airbags1010%
Engine77%
Other77%
Brakes66%
Seat Belts55%
Seats33%
Fuel System22%
Steering11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2008 BMW 750Li have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V328000Latches & LocksMay 18, 2017 · 45,484 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2005-2008 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li, and B7 Alpina vehicles equipped with both the Comfort Access and Soft Close Automatic options. In these vehicles, the doors may appear to be closed and latched, but, in fact, may inadvertently open.

Consequence

The door may unexpectedly open due to road or driving conditions or occupant contact with the door. The sudden opening may result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the door latch system, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2018. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

12V502000Electrical SystemOctober 17, 2012 · 45,500 units

Defect

BMW is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 7-Series vehicles, equipped with the Comfort Access option, and manufactured August 23, 2004, through July 24, 2008. The affected vehicles have an electronic key and an electronic connection between the gear shifter and the transmission (shift-by-wire) that automatically shifts the transmission to Park when the driver presses the Start/Stop button to shutdown the engine. If the driver presses the engine Start/Stop button 2 or 3 times within a short time interval, the system may shift the transmission to Neutral rather than Park. If using the electronic key (Comfort Access mode), there would be no protection from the ignition interlock that prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park.

Consequence

If the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in Neutral and the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may rollaway. Unattended rollaway incidents often result in a crash or cause injury to pedestrians attempting to stop or enter the vehicle or to other bystanders in the path of the vehicle.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners beginning in November 2012. The remedy became available in March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2008 BMW 750LI IS LEAKING OIL THEY SAY ITS THE PRESSURE SWITCH THEN THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAKE BUSTER PUMP LEAKING. I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL BMW BUT IT DO NOT COME UP UNDER MY VIIN NUMBER IN THE RECALL LIST OF VIIN. THE VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED SEARCHING FOR TRUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 3, 2016 · fire

“A SUV TRAVELING AT 20 MILES PER HR HITS PASSENGER SIDE OF A 750 LI TRAVELING CROSSING A 2 WAY INTERSECTION SPINS THE CARS IN A CIRCLE WITH SKID MARKS ON THE HIGHWAY DAMAGE THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DOOR AND THE LOWER PANEL OF CAR AND ONLY THERE BUMPER WAS LOOSE AND IT WAS DRIVEABLE HOW IS THAT A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 20, 2016 · crash

“MY 2008 BMW 750LI IS LEAKING OIL THEY SAY ITS THE PRESSURE SWITCH THEN THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAKE BUSTER PUMP LEAKING. I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL BMW BUT IT DO NOT COME UP UNDER MY VIIN NUMBER IN THE RECALL LIST OF VIIN. THE VEHICLE IS NOW PARKED SEARCHING FOR TRUE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 3, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 750LI. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 73 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR OPENED ERRONEOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR FAILED TO CLOSE AND LOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE DOOR LOCK AND HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 30, 2012

“MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HIT RUN AND IT RUIN THE DSC ABS MODULE IT OVERHEATS AND THE ABS DSC EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT COME ON.. CANT FINE PROBLEM IN THE DSC MODULE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 23, 2016 · crash

2008 BMW 750Li — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW 750Li reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 103 complaints put the 2008 model at #3 of 15 750Li years. It is one of the 750Li years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 750Li problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (20 complaints), body & structure (17 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW 750Li have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 BMW 750Li. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 BMW 750Li under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 750Li years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 750Li years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2011. The cleanest record among 750Li years belongs to 2020.

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.