2008 BMW M5 Reliability ReportKeepScore 42/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2008 BMW M5
- Scores 13 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2006 BMW M5 earns a 55.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine (s85 v10) (critical severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables.
2008 BMW M5: Buy or Avoid?
The 2008 BMW M5 is a visceral, high-performance sedan, but it's an absolute financial gamble for anyone unprepared for its notoriously expensive and frequent mechanical failures. While the driving experience is unparalleled, potential owners must budget tens of thousands for preventative maintenance and inevitable major repairs; otherwise, it's a guaranteed path to financial ruin.
Biggest Strengths
- Exhilarating 5.0L S85 V10 engine performance
- Sophisticated driving dynamics and handling
- Executive sedan comfort with supercar capabilities
2008 BMW M5 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2008 BMW M5. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2008 BMW M5
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
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).
What breaks on the 2008 BMW M5?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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BMW M5 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the BMW M5. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2008s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 BMW M5
Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 BMW M5
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Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2008 BMW M5? Keep it that way.
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