Model year guide

2008 BMW M5

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 BMW M5 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

2008 BMW M5 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 BMW M5 at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints6
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$23,434

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2008 BMW M5 recalls 2

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:cables NHTSA Campaign #12V126000 · 26/03/2012

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…

Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights NHTSA Campaign #13V407000 · 11/09/2013

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-si…

Fix: 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].

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2008 BMW M5 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2008 BMW M5 MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City11 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$6,300

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2008 BMW M5 worth?

Low
$19,000
Typical price
$23,434
High
$30,700

From 13 comparable 2008 BMW M5 listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 BMW M5 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$31,500
Fuel only$31,500
Per mile$0.42

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 BMW M5 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
5.0L 10-cyl 500 hp

2008 BMW M5 vehicles on record

Other BMW M5 model years

2008 BMW M5 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW M5 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2008 BMW M5. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW M5?

Across all 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW M5 get?

The 2008 BMW M5 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 13 mpg combined (11 city / 17 highway).

How much is a 2008 BMW M5 worth?

Comparable 2008 BMW M5 listings run roughly $19,000–$30,700, typically around $23,434 (from 13 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.