2008 BMW 535I exterior lighting problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2008 BMW 535I — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Insulation crumbling on all wiring inside both headlight (driver and passenger sides) units resulting in malfunctioning headlights, running lights, and marker lights. Unfortunately, a common problem and a huge safety concern. Issue is exacerbated but not caused by heat. Insulation on wiring to…”
filed Mar 1, 2018
“The wire insulation inside the headlamp housing becomes brittle and can short out. They can flicker or go out. If both left and right experience a short, a driver can be left driving at night without headlights. This can result in deadly accidents. This has happened to my rh headlight. The issue…”
filed May 31, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause…Campaign 13V407000 · Sep 11, 2013
Exterior Lighting problems in other 535I years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 535I | 3 | 13% |
| 2014 535I | 3 | 10% |
| 2013 535I | 8 | 21% |
| 2012 535I | 4 | 7% |
| 2011 535I | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 535I | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 535I | 2 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 BMW 535I
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.