The Most Common 2008 BMW 528i Problems Owners Should Look Out For

The BMW 5 Series is one of BMW’s most popular luxury sedan model lines. Known for its responsive handling, refined ride, and upscale interior, it has long been a favorite of driving enthusiasts. The 528i model was introduced in 2008 as the base trim for the 5 Series, featuring BMW’s smooth and powerful 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine.

But does the 2008 BMW 528i have any common issues or problem areas that owners should look out for? As with any vehicle, the 528i has a few potential trouble spots that can crop up, especially as the mileage increases. Being aware of these common problems can help BMW owners make informed decisions when purchasing and maintaining their 528i.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most common 2008 BMW 528i problems reported by owners. We’ll cover issues with the fuel pump, water pump, thermostat housing, vanos solenoids, electrical faults, carbon buildup, transmission problems, suspension wear, and more. Read on to learn the key problems to watch out for with the 2008 528i.

Frequent Fuel Pump Failure

One of the most common issues reported on the 2008 BMW 528i is failure of the high pressure fuel pump. This electric pump delivers fuel from the gas tank to the engine at high pressure to support the direct fuel injection system. When it fails, the engine will not start or run properly.

Symptoms of a failing or failed fuel pump include:

Long cranking before engine starts or failure to start
Loss of power
Check engine light coming on
Fuel trim and fuel pressure codes

The direct injection fuel pumps used in this engine tend to be weaker than the pumps in other BMW engines. As a result, many 528i owners report fuel pump issues popping up as early as 50,000 miles. Replacing the pump can be quite costly, with repair bills commonly reaching $1,000 or more.

Using a higher quality aftermarket fuel pump instead of the OEM pump may help improve durability and prevent premature fuel pump failures down the road. This is a worthwhile upgrade, especially for 528i vehicles with high mileage or that are tuned/modified.

Water Pump and Thermostat Housing Leaks

Another common problem area for the 2008 BMW 528i is coolant leaks from the water pump and thermostat housing. The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant through the engine, while the thermostat housing contains the thermostat which regulates engine temperature.

Over time, the plastic components of the water pump and housing can become brittle and prone to cracking and leaking. Symptoms of a leak include:

Coolant puddles under the car
Low coolant warnings
Engine overheating

Replacing the water pump and thermostat housing preemptively can help avoid being left stranded with an overheated engine due to a coolant leak. The parts themselves are not too expensive, though labor costs can add up quickly for this repair. Avoiding excessive engine overheating and changing coolant regularly may help prolong the life of these cooling system components.

Oil Leaks from Valve Cover and Oil Filter Housing

The 528i’s inline 6-cylinder engine features an aluminum valve cover and composite oil filter housing. Both components are common sources of oil leaks as the 528i accumulates miles.

Symptoms of a valve cover or oil filter housing leak include:

Oil drips under the engine
Burning oil smell from the engine bay
Low oil level/loss of oil between changes

The valve cover gasket tends to wear out over time, allowing oil to seep from the mating surfaces. The oil filter housing is also prone to cracking, which can cause rapid oil loss.

Replacing the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket is the proper repair. Use of high quality gaskets, proper torquing of bolts, and cleaning of mating surfaces can help prevent reoccurrence of leaks. Ignoring leaks can lead to excessive oil loss and engine damage if oil levels run low.

Vanos Solenoid Issues

The 528i uses a variable valve timing system called VANOS to optimize power and efficiency. VANOS is controlled by hydraulic solenoids that can fail over time, leading to reduced engine performance.

Symptoms of failing vanos solenoids include:

Check engine light with vanos fault codes
Poor idle
Loss of low end power
Reduced fuel economy

When a vanos solenoid fails, the variable valve timing system defaults to a fixed setting as a fail-safe measure. This reduces engine performance and efficiency. Replacing the faulty vanos solenoid will restore proper variable valve timing. Use of a quality synthetic oil may also help reduce wear on vanos components.

Electrical Gremlins and Faulty Sensors

Electrical issues and faulty sensors are another area of concern on high-mileage 2008 528i models. Common problems include:

Intermittent no-start conditions
Instrument cluster malfunctions
Check engine light with PCM/DME faults
ABS, traction control, and tire pressure warning lights
Faulty crankshaft and camshaft sensors

Over time, vibration, moisture, and component wear can compromise the complex wiring harnesses and electronics in the 528i. Critical sensors also degrade, causing drivability issues and warning lights.

Diagnosing intermittent electrical faults takes time and wiring diagrams. Often a combination of components or entire control modules need replacing to restore proper operation of affected systems. Use of dielectric grease on electrical connectors may help prevent future electrical issues.

Carbon Buildup in Intake Valves

Direct injection engines like the one in the 528i are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves and ports when compared to port fuel injection engines. This can occur as early as 50,000 miles.

Symptoms include:

Loss of power
Check engine light for misfires
Increased emissions and reduced fuel economy

Carbon deposits on the valves and ports interfere with proper air flow, fuel atomization, and combustion. Intake valve cleaning services can restore performance and reduce future buildup. Using quality gasoline and synthetic oil, avoiding short trips, and redline runs help minimize carbon deposits.

Transmission Problems

The 2008 528i uses either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission (GM 6L45). Both transmissions have some potential weak points.

On manual models, common issues include:

Clutch wear requiring replacement
Shift linkage bushings wearing out
Input shaft bearing failure

With the 6L45 automatic, typical problems include:

Harsh shifts and gear slippage
Variator failure causing limp mode
Leaks from transmission pan gasket
Mechatronic unit issues

Replacing worn clutches, bushings, bearings, and seals can overhaul ailing transmissions. Those considering a used 528i should thoroughly test the transmission operation during test drives. Regular transmission fluid changes are recommended.

Suspension and Steering System Wear

Age and mileage contribute to worn suspension and steering components in the 2008 528i. Owners report issues like:

Sagging/bouncy front struts
Worn control arm bushings
Tie rod ends needing replacement
Front end squeaking/creaking

The factory suspension bushings tend to wear faster than upgraded aftermarket polyurethane bushings. Struts also weaken over time. Replacing any loose, worn, or compromised steering/suspension parts is key to restoring proper handling and ride quality. An alignment should follow this type of repair.

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW 528i provides an enjoyable blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. However, like any vehicle, it does have some potential problem areas to look out for, especially as the mileage creeps up. Issues such as fuel pump failure, cooling system leaks, engine oil leaks, electrical faults, and suspension wear are among the most common.

Being aware of these 2008 528i problem areas, and addressing them promptly, can help minimize headaches and avoid costly repairs down the road. While higher-mileage models are more prone to issues, even well-maintained low-mile examples can experience component failures. Consider an extended warranty for added peace of mind.

With proper maintenance and care, the elegant and reliable 2008 BMW 528i can deliver many more miles of comfortable and engaging everyday driving. Paying attention to the items we’ve covered here will help you identify problems early and decide on repairs vs trading up to a newer vehicle. Knowledge is power when it comes to complex vehicles like the 528i.