2008 BMW 5-Series Review: Buy a Volvo

The 2008 BMW 5-Series is one of the most comfortable cars on the road. It’s also expensive to maintain, prone to early breakdown and engine fires, and, though it’s priced to move, with typical list prices starting in the low $6,000 range, premium fuel expenses and frequent repairs will more than make up for what you saved.

Is the 2008 BMW 5-Series a Good Used Car?

• Overall Rating 7/10 – A 5-Series handles like a dream and rides like a cloud, it’s just not worth the cost, or the headaches.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – The one area where you simply cannot knock a BMW is in the cabin. This is one of the most comfortable cars ever made.
• Reliability 6/10 – If it’s not one thing it’s another with a BMW, and you can’t just take a trip to the Autozone and have your cousin work on it, you’ve got to take it in for specialty service every single time.
• Safety 7/10 – Generous safety features almost make up for poor crash test results.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – A 528i gets a respectable 18/27 miles to the gallon, but you probably don’t want to be shelling out for premium gas at these prices.
• Value 6/10 – Used BMWs are usually priced fairly, but the hidden costs of frequent, expensive repairs will creep up on you.

What Do Critics Say About the 2008 BMW 5-Series?

Consumer Reports called the BMW 5’s 2008 refresh “a mixed blessing.” They had nothing but praise for the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine and the improved handling, but confusing controls and mediocre crash test scores had them wondering why this thing goes for luxury car prices.

Kelley Blue Book name the BMW 5-Series the “supreme midsize sport sedan” when it comes to driving dynamics. They liked the first-class cabin and high-end tech features, as well. They note that the awkward design choices and the confusing iDrive control system are hard to ignore if you’re not a BMW diehard.

Edmunds liked the “exceptional ride” and the sharp handling of the BMW 5-Series. THey were impressed by the smooth, powerful engine lineup and the high-end cabin quality. They note that it doesn’t really justify its price over mid-range luxury cars from brands like Infiniti and Acura, and the iDrive system just plain sucks.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 BMW 5-Series Have?

The 2008 BMW 5-Series has generated 419 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is a bit high for what should be a fine-tuned piece of machinery. 104 of these are for electrical issues, with drivers reporting burned wires leaving lift gates and window regulators inoperable.

There are 76 engine complaints and 39 powertrain complaints on file with drivers reporting early transmission failure and even engine fires. One driver reports being unable to put out a fire in their 528i, only for the vehicle to be burned essentially to ash.

A handful of drivers have reported the BMW’s sunroof popping out of the frame and flying out into traffic while in motion.

The 2008 BMW 5-Series has been recalled 7 times in total. Typical recall numbers for a vehicle this old are closer to 4 or 5.

How Long Will the 2008 BMW 5-Series Last?

According to BMW, a 5-Series will last up to 250,000 miles with adequate maintenance. According to drivers, 180,000 to 200,000 is a more typical life expectancy. The powertrain might last forever, but at a certain point those specialty maintenance costs are going to add up to the point that it’s just not worth fixing anymore.

Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $778, which is higher than average for this size class and this model year. New control arms account for the most expensive common repairs, starting at around $1,286.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology in the 2008 5-Series is impressive, but that’s what you expect of a BMW. CD/MP3 players with 10 speakers come standard, but the radio data system may be confusing to navigate.

Crash test scores are mediocre, but safety technology is generous, featuring anti-lock brakes and stability control as standard features.

Is the 2008 BMW 5-Series a Good Value?

The 2008 BMW 5-Series is priced fairly, but it’s not a great value. An entry-level sedan typically lists for around $6,023, while a high-end 550i may go for around $7,236. A luxury four-door at those prices might seem hard to resist, but cost of ownership may have you thinking twice.

These prices are for models with around 135,000 miles on the odometer. You probably don’t want to spend $6,000 on a car that’s only got another 45,000 miles to go. And even if you do, you need to add those pricey repair bills into the tally.

What are the Different Models of the 2008 BMW 5-Series?

The 2008 BMW 5-Series is offered in sedan and wagon models, with four engine options, and rear or all wheel drive. But, no matter which configuration you go with, the standard feature list is the same:

• Anti-lock brakes and traction control
• Leather seating
• Rain sensing windshield wipers
• CD/MP3 player with 10 speakers
• Tri-zone automatic air conditioning
• Remote keyless entry
• Heated mirrors
• 10-way power adjust driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls

What Engines Come In the 2008 BMW 5-Series?

• In the 528 models you’ll find a 3.0L inline-six delivering 230 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque at an average fuel economy of 18/27 miles to the gallon, city/highway. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in rear (i) or all wheel drive (xi).
• 535 models pack a twin turbo version of the 3.0L i6, delivering 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at around 17/26 miles to the gallon. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in rear or all wheel drive.
• The 550 comes with a 4.8L V8 delivering 360 horsepower and 360 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in rear wheel drive and it averages 15/23 miles to the gallon.The 550 can hit zero to sixty in under six seconds.
• Finally, you’ve got the M5, packing a hefty 5.0L V8 delivering an incredible 500 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed manual transmission in rear wheel drive, and it averages a measly 11/17 miles to the gallon, but that’s about what you expect of a superpowered muscle car. The M5 can hit 60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

What Colors Does the 2008 BMW 5-Series Come In?

How Comfortable Is the 2008 BMW 5-Series?

The 2008 5-Series is very comfortable. The interior is first class all the way, the suspension rides nice and smooth, and the backseat is spacious enough for two or three adults. For whatever problems a BMW may have, comfort isn’t one of them.

How Much Storage Space Does the 2008 BMW 5-Series Have?

A 2008 BMW 5-Series offers 14 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk of the sedan, or up to 58 cubic feet in the wagon, which outclasses some of the smaller SUVs out there. You can pack four or five medium suitcases in the four-door, and you can pack a whole camping trip in the back of the wagon.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

2008 was the 5th model year in the car’s 5th Generation, running from 2004 to 2010.

2006: 2006 saw BMW getting rid of the 4.2L i6 engine, swapping it out for a more powerful 4.8L i6.

2007: A facelift year, the 2007 5-Series got a revised exterior and a bigger back seat.

2008: Auxiliary input jacks became a standard feature in 2008.

2009: The notoriously clunky iDrive system was redesigned for a more intuitive feel in 2009.

How Does the 2008 BMW 5-Series Compare to the Competition?

If you’re loyal to the BMW badge, don’t expect us to talk you out of buying one. But, it’s one of the least practical options if you’re after a used luxury car.

A Volvo S80 does pretty much everything you want a 5-Series to do, but it comes with industry leading crash test scores, a long-lasting powertrain, and typical listing prices starting at under $6,000.

An Acura TL is likely to last for so long that you’ll eventually need to will it to someone. It lists for a thousand dollars more than a 5-Series on average, but you’ll make up the difference on repairs and refueling after a couple years of ownership.

Pretty much anyone who daydreams about driving a BMW would be well-advised to consider a Volvo, instead. It can be hard to resist an iconic brand name. A 4Runner is better than a Jeep in almost every way, but it’s not a Jeep, we get it. Still… the Volvo is the better option.

Do Owners Recommend the 2008 BMW 5-Series?