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).
Safety risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
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].
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.
Safety risk
IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.
Component
Complaints
Median mileage
Electrical system
10
36,000 mi
Exterior lighting
7
100,000 mi
Air bags
6
68,000 mi
Engine
6
78,000 mi
Seat belts
4
84,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline
2
750 mi
Power train
2
6 mi
Tires
2
—
Unknown or other
2
85,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling
1
36,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly
1
—
Power train: manual transmission
1
—
Seats
1
68,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic
1
85,000 mi
Steering
1
1,896 mi
Structure
1
6,000 mi
Suspension
1
1,896 mi
Suspension: multiple axle: torque arm
1
—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
1
141,000 mi
The 2007 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 2009 model has 26 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.
Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.