9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,100
Average Mileage:
85,800 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace battery and alternator (1 reports)
2008 BMW X5 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 BMW X5 Owner Comments

problem #2

Apr 082015

X5 XDRIVE35I 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,521 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Was driving my car and suddenly lost all power, coasted into a parking lot. Towed to shop, said alternator and battery were done, 1850 to replace both and program the car. Googled and it was about the right price suggested and I didn't believe the programming was needed but most users in forums said it was legit. Found a place that did it for 1500 but later had problems with them, they jacked up the AC it wouldn't blow out the vents on the windshield. They wanted 1000 to fix the problem, claimed it was an actuator and AC had a leak. Took it to a reputable place they said it just had to be programmed, the other place messed up programming it when they did the battery, AC didn't have a leak and actuators were fine. 100 bucks at the good place to fix it.

- jrvan39, Katy, TX, US

problem #1

Nov 152015

X5 4.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

click to see larger images

loss of power while driving loss of power while driving loss of power while driving loss of power while driving

can't be diagnosed. shuts down every 7-8 days since 11/15

This vehicle has been to several repair shops in the MD/VA metropolitan area - totaling 8-10 separate visits. I have sought help from everyone who I thought would be capable of helping with this horrible nightmare. This thing has been to several independent dealers, to BMW of Fairfax three (3) times (where BMW of North America's field team was pulled into the efforts to try to fix it...but to no avail.) It has been misdiagnosed since November 15, 2015 because by the time it reaches repair, it starts with no problem and continues to run fine for 7-8 days! I have spent a couple of thousand dollars trying to fix this issue. Originally, it was supposed to be a bad battery...so I had a new one installed. Christmas lights and scrolling navigation screen seven days later. Concluded it could not have been the battery since the same warning lights/loss of acceleration occurred. So I had the new battery taken out. Took the vehicle to BMW of Fairfax and contacted BMW of North America. I was told it was definitely the battery...new battery installed AGAIN! I was called back to BMW of Fairfax for a courtesy checkup, and was told everything was fine! One week later, more Christmas lights/warnings/craziness!!! Towed back to dealer, but no problem existed. It started just fine...as usual! After original independent dealer told me it is definitely not the alternator, I was told a month later, and after keeping it for two-three weeks, that it is the alternator. After getting an umpteenth opinion, I was told there were several codes that showed during diagnostics. Long story short, wires were replaced, fuse box, and JBE box. It drove fine close to two weeks, but I knew something was wrong because the navigation screen would be dim on occasion, then light up, and it idled high as if it were about to take off while at a complete stop...those symptoms always occurred when the vehicle was threatening to go haywire again. And, it did! On the interstate...once again (for the third time)!! Although it was not inclement weather at night - with no hazards this time, it was just as frightening - if not worse! I was in the center lane, flanked by a tractor trailer to my right, and vehicles going at least 60 MPH behind me and beside me! I lost acceleration! Cars were honking, tires were screeching, and my daughter and I were panicking! I was able to chug over to the left shoulder, where I sat and waited for a tow truck from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Needless to say, my plans before Easter Sunday were ruined! I missed putting flowers on my mother's grave!!! This has been a nightmare since November 15, 2015. No one can help! I have spent so much money in needless repairs and countless, countless diagnoses. I am stuck with a vehicle that cannot be traded or repaired. BMW will not help with a trade because I was told that the vehicle was not serviced solely by BMW prior to my purchase. Aside from the horrific experience with this HEAP OF JUNK, I must commend GEICO because they have been there for me during each and every breakdown -- with the exception of the time when I was enroute to the dealer to try trading out of it. I was able to chug into the lot - where it had to be jump started for appraisal. So, you can imagine the amount I was offered!!) Can anyone help?! Is anyone listening?! Does anyone have compassion for the consumer?!

- Sandy R., Stafford, US

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