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2008
BMW 528

Starts at:
$44,600
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New 2008 BMW 528
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn 528i RWD
    Starts at
    $44,600
    18 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 528xi AWD
    Starts at
    $46,800
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528 2008 BMW 528

Notable features

More-powerful engines
RWD or AWD
Sedan or wagon
Up to eight airbags
Lane departure warning

The good & the bad

The good

300-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine
Handling potential

The bad

Complex iDrive operation

Expert 2008 BMW 528 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By David Thomas
Full article
our expert's take

The updated 2008 BMW 5 Series has something new — but only for those who have been paying attention. To the casual observer, the updated 2008 BMW 5 Series will appear identical to the 2007 model. What’s different are some very slight exterior modifications, updated engines — including one entirely new power plant — and more standard and optional comfort features. Most of the changes don’t radically alter this luxury sedan’s place in the market, and they likely won’t do enough to draw in the uninitiated.

 

Exterior
If you can tell the difference between a 2007 BMW 525i and a 2008 BMW 528i — one of the models I tested — when one passes you on the street, congratulations. Most folks will need to circle the car very slowly to see the changes (hint: check out the head- and taillights).

The 5 Series’ design was a radical departure for BMW when it debuted in 2003, but its dramatically raked hood and squared off rump are more widely used by many automakers today, meaning the 5 Series now blends fairly well into the flow of traffic.

New exterior trim included in the 550i’s optional Sport Package gives the car the appearance of the more expensive, performance-oriented M5, but without the additional $20,000 that the 500-horsepower rocket commands. I tested the new 550i with the Sport Package, which adds 19-inch wheels and tires, more aggressive front and rear body panels, and black tailpipes. The package did alter the look and feel of the car; even though it was painted white, it was the most menacing white vehicle you can imagine.

Interior
While BMW says the interior has been “thoroughly revised,” I’d have to argue that only former owners will note the changes. There are slight upgrades to trim pieces, more console storage and, yes, even bigger door pockets.

The fact that there isn’t a radical new interior doesn’t mean the 5 Series isn’t a nice place to reside during a commute. Indeed, the 10-way power front seats are incredibly comfortable and can accommodate any frame. My wife said they were the most comfortable she’s ever experienced, and she rides in dozens of test cars a year. I’m not ready to make such a bold statement, but there’s no denying they’re near the top of the heap.

Rear passengers won’t be as happy, as legroom is minimal. Buyers might not mind that lack of legroom in BMW’s current entry-level 3 Series, but for the more expensive and considerably larger 5 Series, it might be a bigger issue. Still, the space is similar to competitors, like the Audi A6.

As in any BMW these days, driving the 5 Series means you have to learn iDrive. In the few years since it was introduced, I’ve grown accustomed to the complex interface that controls navigation, stereo, climate and almost every other feature of the car. BMW has taken pains to make sure there are easier-to-use knobs and buttons to control many of the same functions, like stereo volume.

All BMW 5 Series also add HD Radio standard for 2008. I initially thought this was a frivolous add-on, but after hearing local radio in high definition I was convinced of its value.

Performance
There are three distinct 5 Series models. The main difference between each is what’s under the hood and how it impacts the driving experience. The entry-level 5 Series is the 528i, replacing the 2007 525i. The 528i is powered by a 230-hp inline-six-cylinder engine. While its power is adequate, it didn’t supply any of the visceral thrills that most BMWs offer. There is a slight delay in acceleration off the line or when trying to hustle out of slow-moving traffic. You can use the automatic transmission’s manual function for more assertive shifting, but even that wasn’t impressive.

Replacing the 2007 530i is the 535i, and it gets BMW’s award-winning twin-turbo six-cylinder that produces 300 hp and makes this sedan go mighty fast; the company says it hits 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That beats a Hemi-powered Dodge Charger by a good half-second. I didn’t get to test this model, unfortunately, but I’ve driven the 335i with the same splendid engine and would imagine this vehicle is the sweet spot for 5 Series buyers.

There are also all-wheel-drive versions of both these models, named 528xi and 535xi, respectively.

The 550i remains the top of the 5 Series lineup, with a 360-hp V-8 engine that gets the sedan to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, if you’re keeping track. I tested the 550i with a six-speed manual transmission and was very impressed by how much fun it was to thrash around. It felt light and easy to control and didn’t rattle my teeth like performance-oriented models like the M5 do.

Safety
The 5 Series comes with side-impact airbags for the front seats and optional side-impact airbags for the backseat. Side curtain airbags are standard. BMW says the backseat side airbags are optional so owners can choose whether they want the added security. Active front head restraints are also standard.

All 5 Series models come standard with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control and a number of additional safety features, including brake drying and — my personal favorite — start-off assistant. It keeps the brakes engaged when you’re stopped on an incline so that in the time between your foot leaving the brake pedal and hitting the gas, the car won’t roll backward. It’s especially handy in manual transmission models.

The 2008 BMW 5 Series has not been crash tested. The previous models earned top scores in front-end collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but they were not tested in side collisions.

Features
Like many luxury cars in today’s market, detailing every feature in the 5 Series would bore most shoppers, but there are some interesting features to note in the 2008 models.

Cruise control is now of the advanced variety, which measures traffic speed ahead of you so it can work in heavier traffic. That doesn’t mean you should necessarily use it on your bumper-to-bumper commute, but on the open highway the system can come to a complete stop without losing settings and accelerate back up to the set speed with a press of the gas pedal.

A revised lane departure warning system is also available for 2008. This option alerts the driver via a vibration in the steering wheel whenever the vehicle wanders inadvertently into another lane.

A USB adapter for an iPod or other MP3 player is optional.

5 Series in the Market
BMW doesn’t need to worry about losing its place in the mid-luxury market with the 2008 5 Series, but I still would have liked to have seen more than slight cosmetic changes to the stylish sedan. The company has a real sleeper in the 535i now, but buyers could find a number of better luxury-performance values than the 528i. That’s BMW’s problem these days: It can’t get away with building a hum-drum sedan in such a competitive field. Luckily, the 535i and 550i don’t have that problem.

Send David an email  

 

Managing Editor
David Thomas

Former managing editor David Thomas has a thing for wagons and owns a 2010 Subaru Outback and a 2005 Volkswagen Passat wagon.

2008 BMW 528 review: Our expert's take
By David Thomas

The updated 2008 BMW 5 Series has something new — but only for those who have been paying attention. To the casual observer, the updated 2008 BMW 5 Series will appear identical to the 2007 model. What’s different are some very slight exterior modifications, updated engines — including one entirely new power plant — and more standard and optional comfort features. Most of the changes don’t radically alter this luxury sedan’s place in the market, and they likely won’t do enough to draw in the uninitiated.

 

Exterior
If you can tell the difference between a 2007 BMW 525i and a 2008 BMW 528i — one of the models I tested — when one passes you on the street, congratulations. Most folks will need to circle the car very slowly to see the changes (hint: check out the head- and taillights).

The 5 Series’ design was a radical departure for BMW when it debuted in 2003, but its dramatically raked hood and squared off rump are more widely used by many automakers today, meaning the 5 Series now blends fairly well into the flow of traffic.

New exterior trim included in the 550i’s optional Sport Package gives the car the appearance of the more expensive, performance-oriented M5, but without the additional $20,000 that the 500-horsepower rocket commands. I tested the new 550i with the Sport Package, which adds 19-inch wheels and tires, more aggressive front and rear body panels, and black tailpipes. The package did alter the look and feel of the car; even though it was painted white, it was the most menacing white vehicle you can imagine.

Interior
While BMW says the interior has been “thoroughly revised,” I’d have to argue that only former owners will note the changes. There are slight upgrades to trim pieces, more console storage and, yes, even bigger door pockets.

The fact that there isn’t a radical new interior doesn’t mean the 5 Series isn’t a nice place to reside during a commute. Indeed, the 10-way power front seats are incredibly comfortable and can accommodate any frame. My wife said they were the most comfortable she’s ever experienced, and she rides in dozens of test cars a year. I’m not ready to make such a bold statement, but there’s no denying they’re near the top of the heap.

Rear passengers won’t be as happy, as legroom is minimal. Buyers might not mind that lack of legroom in BMW’s current entry-level 3 Series, but for the more expensive and considerably larger 5 Series, it might be a bigger issue. Still, the space is similar to competitors, like the Audi A6.

As in any BMW these days, driving the 5 Series means you have to learn iDrive. In the few years since it was introduced, I’ve grown accustomed to the complex interface that controls navigation, stereo, climate and almost every other feature of the car. BMW has taken pains to make sure there are easier-to-use knobs and buttons to control many of the same functions, like stereo volume.

All BMW 5 Series also add HD Radio standard for 2008. I initially thought this was a frivolous add-on, but after hearing local radio in high definition I was convinced of its value.

Performance
There are three distinct 5 Series models. The main difference between each is what’s under the hood and how it impacts the driving experience. The entry-level 5 Series is the 528i, replacing the 2007 525i. The 528i is powered by a 230-hp inline-six-cylinder engine. While its power is adequate, it didn’t supply any of the visceral thrills that most BMWs offer. There is a slight delay in acceleration off the line or when trying to hustle out of slow-moving traffic. You can use the automatic transmission’s manual function for more assertive shifting, but even that wasn’t impressive.

Replacing the 2007 530i is the 535i, and it gets BMW’s award-winning twin-turbo six-cylinder that produces 300 hp and makes this sedan go mighty fast; the company says it hits 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. That beats a Hemi-powered Dodge Charger by a good half-second. I didn’t get to test this model, unfortunately, but I’ve driven the 335i with the same splendid engine and would imagine this vehicle is the sweet spot for 5 Series buyers.

There are also all-wheel-drive versions of both these models, named 528xi and 535xi, respectively.

The 550i remains the top of the 5 Series lineup, with a 360-hp V-8 engine that gets the sedan to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, if you’re keeping track. I tested the 550i with a six-speed manual transmission and was very impressed by how much fun it was to thrash around. It felt light and easy to control and didn’t rattle my teeth like performance-oriented models like the M5 do.

Safety
The 5 Series comes with side-impact airbags for the front seats and optional side-impact airbags for the backseat. Side curtain airbags are standard. BMW says the backseat side airbags are optional so owners can choose whether they want the added security. Active front head restraints are also standard.

All 5 Series models come standard with BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control and a number of additional safety features, including brake drying and — my personal favorite — start-off assistant. It keeps the brakes engaged when you’re stopped on an incline so that in the time between your foot leaving the brake pedal and hitting the gas, the car won’t roll backward. It’s especially handy in manual transmission models.

The 2008 BMW 5 Series has not been crash tested. The previous models earned top scores in front-end collisions by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but they were not tested in side collisions.

Features
Like many luxury cars in today’s market, detailing every feature in the 5 Series would bore most shoppers, but there are some interesting features to note in the 2008 models.

Cruise control is now of the advanced variety, which measures traffic speed ahead of you so it can work in heavier traffic. That doesn’t mean you should necessarily use it on your bumper-to-bumper commute, but on the open highway the system can come to a complete stop without losing settings and accelerate back up to the set speed with a press of the gas pedal.

A revised lane departure warning system is also available for 2008. This option alerts the driver via a vibration in the steering wheel whenever the vehicle wanders inadvertently into another lane.

A USB adapter for an iPod or other MP3 player is optional.

5 Series in the Market
BMW doesn’t need to worry about losing its place in the mid-luxury market with the 2008 5 Series, but I still would have liked to have seen more than slight cosmetic changes to the stylish sedan. The company has a real sleeper in the 535i now, but buyers could find a number of better luxury-performance values than the 528i. That’s BMW’s problem these days: It can’t get away with building a hum-drum sedan in such a competitive field. Luckily, the 535i and 550i don’t have that problem.

Send David an email  

 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2008 BMW 528 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.7 / 5
Based on 53 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Great deal at David Family Auto with my bad credit

    Never thought I’d get approved. This car is sweet, only 98k miles and I’m in love. xDrive on the beach is fun! No snow in Florida to try all wheel drive system so I thought it was the next best thing. Inline-6 has power!! Love my turbo... fact! Love my dealer... more fact!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car

    I love this car! I want the same model just more power and manual transmission! German engendered cars are the best!!!! My dream car is M5!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best used car so far

    Car handles great and is very comfortable. We have owned BMWs before so we are glad to be back in one. The steering is sporty and the turn radius is tight on the 5 series. The cooling fan is a little loud at idling but this is probably cuz the car is so hottttttt(lol). We live our BMW and especially the carfax history behind this little beauty.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Extremely Dependable Luxury Vehicle

    While a few years old at this point, this car has been extremely reliable with literally no issues. In 11 years of ownership we've changed the oil, brake fluid, & tires...and that's it! Even the features on the car are consistent with a new vehicle. The luxury aspects of this car are incomparable to many newer vehicles as well. Definitely recommend the car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice Car, fun to drive

    Car was very clean on the inside,looks as if no one sat in the back seats at all. No damage to the exterior, paint needs some TLC but not horrible. car runs like a champ
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The ride is great

    Really nice car , clean and a lot space! I was used with my two children’s but now I have four so that’s means need change for a big one . I going miss this car it’s wasn’t just a car was history.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Price flexible

    Car is in good shape, great for any weather. The condition is good, it has bluetooth. Trunk has a lot of space. Iooking for someone ASAP.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable and longest life on a BMW ever owned

    My father came home with this car for a ridiculous cheap price. $3000 to be precise. It had a transmission issue. 180,000 Miles it was a decent trial. The interior is in immaculate condition. Fixed the car for less than $500 got it running and have it at 213,000 right now. My everyday driver. I have owned a 1997 540i and This is by the far the most reliable. I decided to buy another 528i E60 on top due to how much I love it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Low resale value

    Low resale value and dependability. Maybe a good car for buying new, but as a used care, this brand has not proven reliable. Need to improve dependability and reduce over engineering.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • 2008 BMW 528i Silver 3.0L V6

    This vehicle has good performance and is reliability, it is a good car for students and youngsters who are looking to go in style. .
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    4 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing piece of German engineering!

    Comfort, luxury and performance are top of the line! Sharp, sporty look yet very comfortable as a family car, definitely soccer Mom approved! We have really enjoyed owning this vehicle and hate to sell but hubby needs a new work truck. 😢 Has a brand new transmission, which taught me that repair costs can get pretty steep, but overall it is a good, solid car. We love her so much my daughter dubbed her the Bourgie-mobile... In my opinion the buyer will be very satisfied with the purchase.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Black Beauty!

    This is a sweet ride in excellent condition! Love that it has driver and front passenger power seats, both with two position memory. Everywhere I go I get compliments on this BMW!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2008 BMW 528?

The 2008 BMW 528 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 528i (1 style)
  • 528xi (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2008 BMW 528?

The 2008 BMW 528 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2008 BMW 528?

The 2008 BMW 528 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2008 BMW 528 reliable?

The 2008 BMW 528 has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2008 BMW 528 owners.

Is the 2008 BMW 528 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2008 BMW 528. 98.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 53 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.5

BMW 528 history

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