Research · Subcompact Cars

2025 BMW 8 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2025 BMW 8 Series. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (1). The EPA rates it 19–24 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19–24mpg
EPA · 9 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Aug 2026
Owner complaints
1
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: driveshaft

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.

Power trainReported Aug 12, 2026NHTSA 26V525000

Electrical system: starter assembly

Free remedy

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Electrical systemReported Sep 25, 2025NHTSA 25V644000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 1, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2026 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each 8 Series model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961
19973
20251
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 1, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

1 report
“The contact owns a 2025 BMW 840I. While driving approximately 40–50 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact suffered shoulder and neck pain but had not sought medical attention. The failure had occurred twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11772915
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 1, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

9 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars, Midsize Cars
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo · 4.4L 8-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 1, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
840i Convertible
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300368
840i Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300368
840i Gran Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300368
840i xDrive Convertible
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300373
840i xDrive Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300373
840i xDrive Gran Coupe
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300373
M850i xDrive Convertible
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172419$4,200458
M850i xDrive Coupe
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172419$4,200456
M850i xDrive Gran Coupe
Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 4.4 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172419$4,200458
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 1, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 BMW 8 Series as of Nov 1, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 1, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2025 8 Series questions

How many recalls does the 2025 BMW 8 Series have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 1, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2025 BMW 8 Series problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2025 BMW 8 Series get?

The EPA rates the 2025 BMW 8 Series at 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 1, 2026