2012 BMW 528XI

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/13/2024· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  My BMW started leaking fluid 4 months ago. Lights on dash came on one light was the triangle light which engine light. I had it serviced completely oil & filter change hooked up to machine that checks all components senors everything checked out great. One week later I was driving I was coming to a stop my brakes sounded like they were grinding next day had mechanic check the brakes all good. Next day I am pulling out of Attorney Parking lot as I am turning the steering wheel my BMW makes a load screaming cracking noise so I turn my steering wheel up right to drive straight it makes the same noise. I stop to look around my vehicle to see if anything is leaking or dragging nothing was dragging but maybe one or drops of something I touched the solution to feel if it was water or oil? It felt oily so I drove to my mechanic he lifted it up on the racks. We both could see some solution was leaking around possibly where engine oil plug is then we saw it had been leaking back to middle of my vehicle water area and running back to the middle of my vehicle. My mechanic decided to put the machine that checks for certain items on vehicles I know it checks my sensors not sure what else?? He and a couple of the other mechanic stop and help him. I left my vehicle he let me drive his vehicle home he wanted to check other issue tomorrow. Next day I got to the mechanic he said he knew it needed a transfer case and 4 sensors he said it would take time to buy a new transfer case for 2012 BMW 528I xl so to leave my vehicle with him.Then I get this letter today 12/13/24 from BMW DATED 10/2024 it states there defect which relates to motor vehicle safety issue which means a part is being recalled on my vehicle!! My question my vehicle has already gotten damaged by this recall I am trying to fix the problems plus paid already $1500. For repairs to my mechanic whom thought that fix my issue but has not. Please inform me as to what I the owner of this model vehicle that has a defective part

• 12/09/2024· AIR BAGS

  passenger restraint system malfunction warning, many owners have compalined about this, bmw has not issued any recalls but this seams to be a common issue.

• 12/08/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  Issue with water penetration into adaptive headlights (sealed system) while driving lights can shut off and signals are disabled. Potential major safety issue.

• 12/06/2018· ENGINE

  I FOUND THE NOISE FROM THE ENGINE AND TOOK INTO THE DEALER(PATRICK BMW) WITH TOWING. THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND GUIDE WERE BROKEN INSIDE THE ENGINE. I NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. BMW HAS EXTENDED A WARRANTY TO 70K MILES REGARDING THIS PROBLEMS. MY MILEAGE IS 89K. THERE ARE MANY 5 SERIES BMW HAS THESE PROBLEMS WHEN THEY REACHED BETWEEN 90K AND 100K. BMW ALREADY KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEMS AND HAVE EXTENDED TO 70K MILES. THEY ARE TRYING TO GIVING THE GESTURE TO THE CONSUMER BUT IT DOES NOT RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL IF IT DOES COVER BY 70K MILES. AGAIN THESE PROBLEMS USUALLY THE OCCURS BETWEEN 90K AND 100K MILES. BMW HAS REALIZED THIS BUT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEMS. I AM PAYING MORE MONEY TO A LUXURY CAR BUT THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED.

• 11/25/2019· AIR BAGS

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE (LOCATED AT 13617 NORTHUP WAY, BELLEVUE, WA 98005, (425) 243-5201), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

• 11/21/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR SAYS DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION I WAS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT ON A ONE WAY STREET ON 11/20/2020 WHEN THE CAR JUST DIED NO WARNING JUST SHUT OFF WOULDN'T START COULDN'T PUT IT IN NEUTRAL BLOCKED TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 90 MINUTES BEFORE I COULD GET A TOW TRUCK TO REMOVE MY CAR. I HAVE A 2012 BMW 528XI WITH ABOUT 90K + MILES ON IT I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE HAPPENS TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND I WOULD NO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY.

• 11/02/2017· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS PREMATURELY FRACTURED OR LOOSENED FOR THE CAM SHAFT AND TIMING CHAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AT HERRIN-GEAR BMW OF JACKSON (1685 HIGH ST, JACKSON, MS 39202, (601) 354-2269). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER SERVICE CAMPAIGN AND THERE WAS NO MANUFACTURER RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

• 10/25/2012· POWER TRAIN,TIRES

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 550IX EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE P245/40/R19. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH AN ALERT ON HIS DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED INSTRUCTING HIM THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN MORE THAN 50 MILES AS THE TIRE WAS GOING FLAT. THIRTY MILES LATER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD DEVELOPED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL, WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE TO SHRED. THE VEHICLE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. UPDATED 12/14/12 *BF THE CONSUMER REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN TIRES. THE CONSUMER STATED TWO OF THE ORIGINAL FOUR TIRES DEVELOPED BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALL. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTIONED. THE VIDEO SCREEN FLASHED A MESSAGE INSTRUCTING THE CONSUMER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. IN THE PROCESS, THE VEHICLE LOST A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF POWER OUTPUT AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVEN OVER 30 MPH. UPDATED 07/09/13

• 10/17/2017· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  TURBO CHARGER SYSTEM IS AFFECTED DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING WHICH CAUSED OIL TO TRANSFER THROUGH OUT THE TURBO SYSTEM INTO THE COOLANT RESERVOIR RESULTING IN BLACK SLUDGE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL AND NOT RUN AND HAVE TO BE TOWED. EVERY SINCE THIS RECALL ISSUE MY CAR GIVES THE DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING WHICH WHEN DIAGNOSED INDICATES LOW TURBO BOOST PRESSURE WHICH I'M CERTAIN HAS TO DO WITH THE BLACK SLUDGE THAT RAN THROUGH THE TURBO SYSTEM AND COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAILING. A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS RECOMMENDED THAT BMW IS NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR OR I NEED TO PAY $3660 TO REPLACE THE TURBO CHARGER WHICH I TRULY BELIEVE IS THE RESULT OF THE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAIL AND OIL LEAKING INTO THE TURBO SYSTEM AND THE COOLANT SYSTEM.

• 09/27/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  MY 2012 BMW 528 XDRIVE SUDDENLY GOT A WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWS BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION, AND SLOWS DOWN-WENT ON NEUTRAL AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. ALL THAT HAPPENED WITHIN LESS THAN A MINUTE. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE HAS BROKEN APART, TIMING CHAIN CAME OFF, JUMPED TIME, STARVED ENGINE FOR OIL & CONTAMINATED ENGINE AND WILL REQUIRE A WHOLE NEW ENGINE REPLACE WHICH WILL COST AROUND $13756.56 +LABOR+TAX MY TOTAL WAS $ 16456. I FOUND OUT I AM NOT ALONE AND THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BMW OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I ALSO CALLED THE BMW NORTH AMERICA THEY TOLD ME THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ONLY UP TO 70,000 MILES AND THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, MY CAR FAILS AT 105K MILES. I THINK BMW MUST STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT. WE CAN NOT BUY AN EXPENSIVE CAR LIKE BMW WITH AN ENGINE LIFE IS LESS THAN 8YRS.

• 09/26/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  SUDDENLY THE CAR HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STOPPED WORKING IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT. ONLY THE RIGHT INDICATOR WORKS NOW. ITS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I THINK BMW HAD THIS ISSUE WITH SOME OF 3 SERIES MODELS.

• 09/21/2021· POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Car begin to stall on traffic, drivetrain malfunction light appeared..Took it to BMW DEALER My Fuel Pump replace with new EKP module- Which is the same recall that BMW issued in 2017 which included the Model/year vehicle that i have.

• 09/17/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION, THE GPS SYSTEM VOICE INSTRUCTION AND MAP VISUAL SOMETIME CONFLICT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE VOICE MAY SAYS TURN RIGHT WHILE THE MAP SAYS TURN LEFT. I'VE HAD CAR SINCE 2012 AND REPORTED PROBLEM TOO DEALER AND BMW WHEN NEW. YOU CAN'T PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN SO CAN'T SHOW DEALER AND PROBLEM WAS IGNORED. ON GOING PROBLEM.

• 09/13/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  WHEN TURNING MY CAR ON AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR DISPLAYED A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER ON AUGUST 3, 2020 FOR SERVICE AND THEY DIAGNOSED THE CAR WITH A COMPUTER ERROR. THEY MADE A REPAIR TO THE COMPUTER AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. THIS COST $350. ON AUGUST 7, I DROVE FROM MARYLAND TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND RECEIVED THE SAME DRIVETRAIN ERROR MESSAGE AND THE OIL SERVICE LIGHT WARNING CAME ON. WE HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL AND DRIVE SLOWLY PER THE DRIVETRAIN ERROR MESSAGE. AS SOON AS I RETURNED TO MARYLAND, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO BMW OF ANNAPOLIS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRONT END OF THE ENGINE WAS GONE AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REBUILD THE MOTOR INCLUDING NEW TIMING CHAINS, CHAIN TENSIONER, CHAIN GUIDES, AND EXHAUST VANOS UNIT (A $6000 REPAIR). THE CAR ONLY HAD 72,000 MILES AND I HAD NEVER MISSED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. BMW NORTH AMERICA OFFERED TO PAY HALF OF $6000 AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY BMW OF ANNAPOLIS. HOWEVER, I THOUGHT THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA SHOULD HAVE PAID THE ENTIRE AMOUNT BECAUSE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2012 BMW 528I AND I COULD HAVE HAD A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, THIS CAR HAS HAD 2 PRIOR MAJOR RECALLS. I SENT BMW NORTH AMERICA A FORMAL COMPLAINT, BUT THEY STILL ONLY PAID $3000.

• 09/13/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL WINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CATONSVILLE (6700 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228, (844) 221-1352) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED PARTIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 61,000.

• 09/11/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THE DRIVER DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT UNLOCK AND I HAVE TO PUCH THE MAIN BUTTON ON THE DASH BOARD TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THE DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT CLOSE BECAUSE THE LOCK MECHANISM DOES NOT UNLOCK AFTER I GET OUT OF THE CAR. I HAVE TO PUSH THE MAIN UNLOCK MECHANISM ON THE DASH. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I PARK THE CAR AND GET OUT OF THE CAR TO CLOSE THE DOOR. ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES THIS. IF I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND COULD NOT REACH THE BUTTON ON THE DASH I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I WONDER IF THIS IS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY AS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS STARTED HAPPENING LAST WINTER IN DECEMBER. IT HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE BUT NOT EVERY DAY. COLD, HOT AND MEDIUM WEATHER. I AM TAKING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE TO SEE IF IT CAN BE FIXED.

• 09/04/2022· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Car just wouldn't start one day. Drivetrain malfunction warning indicating timing chain replacement. Car just sits in my driveway. Will cost 6 grand to fix. Timing Chain failure probably effected my engine.

• 08/29/2022· ENGINE

  While driving my car at about 30 miles per hour the engine suddenly seized up. There was no warning at all. I had it towed to the dealer, Baron BMW in Merriam Kansas. After evaluating the car they determined the engine failed and it was an issue of lack of oil. I had taken the car to this dealer prior to buying the car to make sure there were no problems. After their inspection I went ahead and bought the car. It had 40,528 miles. I had taken it to the same dealer for service for 3 years prior to the engine failure When the engine failed the mileage was 95,444. I talked with the dealer and let them know that I felt BMW should pay for replacement of the engine. They refused to do this so I was stuck with having to pay for another engine. After researching this issue I found out that there numerous issues with the engine and that several people had had the same problem. BMW was aware of this issue and chose not to do a recall as they should have . Instead the went ahead and made the decision to not do the recall and deal with the engine failures when the engines failed . This would be less expensive to do rather than do the recall which they should have done. So what they did was to sell the 528i model and let people drive the cars , knowing that a certain number of cars engines would fail. Since your organization is concerned about safety issues ,shouldn't you have taken some action once you became aware of the engine failure issue I would hope you could consider some kind of fine or whatever against BMW for putting a car out on the road knowing a certain number of engines would fail while people were driving . They were more concerned with profits rather than the safety of the public that would be driving their cars. While you are at it it would be good if you could fine BMW and have them reimburse the owners of these cars in which the engines failed! Thank you for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

• 08/26/2020· POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCrash

  WARNING FOR CHASSIS STABILIZATION IS ON, I ENCOUNTERED NOT BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND HAD THE CAR TOWED. I WAS ON A MAIN ROAD AND I GOT REAR ENDED IMMEDIATELY AFTER I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND I HAD MY HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHING

• 08/22/2023· ENGINE

  Car gave a Drivetrain Malfunction error and I was able to get the car to the mechanic I've used on the car since it was purchased. I was informed this week that there is now debris in the oil from the timing chain.

• 08/19/2026· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a stop and the Automatic START/STOP feature activated; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Drive Train Malfunction Error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the timing chain had fractured, causing unknown parts to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

• 08/12/2016· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY UPHILL, ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED, NO POWER, GOT A MESSAGE "DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION, NO MAXIMUM OUTPUT, DRIVE MODERATELY". I WAS SURROUNDED BY CARS/SEMI TRUCKS, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. MANAGED TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULD. COULD NOT RESTART CAR, GOT A MESSAGE "AUTOMATIC START/STOP DEACTIVATED: ENGINE WILL NOT START AUTOMATICALLY. PRESS THE START/STOP BUTTON TO START THE ENGINE." ABOUT 30 MINS AFTER ENGINE STALLED, I FINALLY RESTARTED THE CAR. CONTINUED TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT 10 MILES @ 60-65 MPH. AT A LOCAL STREET, AS I SLOWED DOWN TO APPROACH A TRAFFIC LIGHT, ENGINE STALLED AGAIN, NO POWER, CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD, GOT THE TWO SAME MESSAGES, COULD NOT START CAR. ABOUT 30 MINS AFTER ENGINE STALLED, I FINALLY STARTED THE CAR.

• 08/11/2021· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  in 2020 the engine started malfunctioning at 76,000 miles. I took it into the BMW dealership to get it inspected and they stated that it was a valve issue and charged replacement. After replacement, the engine lit would come on and I called the representative. He stated that it would need time to reset so I continued driving it. Eventually the light did not come on for some time. A year later in 2021 after driving to work the engine started to stall on my way to work on the highway. I since taken it back to BMW stating that it was less than 10,000 miles since the repair and I'm having engine troubles again. After talking to the BMW service representative, they stated that I will need a new engine because it is now blown. The engine only has 84,000 miles on it and I requested root cause analysis on the engine. After reviewing online, I discovered that this engine is mounted on multiple platforms BMW sold and is known to have issues since 2017 and a lawsuit in 2020, the same year I took my car to the BMW dealership for repairs. They neglected to inform me of the issue with the engine when I first took the car in and put my car back on the road with a faulty engine. Gross negligence by BMW.

• 08/08/2013· TIRES

  BMW 550XI, NORMAL DRIVING, TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR CAME ON, CAR BECAME UNSTABLE. PARKED VEHICLE AND OBSERVED LARGE BUBBLE IN FRONT RIGHT TIRE SIDEWALL HAD SPLIT, CAUSING RAPID DEFLATION. NO ROAD HAZARDS WERE INVOLVED, MECHANIC STATES THAT THESE TIRES GET SIDEWALL BUBBLES ALL THE TIME. *TR

• 08/05/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while checking the Carfax history report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 138,000; however, the Carfax history report showed that the mileage was approximately 224,000.

• 08/05/2014· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOVE ON THEIR OWN, THEY TURN ON AND OFF AS THEY PLEASE. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TWICE SO FAR AND BMW SERVICE CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

• 07/27/2022· ENGINE

  With no prior warning or issues my car displayed a drive train error followed by a low pressure error and immediately lost power. The timing chain blew and destroyed the engine.

• 07/25/2018· AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION PASSENGER SIDE INDICATOR COMES ON. STATING RESTRAINT HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND MIGHT NOT WORK. PASSENGER SEAT OF NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY.

• 07/20/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  MY 2012 528XI HAS 117K MILES ON IT. WHILE I WAS ON A LONG ROAD TRIP, DRIVING ON I-95 AT 1AM ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, WITHOUT ANY WEIRD ENGINE NOISES OR ANYTHING OUT OF THE NORM, THE CAR DISPLAYED A WARNING MESSAGE THAT SAID "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY WARNING "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW" WARNING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE CAR TOLD ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY. LUCKILY, THERE WAS A NICE BIG SHOULDER AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC AROUND, SO I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO A STOP. HAD THE CAR TOWED 100 MILES TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, AND HE SAID THERE WAS NO OIL PRESSURE, SO THERE WAS TOO MUCH FRICTION DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION, WHICH SEIZED THE CAMSHAFT AND CAUSED JUMPED TIMING. I'VE HAD A LOT OF "VERY UNUSUAL" (MECHANIC'S WORDS) ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, OF COURSE ALL OUT OF WARRANTY. AND NOW THE ENGINE IS COMPLETELY FRIED. I CAN SPEND ANOTHER $11K TO PUT A BRAND NEW ENGINE IN THERE, BUT THE CAR ITSELF ISN'T WORTH $11K ANYMORE. LOTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. HASN'T BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA BUT CAN FIND IT ON BMW ENTHUSIAST FORUMS (LIKE BIMMERFEST DOT COM).

• 07/18/2024· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

• 07/14/2019· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A ROAD WHEN A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I PARKED THE CAR HOME, SINCE I WAS CLOSE TO HOME. THE SAME WEEK I TOOK THE CAR TO A BMW SPECIALIST BECAUSE THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AFTER $467.00 SPENT ON LABOR, JUST TO TELL ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE. THIS CAR HAS 72K MILES. THIS IS A CAR THAT I ONLY DROVE ON WEEKENDS AND NOT EVERY WEEKEND. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED IN MY GARAGE BECAUSE TO REPAIR IT IT WILL COST ME $11K. I HAVE HEARD THIS COMPLAINT FROM SEVERAL BMW OWNERS. THE CAR STILL RUNS BUT THE NOISE WILL NO GO AWAY.

• 07/11/2017· ENGINE

  TIMING CHAIN IS LOOSE PER THE DEALER. THE CAR ONLY HAS 59,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS NOT STOPPED BUT IF THE CHAIN BREAKS IT WILL STOP WHEREVER IT HAPPENS. I COULD BE DRIVING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AND THE CAR WILL STOP. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.

• 07/06/2026· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  The vehicle suffered a sudden Drivetrain Malfunction and severe engine overheating while driving, resulting in a physically snapped camshaft and extensive iron shaving contamination in the oil pan (catastrophic engine failure).Ten months ago, an authorized dealership performed the official BMW Water Pump Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V608000). The vehicle has an active history of drivetrain malfunction fault codes dating back to January 2024. The failure of the recall remedy to safely maintain the cooling loop directly caused severe thermal stress and lubrication breakdown, leading to the camshaft fracturing. Additionally, this engine was under the VANOS Bolt Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign 23V707000), which covers loosening valvetrain bolts known to break camshafts.This is a direct consequential safety failure resulting from defective recall components, causing sudden engine failure while operating on a public roadway. Vehicle is currently held at Fields BMW awaiting corporate inspection.

• 07/03/2019· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  MY 528XI WAS BEING DRIVEN AT HIGH SPEED WHEN ENGINE BUCKED AND SEIZED. MANAGED WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING TO GET TO EMERGENCY AREA. CAR DIED, NO NEUTRAL/ TOWED TO DEALER 12/31/18. COMPUTER SHOWED WITH NO WARNING LOW OIL PRESSURE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY DRIVE CHAIN FAILURE. HAD TO FIGHT TO GET ENGINE REPLACED WITH REMANUFACTURED ENGINE AND ASK FOR TURBO TO BE REPLACED. 6/22/19 CR DIED AGAIN WOULD NOT START, JUMPED STARTED DROVE TO DEALER AND DIES AGAIN. TOLD NEED D NEW BATTERY. 6/30/19 CAR ONCE AGAIN STOPPED DEAD ON MAJOR ROAD, NO WARNING. NOW THEY SAY I NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP.

• 06/29/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  VEHICLE MESSAGED ME WHILE DRIVING THAT OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW. STOPPED, AND RESTARTED WITH NO ISSUES. INVESTIGATED ONLINE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE HAD A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING GUIDES BECOMING BRITTLE AND DISINTEGRATING SENDING PARTS INTO THE SPROCKETS AND THE OIL SENSORS. ALSO CHAIN MAKES A WHINING NOISE IF AFFECTED. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WERE DIAGNOSED AS BEING THE PROBLEM. OUT OF EXTENDED WARRANTY (7YR/70K) BY ONE YEAR AND 5K MILES. BMW KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO VOLUNTARILY RECALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. COULD RESULT IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

• 06/24/2020· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW LOCATED AT 500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE SERVICE DIRECTOR OF THE SAME DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.

• 06/24/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED BMW AND HAD CONTINUOUS ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE, CONSTANTLY REFILLING THE OIL, EVEN AFTER SERVICE. AFTER TAKING THIS TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THERE WEREN'T ANY ISSUES. ALL OF THIS FINALLY CAME TO A HEAD-ON SUNDAY, 6/21/2020 WHEN MY CAR FINALLY CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. AFTER TOWING, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AND WOULD COST ME $7,400 WHICH WOULDN'T NECESSARILY REMEDY THE ISSUE, I HEARD THIS COULD REACH TOWARDS 15-20K. I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE AFTER HAVING ONLY DRIVEN THIS CAR ON AVG 8K/YEAR AND HAVING ROUGHLY 84K MILES IN TOTAL. MY EXPERIENCE WITH BMW HAS SINCE BEEN PAINFUL TO SAY THE LEAST SINCE. I'VE HAD THIS TOWED TWICE IN 2 DAYS, BEEN GIVEN AN ULTIMATUM ON EITHER FIXING THE VEHICLE OR BUYING A NEW ONE - WHEN ASKING FOR A LOANER, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED CONTACT ENTERPRISE AND RESERVE ONE ON MY OWN. I'VE OWNED MULTIPLE GERMAN CARS AND NEVER HAD TO DEAL WITH THIS LEVEL OF UNPROFESSIONALISM. *TR

• 06/22/2026· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the "Drivetrain Malfunction" message displayed. The contact later received a notification for an unknown recall, and a diagnostic test was performed however, no failure was found for the drivetrain. The recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off soon after it was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test discovered that the camshaft sensor was fractured, and metal shavings were found in the oil pan. The vehicle was then diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,900

• 06/20/2014· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  MY CAR WAS PARKED DURING A HAIL STORM. DURING THE STORM, THE BACK WINDSHIELD SHATTERED INTO A THOUSAND PIECES. THANK GOD NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE HAIL STORM! IT WAS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE WINDSHIELDS ARE MADE OF SAFETY GLASS, THAT IS DESIGNED TO ABSORB ANY IMPACT, CRACK, AND STAY IN 1 PIECE. HOWEVER, QUITE THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED (I HAVE PICTURES), WHERE THE ENTIRE BACK GLASS BASICALLY EXPLODED AND GLASS PIECES WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE. THERE WERE EVEN PIECES OF GLASS ON THE FRONT FLOOR BOARD AND DASHBOARD. THIS MUST BE A DEFECT AND COULD HAVE BEEN A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING EVENT IF ANYONE HAPPENED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE DURING THIS STORM! *TR

• 06/19/2013· TIRES

  THREE TIRE BUBBLES, FIRST AT 11,000 MILES, TWO MORE AT 12,000. ORIGINAL TIRES ON BMW 535XI SPORT. "GOODYEAR EAGLE LS-2 RUNONFLAT" 245/40R19 BMW QUICKLY REPLACED FOUR TIRES WITH MICHELIN, AT PRORATED COST, SO THEY KNOW THE PROBLEM. TIRES MUST BE RECALLED FOR SAFETY!!!!!!!!! *TR

• 06/15/2022· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

• 06/15/2018· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE "FUEL SUPPLY PERFORMANCE NOT AVAILABLE DRIVE MODERATELY' WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

• 06/14/2017· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACTED CALLED THE DEALER (BMW GALLERY OF NORWOOD LOCATED AT 918 PROVIDENCE HWY NORWOOD, MA 02082 781-762-2691) AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

• 06/07/2017· POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

  TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 5-SERIES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V138000 (POWER TRAIN). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE DEALER, BMW OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE ORDERED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V020000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, VIN TOOL CONFIRMS REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

• 05/26/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE FUEL PUMP SUDDENLY FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE THE CAR QUIT COMPLETELY. IF I HAD STOPPED IN THE LANE I AM SURE I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY SOMEONE GOING 65 MILES/HR. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO EXACTLY THIS ISSUE THAT INCLUDES 2012 MODELS BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.

• 05/12/2022· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  While driving on the Grand Central Plwy, Queens, NY, a drive train motification came on and stated to drive moderately, right after the oil light came on. We were near a gas station, and added a quart of oil. The oil light went out, the car started without hesitation. We decided to go home, we got off the highway about a mile out, the car just stopped went into park and could not start again. It would crank over, but not connect. We were on a four lane road, luckily there was no one behind us, it could have been a terrible incident. The car was towed to a BMW dealership in Great Neck, NY and we were told it was either the engine or the timing chain and it was not worth fixing. The car was then towed to my mechanic, who stated there was a technical warning #N20 & N26 regarding the timing issue. Hoping something can be done

• 05/01/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  I HAD ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR CHECK, THEY MENTIONED MY TIMING CHAIN AND ENGINE HAS SOME ISSUES AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $14000 WHILE THE CAR LOAN I HAD ON IT WAS $12000. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AS WE ALREADY KNOW BMW 2012 MODELS HAVE ENGINE ISSUES.

• 04/14/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the coolant pump, and the part was not covered under the recall; however, the recall remedy information stated that the dealer would inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and would install a protective shield, free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

• 04/08/2021· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 528XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MESSAGE READ "DO NOT STOP VEHICLE, MAYBE UNABLE TO RESTART; CHARGING ERROR" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.

• 04/04/2023· ENGINE

  The engine seized after paying it off I was told the timing chain jumped and hit a valve