BMW 128I stalling problems

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Prior to August 2024, this vehicle operated with zero check engine lights or drivetrain faults. In August 2024, BMW of Pittsburgh executed federally mandated Safety Recall 23V‑707, which required opening the cylinder head. Immediately following this service, the Check Engine Light began illuminating persistently.On or about October 3, 2024, an independent diagnostic scan at Bobby Rahal BMW pulled BMW Factory Code 002A89: Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Mechanism Fault (Mechanical Sticking/Flow Restriction). Technicians at Bobby Rahal BMW explicitly instructed me to return the car to BMW of Pittsburgh because they suspected the original VANOS safety recall repair was botched.On October 28, 2024, I returned the vehicle to BMW of Pittsburgh to address this issue. Their technicians opened the engine block assembly a second time, yet failed to correct the defect. Following this second visit, the check engine light continued to come on intermittently. The vehicle began suffering rough idling, difficulty starting, and dangerous stalling events during operation. Cycling the ignition on and off provided only temporary relief.The check engine light has now become permanently illuminated. The safety hazards have severely escalated into a protective engine "limp mode," causing violent drivetrain shuddering and a catastrophic loss of driveability. BMW of Pittsburgh refuses to honor the recall workmanship, demanding a predatory $6,000 out-of-pocket teardown fee to bypass their liability. The manufacturer (BMW North America) has been notified under Case Reference VH78028, but the safety defect remains unaddressed, and the vehicle is completely unsafe to drive.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Engine · IL

Due to BMW using plastic parts when you live in Hot and cold environments the plastic begins to mold to other plastic parts and pvc diaphragms tear rather easy causing rough idle , stalls and can cause over revving and send a car into another car while in gear. The cheap plastic cause oil leaks and when oil gets low cause engine failure as well.

Filed Mar 19, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and then stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Dec 17, 2024 · Engine · NJ

VANOS chamshaft bolts broke, and had to pay $3,200 to replace assembly, and restore timing in engine. There is currently an open recall for 2010+ models but the problem still occurs on 2009 models as well. This is a huge risk for drivers as the car can randomly stall and cause fatal accidents and/or financial burden. This problem has been addressed for earlier models, and needs to be held to the same standard for later models with the same engine.

Filed Jul 19, 2024 · Engine · 102,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. While at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 5, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed and pulling into the driveway, the vehicle stalled. While driving on two occasions, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, door and trunk failed to open. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and noticed there was power being distributed to the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While the vehicle was still at the local dealer, it was diagnosed that the CAS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · PA

The vehicle's ignition coil and spark plugs have had to be replaced several times. Car lost power while driving. Stalled engine at red lights and green. The PCV Valve Heater is causing the ignition coil and spark plugs to malfunction, leading to expensive repairs.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Engine · 48,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128i. The contact stated that on several occasion while driving, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact also stated that when she attempted to restart the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine would randomly start. The contact stated that the electrical system failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified by the dealer of the failure and the contact was informed that a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2018 · Engine · 147,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw 128i. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled and the "service engine soon" message appeared. The contact turned the vehicle off and attempted to restart the engine. A plastic burning odor permeated through the vents and smoke emerged from the engine compartment. After some time, the contact was finally able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer (athens bmw, 3040 atlanta highway athens, georgia 30606). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the pcv heater had a short circuit. The contact stated that she received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. *tt - (recall related incident) ts the consumer stated the bmw falsely stated that the consumer's pcv valve was ok but the consumer stated it wasn't.

Filed Jun 26, 2017 · Engine · 111,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 128i. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light at 5 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled while making a loud knocking noise. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the aluminum bolts in the variable cam shaft timing adjustment housing had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact to speak to a bmw dealer in order to have the repair work done under a recall. The contact spoke to bmw of tulsa located at 9702 s memorial dr, tulsa, ok 74133 and was informed that they would not repair the vehicle for free as the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 14v176000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the contact should speak to the federal safety agency to have his VIN added to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.