2012 BMW 328I transmission problems

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WA

Engine oil pressure light came on and then the driver train malfunction light. Car at 113k miles and upon checking the timing chain was damage and now engine locked

Filed Jan 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · NC

INCIDENT SUMMARY: On January 9, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, while traveling at 50 MPH in North Carolina, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine seizure without any prior "Limp Mode" warning or Check Engine Light. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power in active traffic. I was forced to navigate a dead multi-ton vehicle across lanes without power steering or vacuum-assisted braking, narrowly avoiding a high-speed collision. TIMELINE & NEGLIGENCE: This vehicle was purchased from an independent retail dealer on December 20, 2025—less than 21 days prior to this life-threatening failure. The vehicle was sold with an "Open" status for Safety Recall 23V‑707. The failure occurred exactly as described in the recall’s warning: a catastrophic stall at speed. TECHNICAL EVIDENCE: A non-invasive borescope inspection of the cylinders has confirmed the presence of metallic "silver chunks" (sheared bolt heads) and "half-moon" impact marks on the piston crowns, indicating a total timing failure and internal mechanical collision (piston-to-valve contact). REQUIRED REMEDY: This incident is a direct manifestation of the safety risk documented in Recall 23V‑707. Per BMW Service Bulletin SIB 11 09 23, the presence of sheared bolt heads and seized internals constitutes "Catastrophic Consequential Damage." I am filing this report to ensure federal oversight of BMW North America’s obligation to provide a complete engine replacement, as the safety defect was present at the time of sale and resulted in a near-fatal incident within 300 miles of ownership.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Acceleration, Airbags · CA

My car lost power. It would come and go. Now it's gone. The codes that come up pertain to the wheel speed sensor and timing.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated, and the brakes were independently activated. Additionally, the contact stated that the “Service Required” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that recently the transfer case was replaced by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Acceleration, Transmission · 117,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I.The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated at high speed before the vehicle shut off with the message “Transmission Not in Park” displayed. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road, and after the vehicle cooled down the contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the fuel pump was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2021 · Transmission · IL

While driving car at speeds <30 mph, on hitting a minor bump on the road, car engine suddenly stopped with a "Drivetrain malfunction" error. The car lost all power within a few seconds, including power steering. The instrument cluster was off except for error message. Transmission shifted to Neutral automatically which I believe is by design. On somehow maneuvering in traffic and coasting to a stop, and waiting a minute and pressing the ignition start button, car powered on immediately and was driveable. The same incident repeated within 30 miles of driving. A local authorized service center found no existing problems although there are several error messages logged by the on board computer. The safety is severely compromised and the car can be easily rear-ended since hazard light signals also failed. The vehicle has otherwise been regularly maintained at authorized service centers.

Filed Dec 12, 2020 · Transmission · 74,054 miles · SC

While in motion on a county road, the service engine light came on and car started running very rough. Car was towed to the dealership. Whining noise coming from the timing chain. Worn crankshaft sprocket. Had to replace the timing chain and oil pump drive chain.

Filed Nov 4, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · NY

Failing timing chain. Manufacturing defect but not covered by bmw because "the VIN doesn't show as covered in our system". Some other vehicles had extended warranty for this issue until 70,000 miles but for some reason not all VIN's are covered. Please see other issues with the n20 engine across the 3 series, 5 series and x3 and you will see many people reporting the same issue. This needs a recall. Not fair to have this issue for so many customers

Filed Oct 17, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 56,000 miles · FL · crash

Timing chain problems, the car stop in the middle of the road

Filed Jun 26, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 103,000 miles · CA

I was cruising on the highway when my idrive displayed 'low oil pressure warning' and 'drivetrain malfunction,' the engine weird noises before it shutdown and went into neutral while I was still around traffic. I barely made it a safe place to stop as I had to coast up a hill and then turn with whatever momentum I had. The steering wheel and brakes were extremely hard to move. I got my car towed and had a diagnostic test for codes shown in the attached screenshot. Had a certified mechanic take a look and was told by several other mechanics as well that oil starvation destroyed the engine as a result of oil pump failure. No sign or premature wear with a very generous 5,000 mile oil & filter change interval and been in the hands of bmw dealerships for all it's life.