CRITICAL SAFETY REPORT: DRIVING FIRE / INJURY / FAILED RECALL REMEDY (CAMPAIGN 12V‑126)While driving, my 2009 BMW E60 suffered an immediate, catastrophic electrical fire originating at the positive battery terminal bulkhead connector in the trunk floor. This exact component is the subject of federal safety mandate the federal safety agency Recall Campaign 12V‑126.The fire occurred with zero warning on a public roadway, forcing an emergency roadside stop directly in front of a local preschool, creating an imminent public safety crisis. In an attempt to suppress the fire and pull the burning battery away from the school zone, I sustained a physical burn injury to my finger (medical documentation available).The vehicle's positive battery terminal melted completely INWARDS, and the heavy-gauge copper wiring and surrounding trunk body panels suffered extreme structural thermal destruction. This specific physical evidence proves a catastrophic localized electrical arc occurred right at the vehicle's structural bulkhead connector due to high electrical resistance—the exact engineering failure mode detailed in Recall 12V‑126. This proves the 2012 dealership recall remedy has degraded and failed over time, creating a recurring, life-threatening fire hazard.BMW of North America Executive Customer Care and their National Engineering Group have officially denied liability in writing. BMW NA is attempting to blame a standard, factory-specification aftermarket battery and alleged trunk moisture to absolve themselves of a failed federal safety component.This complaint is formally filed to request that the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) launch a Recall Query (RQ) into the long-term efficacy and degradation of the 12V‑126 remedy, as manufacturers cannot legally use aftermarket part exceptions to mask failed safety recall components that result in driving fires and consumer injuries.BMW Corporate Case Reference: 11125880.
The worst 2009 BMW 528I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine12
- Electrical5
- Fuel system4
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine12
- Electrical5
- Fuel system4
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Body1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Visibility1
- Wheels1
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: tail lights
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
- Risk
- Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V407000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW 528I 55
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon?...
- Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon"...
- Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress
- "Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in...
2009 BMW 528I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 27-28 | 21 |
What 2009 BMW 528I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle fail breaks malfunction. No response to the brakes. Push many times no break response vehicle hit vehicle in front of it could not be avoided That rotors are less than one year old there about six or 7000 miles on them. They are basically new new tires car will maintain no lights on dash no warning no airbag deployment. Vehicle going in slow speed due to heavy traffic
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 contact stated that he started to smell a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving and something was burning under my hood
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact stated while turning on the heater, there was a bad odor coming from the heater. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts are not available
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would overheat. An unknown warning light was illuminated and a warning message that the vehicle was overheating and to slow down and stop the vehicle to prevent further damage was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I took the 2009 BMW 528i to Bridgeport BMW to have a prior safety recall (17V‑673/19V‑273) repaired but, it wasn't fixed and my car caught on fire last year before I got another recall letter stating that there's no remedy for the Recall Campaign No. 22V‑119: PCV Valve Heater.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. 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 contact stated the vehicle was overheating and unsafe to drive. The contact was advised to seek a loaner vehicle while waiting for parts to become available. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel smell in the driver side rear. The fuel pump leaks fuel.
Compare the 2009 BMW 528I
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Questions about the 2009 BMW 528I
Is the 2009 BMW 528I reliable?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2009 BMW 528I, fewer than a typical 528I model year.
What is the 2009 BMW 528I year score?
The 2009 BMW 528I scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 528I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 528I?
Engine and cooling, with 12 complaints, typically around 122,300 miles. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 528I have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW 528I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V683000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 528I have bad engine?
The BMW 528I model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (66 complaints), 2012 (48 complaints) and 2013 (47 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW 528I get?
Official estimates for the 2009 BMW 528I range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 27-28 highway.
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