2011 BMW 528I transmission problems

Filed Nov 17, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OK

I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership performed the recall repair and released the vehicle back to me. Immediately after picking it up, the vehicle experienced a failure and became inoperable. The vehicle had to be towed again. This time, the dealership covered the towing cost and had the vehicle returned to my residence. Staff present at the time included a technician named Luke and the Service Drive Manager, Tayler Hawkins. Staff statements indicated that diagnostic charges would have applied if issues outside the recall were found, but no diagnostics were ultimately billed. There were also inconsistencies regarding the availability of the service manager. I am filing this complaint because the vehicle failed immediately after recall service and required towing. I am concerned that the recall work may not have been performed correctly or that the vehicle was released in a condition that was not suitable for operation. I am requesting that this incident be documented as part of the recall and safety record for this vehicle.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure started recently and had occurred several times. Additionally, the vehicle was vibrating intermittently and lost motive power. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle failed to accelerate above 15 MPH. The contact smelled the odor of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Feb 22, 2025 · Transmission · CA

It feels like someone is hitting me from behind when it downshifts from I believe 2nd into 1st gear. Its a hard down shift. I was told by a mechanic at Bavarian Auto in Bakersfield Ca. His name is Sal and he is the owner. I told him when I took my car in that I wanted the transmission fluid changed. He told me it's a lifetime transmission and it never had to be changed. Now I'm pretty sure I'm having a problem with my transmission because of it needing the oil changed.

Filed Jan 18, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 148,582 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and made unusual sounds. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift as intended and was seized in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,582.

Filed Feb 3, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · FL

I have a 2011 SIX-cylinder BMW 528i. I was driving down the road and had a yellow engine light come on and my car lost all power and I coasted into a parking area and then had my vehicle towed to the BMW Service Center. They determined the problem was that the VANOS UNIT BOLTS had broken off and they repaired the vehicle charging me $6678.11. I found out about a recall for 2010-2012 5 series BMW’s and my service advisor told me that I didn’t qualify for is because the recall had expired in 2021. I called BMW North America and they referred me to NHITSA. I have a video sent to me from the service technician showing me where the bolts had sheared off. I feel that this should have been repaired by BMW at no charge to me.

Filed Feb 13, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 94,000 miles · NJ

Was at my fianc grandads funeral saturday 02/06/2021 and the car started acting strange immediately I heard strange noice coming from the front of the engine got a diagnosis and mechanic told me vvt issues got if fixed at a certified bmw tech and on his bulletin I seen the recall and he told me about this recall and that he gets many cars every week for this job he told me I would be reimbursed from bmw of north america I have all the recites for the labor and parts and I really need your help in getting this resolved

Filed Aug 7, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 5 miles · CA

Car stalls, and a bunch of malfunctions arise, ultimately leaving the check engine light on

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Transmission · CA

The vehicle slips when accelerating (especially uphill). It lost power twice and I reset the modules by turning on the electrical and stepping on the accelerator for 30 seconds. But it continues to slip

Filed Sep 25, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · 109,327 miles · NM

Driving down the road and popped out of gear went into neutral. And stalled

Filed May 25, 2016 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · CA

Check engine light on rough running, hesitation and jerking when accelerating.