car engine timing chain guides are faulty and there have been lawsuits that were settled and no recall on the actual part with drivers still having issues with the N20 engine now getting quotes for over $15,000. is this not an incident where it’s not the fault of a driver but manufacturing? This needs to become a recall for all N20 engine timing chain and guides as the faulty part is causing complete engine failure. seems very deceptive when a BMW only last 100,000 miles.
2012 BMW 528I engine problems
48 complaints (53% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 83,000.
- owner complaints
- 48
- of this car's complaints
- 53%
- typical mileage
- 83,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW 528I engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 BMW 528I engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2012 BMW 528I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle has oil leak bad
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle. After several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's office. An independent mechanic arrived and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Engine Malfunction" message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted 20 minutes later after several attempts. The failure reoccurred several times until the vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the control unit seal pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same independent mechanic on several occasions where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil and timing chain had fractured into the oil pan valve cover, and the oil pan gasket, oil pan, and spark plugs needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,898.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started, however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated the vehicle eventually started. In addition, the contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were not available. In addition, the contact stated that previously the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed coolant pump and unknown sensor. The contact was informed that the coolant pump and the unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The unknown sensor was replaced, however the contact was informed that the coolant pump was unavailable. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was offered to have the vehicle towed to the dealer, however the parts were not available. The failure mileage was 111,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
While driving error message came up on screen saying add a quart of oil, car was smoking and engine block caught fire.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated that there was water leaking from the vehicle. There was an undisclosed electrical failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Vehicle leaked oil to where it caused an engine fire.
The drivetrain disintegrated. Car started running really rough, and then just stopped completely. Would crank but would not move. Yes, it is available. Car would barely go, and then just stopped in the road. I had to have it towed to a mechanic. No, I had not received a warning of this possible hazard. No, it was not inspected by any of the above, but was inspected by numerous mechanics. Yes, drivetrain light/warning came on, as well as, drive at a slower rate when the car started to drive roughly. The turbo also went out on the car. May 28, 2024
Questions about the 2012 BMW 528I engine
Does the 2012 BMW 528I have engine problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints about the engine of the 2012 BMW 528I, 53% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 528I engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 83,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2012 BMW 528I engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2012 BMW 528I problems
Fuel system 29Transmission 20Electrical 12Brakes 4Acceleration 3Airbags 3Body 3Steering 3Wheels 3Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Lights 1Seats 1
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