The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a stop and the Automatic START/STOP feature activated; however, the engine failed to restart. The message "Drive Train Malfunction Error" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the timing chain had fractured, causing unknown parts to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
The worst 2012 BMW 528XI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine33
- Transmission18
- Fuel system8
- Electrical6
- Airbags5
- Lights5
- Seats2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Steering1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 BMW 528XI
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 BMW 528XI 6
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
- The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to...
- Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc
2012 BMW 528XI crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 528 XI 4 DR AWD | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
What 2012 BMW 528XI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle suffered a sudden Drivetrain Malfunction and severe engine overheating while driving, resulting in a physically snapped camshaft and extensive iron shaving contamination in the oil pan (catastrophic engine failure).Ten months ago, an authorized dealership performed the official BMW Water Pump Safety Recall (the federal safety agency Campaign 24V608000). The vehicle has an active history of drivetrain malfunction fault codes dating back to January 2024. The failure of the recall remedy to safely maintain the cooling loop directly caused severe thermal stress and lubrication breakdown, leading to the camshaft fracturing. Additionally, this engine was under the VANOS Bolt Safety Recall (the federal safety agency Campaign 23V707000), which covers loosening valvetrain bolts known to break camshafts.This is a direct consequential safety failure resulting from defective recall components, causing sudden engine failure while operating on a public roadway. Vehicle is currently held at Fields BMW awaiting corporate inspection.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine with the "Drivetrain Malfunction" message displayed. The contact later received a notification for an unknown recall, and a diagnostic test was performed however, no failure was found for the drivetrain. The recall repair was performed. Recently, the contact stated that the vehicle would shut off soon after it was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic test discovered that the camshaft sensor was fractured, and metal shavings were found in the oil pan. The vehicle was then diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,900
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the recall repair was not yet available. However, the dealer installed a splash seal. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and was referred to contact another dealer since parts for the recall repair were available. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where the remedy was available, and the contact was informed that the recall was already completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Most recently, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues, and the contact was referred to the local dealer. The contact stated that the dealer had committed fraud since the manufacturer paid for the recall to be completed. Prior to the failure, the contact had replaced the headlamp. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for maintenance, and afterwards, the vehicle was washed, and water entered the headlight and damaged the sensor. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while checking the Carfax history report of the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 138,000; however, the Carfax history report showed that the mileage was approximately 224,000.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the coolant pump, and the part was not covered under the recall; however, the recall remedy information stated that the dealer would inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and would install a protective shield, free of charge. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
See attached document for complaint.
My BMW started leaking fluid 4 months ago. Lights on dash came on one light was the triangle light which engine light. I had it serviced completely oil & filter change hooked up to machine that checks all components senors everything checked out great. One week later I was driving I was coming to a stop my brakes sounded like they were grinding next day had mechanic check the brakes all good. Next day I am pulling out of Attorney Parking lot as I am turning the steering wheel my BMW makes a load screaming cracking noise so I turn my steering wheel up right to drive straight it makes the same noise. I stop to look around my vehicle to see if anything is leaking or dragging nothing was dragging but maybe one or drops of something I touched the solution to feel if it was water or oil? It felt oily so I drove to my mechanic he lifted it up on the racks. We both could see some solution was leaking around possibly where engine oil plug is then we saw it had been leaking back to middle of my vehicle water area and running back to the middle of my vehicle. My mechanic decided to put the machine that checks for certain items on vehicles I know it checks my sensors not sure what else?? He and a couple of the other mechanic stop and help him. I left my vehicle he let me drive his vehicle home he wanted to check other issue tomorrow. Next day I got to the mechanic he said he knew it needed a transfer case and 4 sensors he said it would take time to buy a new transfer case for 2012 BMW 528I xl so to leave my vehicle with him.Then I get this letter today 12/13/24 from BMW DATED 10/2024 it states there defect which relates to motor vehicle safety issue which means a part is being recalled on my vehicle!! My question my vehicle has already gotten damaged by this recall I am trying to fix the problems plus paid already $1500. For repairs to my mechanic whom thought that fix my issue but has not. Please inform me as to what I the owner of this model vehicle that has a defective part
passenger restraint system malfunction warning, many owners have compalined about this, bmw has not issued any recalls but this seams to be a common issue.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Compare the 2012 BMW 528XI
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Questions about the 2012 BMW 528XI
Is the 2012 BMW 528XI reliable?
Owners have filed 54 complaints about the 2012 BMW 528XI, 1.7 times a typical 528XI model year.
What is the 2012 BMW 528XI year score?
The 2012 BMW 528XI scores 55 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 528XI: 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 2012 BMW 528XI?
Engine and cooling, with 33 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles. Next is transmission (18).
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 528XI have?
No recalls on record.
Is the 2012 BMW 528XI safe in a crash?
In government crash tests the 2012 BMW 528XI scored 5 out of 5 stars overall.
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