2012 BMW 528XI engine problems

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · 119,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · FL

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.

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · 128,900 miles · FL

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

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Lights · 155,000 miles · NY

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

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 129,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Aug 22, 2023 · Engine · IN

Car gave a Drivetrain Malfunction error and I was able to get the car to the mechanic I've used on the car since it was purchased. I was informed this week that there is now debris in the oil from the timing chain.

Filed Apr 4, 2023 · Engine · NH

The engine seized after paying it off I was told the timing chain jumped and hit a valve

Filed Sep 4, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · KY

Car just wouldn't start one day. Drivetrain malfunction warning indicating timing chain replacement. Car just sits in my driveway. Will cost 6 grand to fix. Timing Chain failure probably effected my engine.

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Engine · KS

While driving my car at about 30 miles per hour the engine suddenly seized up. There was no warning at all. I had it towed to the dealer, Baron BMW in Merriam Kansas. After evaluating the car they determined the engine failed and it was an issue of lack of oil. I had taken the car to this dealer prior to buying the car to make sure there were no problems. After their inspection I went ahead and bought the car. It had 40,528 miles. I had taken it to the same dealer for service for 3 years prior to the engine failure When the engine failed the mileage was 95,444. I talked with the dealer and let them know that I felt BMW should pay for replacement of the engine. They refused to do this so I was stuck with having to pay for another engine. After researching this issue I found out that there numerous issues with the engine and that several people had had the same problem. BMW was aware of this issue and chose not to do a recall as they should have . Instead the went ahead and made the decision to not do the recall and deal with the engine failures when the engines failed . This would be less expensive to do rather than do the recall which they should have done. So what they did was to sell the 528i model and let people drive the cars , knowing that a certain number of cars engines would fail. Since your organization is concerned about safety issues ,shouldn't you have taken some action once you became aware of the engine failure issue I would hope you could consider some kind of fine or whatever against BMW for putting a car out on the road knowing a certain number of engines would fail while people were driving . They were more concerned with profits rather than the safety of the public that would be driving their cars. While you are at it it would be good if you could fine BMW and have them reimburse the owners of these cars in which the engines failed! Thank you for your time and consideration. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jul 27, 2022 · Engine · CA

With no prior warning or issues my car displayed a drive train error followed by a low pressure error and immediately lost power. The timing chain blew and destroyed the engine.