2012 BMW 535I transmission problems

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners and noted by the federal safety agency under ID Number 11016414. A primary cause of the issue is accelerated timing chain wear. The N63 engine's design features timing chains that are prone to stretching prematurely. This stretching can disrupt the precise timing of the engine's valves, leading to a cascade of problems. As a consequence, owners have reported a variety of symptoms, including the illumination of the "drivetrain malfunction" warning light, noticeable engine noise, excessive vibration, and potentially catastrophic engine failure. The "drivetrain malfunction" message, in particular, is a frequently cited indicator of this underlying powertrain problem. To address these widely reported issues, the N63 Customer Care Package was implemented. This service bulletin instructs authorized BMW technicians to perform a series of diagnostic tests. The main objective is to detect if the timing chains have stretched beyond acceptable tolerances. If excessive wear is confirmed, the TSB provides a detailed procedure for the necessary repairs. This often involves replacing the timing chains and related components to restore proper engine function. Beyond the core timing chain replacement, the Customer Care Package also includes several proactive and preventative measures. Technicians are instructed to check and potentially replace other components, such as fuel injectors and boost solenoids, which may have been impacted or contributed to the engine's performance issues. Furthermore, the service includes reprogramming the vehicle's software

Filed May 22, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · GA

While driving heard a loud noise and oil start pouring out the bottom of the car.. After getting my Vehicle looked at BMW dealership informed me that the drive shaft had broken and fell in the engine and caused a hole in the engine and damaging the oil pan also

Filed Dec 6, 2021 · Fuel system, Transmission · 90,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the drivetrain malfunction warning message flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact had a friend replace the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel pump. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2021 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the power train warning message was displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · FL

Engine blew a year ago and I had to have that replaced because the rod bearings blew at 90,000 miles. Rear differential has failed not once but 2 times. Failed the first time 11/24/2020 and after $2200 in repairs again on 01/23/2021. Nevermind also having both from cv axles replaced as well. But the rear differential failure I have been seeing on a lot of bmw's.

Filed Oct 19, 2019 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · FL

Drive train malfunction: drive moderately caused by valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft. At 50k miles

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 56,670 miles · TX

Sunroof spontaneously exploded as I was driving

Filed Mar 14, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 91,000 miles · GA

Was driving suddendly car lost speed to 20mph rpms reved up to 4000. Would not go any faster had to pull over the car put itself in neutral then turned itself off few minutes later was able to turn the car back on and resume driving .. It wa a city street clear weather he power train malfunction wasindicated on the screen very unsafe to drive on city streets plus interstate highways through atlanta.

Filed Mar 2, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 115,272 miles · MD

Vehicle has issues in line with the recall that has been extended for some VIN numbers under recall number #16v746000. Vehicle has experienced shaking under acceleration, sputtering, flashing check engine light and, multiple trips to the dealership. The vehicle has had items noted under the recall fixed at the expense of the vehicle owner. Currently the high pressure fuel pump has been replaced, as has the battery without making any change on the vehicles performance. It is currently in the dealers hands (for the last month) with bmwna currently reviewing the service records to see if they will cover the issue. The vehicle has experienced issues while merging into traffic, accelerating, and daily ddriving.

Filed May 6, 2013 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · TX

My car have about 1/2 second delay from the time you press the accelerator and the car responds, so you push harder, because (I guess) is turbo the kick in is very strong, almost hit a car in front of me at least twice.