Filed Oct 17, 2016136,188 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk. The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
All 1 campaign on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2025GA
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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 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 in
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 22, 2025NJ
The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 21, 2025WA
UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 23, 2024127,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine temperature and "Pull Over - Stop Vehicle" warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and let the vehicle cool down and drove to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was an active recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 21, 2024119,000 milesSC
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 50–55 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle shutoff. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive to her residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the fuel pump and the water pump. The water pump and fuel pump were replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2024AL
Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should. The Recall needs to be extended to include 2012 - 5 series models as failure of these bolts will cause immediate engine failure and could result in catastrophic crash, especially if driving at high speeds. I have contacted BMW of North America and they will not extend the recall until formal complaints, such as this, are received. My Issue with the Vanos Camshaft Bolts is currently being repaired (out of pocket) and I will share my invoice once received.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 13, 2023VA
The headlights on the BMW 535 collect excessive amounts of condensation. If the condensation builds up, then the light does not function properly. The main safety concern is the malfunction of the turn signal. It will function in the rear of the vehicle but does not light up on the front in the affected headlight housing. Review of this problem on-line shows that this has occurred in many BMW vehicles and BMW also has issued a service bulletin for this problem (SI B63 05 16). As widespread as this problem is, I would think there would be a required recall for this service.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 9, 2022NJ
The front lights - water gets in impact visibility. The only repair is to replace the entire unit which is $2k per light. There is not other options. The adaptive warning sign does not go away due to this water.
Engine
Filed May 22, 2022GA
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
Seat Belts
Filed Apr 21, 2022OH
Driver seatbelt fails to engage with latch. Latch does not positively lock when inserted. Safety risk is obvious and has rendered the car undrivable. This just happened and has not been inspected by dealer. I personally looked at it and compared with other belt points. to me, it looks like the small metal clip failed.
Power Train
Filed Dec 6, 202190,000 milesCA
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 NHTSA 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.
Seats
Filed Nov 1, 2021GA
Based on research it appears BMW has a long history of issues and even a recall on select years around the passenger seat sensor detector becoming faulty and impacting the ability of the air bags to deploy in a collision. This seems to a critical issue since it could result in serious injury to the passenger in the event of a collision.
Engine
Filed Sep 11, 2021DE
While driving car stalled, dropped speed and engine warning light came on. Fuel pump was needed. Had to have car towed obtained a rental for 11 days. Fuel pump out of stock. Immediately after fuel pump was replaced less than two weeks the thermostat had to be replaced. Another tow and another rental. I need to be compensated for stress aggravation and loss of use. Repairs and car rental and tow cost over $3500
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 25, 202197,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact waited approximately 5-10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted soon after the initial failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
Power Train
Filed Jun 14, 202170,000 milesFL
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.
Engine
Filed May 13, 2021116,526 milesMN
3/23/2021 DRIVING ON I-94 IN MORNING RUSH HOUR WHEN ENGINE KILLED. WAS ABLE TO ROLL OVER TO THE MEDIAN BETWEEN AN ON-RAMP AND THE HIGHWAY BEFORE CAR STOPPED MOVING. CHARGE BATTERY LIGHT ON ON THE DASH AS WELL AS CHECK STABILIZATION WARNING. WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL BUT DASH LIGHTS/WIPERS WERE ON (RAINING). TOWED TO MECHANIC I'VE TAKEN VEHICLES TO FOR PAST 4-5 CARS/TRUCKS. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE #2 PISTON RING CAME OFF AND JAMMED BETWEEN THE CYLINDER WALL AND PISTON CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE/NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED AND WHILE DOING A TEST DRIVE, THE MECHANIC FELT A VIBRATION AND THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS MOVEMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SO THEY REPLACED THAT AS WELL. THE CAR HAD 116.5K ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED ABOUT 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE AND CV ASSEMBLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. JUST GOT CAR BACK YESTERDAY, JUST OVER A MONTH AND A HALF TO REPAIR.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 23, 2021109,000 milesNC
THE HEADLIGHT GET CONDENSATION INSIDE WHICH REDUCES INTENSITY OF HEAD LIGHT. THIS CONDENSATION HAS NOW CORRUPTED THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE WHICH MADE THE TURN SIGNAL NOT WORK. THE DESIGN OF THE HEAD LIGHT MOUNTING MAKES FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT BY HAVE TO REMOVE BUMPER JUST TO GET TO HEADLIGHT. 1. CONDENSATION REDUCES INTENSITY OF HEADLIGHTS 2. MOISTURE CORRODED ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROLLER MODULE THAT ALSO MADE TURN SIGNAL NOT WORK. 3. VERY COMPLICATED ACCESS TO HEADLIGHT TO REPAIR (VERY EXPENSIVE)
Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2021150,000 milesFL
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 28, 202071,000 milesCA
ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 830AM, I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THE 118 FWY, MY 2012 BMW 535I SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I TRIED TO GIVE IT MORE GAS BUT IT WOULD NOT GO FASTER. IT IMMEDIATELY GAVE ME AN ERROR POINTING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY SAFELY. AFTER BEING INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT BOTH OF MY FUEL PUMPS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR FUEL PUMPS FOR THE 2012 BMW 535I BUT MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. IT'S OBVIOUS I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS OTHER 2012 BMW 535I.
Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2020109,000 milesFL
WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, MY VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES YESTERDAY AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 2, 2020105,000 milesTX
CAR STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR 15 - 20 MINUTES WHILE BLOCKING THE ROADWAY. TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK MODE AND OVERRIDE TO NEUTRAL GEAR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. INABILITY TO MANUALLY PUT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL POSES ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 23, 202075,000 milesNC
MY COOLANT FAN IS MOVING FASTER THAN IT SHOULD BECAUSE THE WATER PUMP IS FAILING. IT ALMOST CAUGHT FIRE THE OTHER DAY WHEN MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR.. IT WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I HEARD THE FAN SPINNING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND WAS SMOKING TERRIBLY.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Dec 9, 2019ME
AT 72,000 MILES THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND IT WILL NOT RESET. NO ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT OR AIR BAG. IT WAS NOT IN MOTION AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AT ENGINE START AND DID NOT GO OUT.
Tires
Filed Nov 2, 201966,534 milesAL
THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE INNER SIDEWALLS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OR WARNING OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, NO CONTROL PANEL WARNING, PULLING ETC. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED NORMALLY, THE CAR DRIVING NORMAL. THEN SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LOUD PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND AS IF THE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. I PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE!!!
Power Train
Filed Oct 19, 201950,000 milesFL
DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY CAUSED BY VALVETRONIC MOTOR AND ECCENTRIC SHAFT. AT 50K MILES
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2019PA
WHILE WAITING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN MY VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. HOWEVER, WHENEVER I OPENED THE DOOR IT WOULD START AND STOP WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SLOANE BMW OF DEVON, PA. SLOANE SAID THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL PUMP MODULE WHICH THEY REPLACED FOR WHICH I WAS CHARGED $1585.62. HOWEVER, THIS WAS NOT THE END. ON 3/28/19 WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND DECELERATING. OTHER DRIVERS BEHIND ME COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND MADE SOME DANGEROUS MOVES. FORTUNATELY A DRIVER IN THE RIGHT LANE ALLOWED ME TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SLOANE BMW AS HE FUEL PUMP THAT THEY HAD REPLACED WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SLOANE DECIDED THAT "THE ENGINE ECCENTRIC SHAFT ADJUSTMENT MOTOR IS INTERNALLY FAULTY AND CHARGED ME $169.99. TECH REPORTED "ALL PERFORMED NORMALLY" DESPITE NOT FINDING A PROBLEM WITH THE ECCENTRIC SHAFT SLOANE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $6109.71. LATER WHEN COPIES OF THE TEST WERE REQUESTED SLOANE SAID THEY DIDN`T HAVE THEM. AS A RESULT I AM STILL DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT PRESENTS A DANGER TO MY LIFE IN ORDER TO GT TO WORK. I HAVE CONTACTED MR. CLAUS EBERHART VP AFTER SALES AND MR. IAN ROBERTSON, BOARD MEMBER AT BMW NORTH AMERICA BUT NEITHER RESPONDED. THE ONLY GUIDANCE THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WAS IN AN ARTICLE I FOUND ONLINE THAT RECOMMENDED CAUTION WHEN ACCELERATING. IN
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jun 6, 201974,500 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT SWITCHED TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR, AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AT A FUEL STATION AND NOTICED THAT THE RPMS WERE INCREASING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 2, 201965,000 milesCA
THE RECALL NUMBER 16V746000 ON 2012 BMW FUEL PUMP IS INSUFFICIENTLY EXECUTED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS IT DID NOT INCLUDE MY CAR (VIN #[XXX]). I HAVE ENCOUNTERED A SAFETY HAZARD DURING DRIVING AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF BUSY EXPRESSWAY. CANNOT RESTART AND CAR TOWED WITH HELP FROM POLICE. AFTER DEALER DIAGNOSE PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMP BUT REFUSE TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY FIX EVEN IT IS OF SAME MODEL AND YEAR. APPARENTLY MANUFACTURER DID NOT INCLUDE "ALL" AFFECTED VEHICLES AFFECTED WITH THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. PLEASE OPEN ANOTHER RECALL OR EXTEND THE RECALL OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT TO BMW NORTH AMERICA AND HOPEFULLY YOUR AGENCY CAN FOLLOWUP ON THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 30, 201965,000 milesCA
VEHICLE STALL INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING ON LAWRENCE EXPRESSWAY. SOMETIME CANNOT RESTART. ENGINE CODE REVEALED FUEL PUMP ISSUE 481B01 EKPS CONTROL VOLTAGE TOO LOW. THERE IS A RECALL ON 2012 BMW 535I ON FUEL PUMP BUT DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE ACCORDING TO RECALL SINCE THE VIN DO NOT SHOW UP IN THEIR SYSTEM. (EVEN THE YEAR AND MODEL IS PART OF THE RECALL)
Electrical System
Filed Apr 23, 201956,670 milesTX
SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED AS I WAS DRIVING
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Mar 14, 201991,000 milesGA
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 8, 2019110,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE FUEL MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 4, 201946,500 milesCT
I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ABOUT SOMETHING WITH A FUEL LEAK AND BMW SAYS IT'S SOMETHING TO DO WITH ADMISSIONS! I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF PLEASE. THIS IS A REAL ISSUE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE ELECTRIC CALIPERS GET STUCK AND CAUSE A BIG BANG WHEN U PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT WHEN YOU FIRST LEAVE. DON'T HAPPEN AFTER THAT. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS THE PROBLEM CAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE LOOKED FINE.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Feb 4, 201938,509 milesPR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. WHEN THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOGERMANA BMW (LOCATED AT 298 AVENDIA CARLOS E. CHARDON, SAN JUAN, 00919, PR, (787) 474-7000), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,509.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 8, 2018MD
DRIVERS DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN DOOR HANDLE IS PULLED
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Sep 8, 201849,000 milesCA
THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION WARNING KEEPS POPPING UP. I'VE SPENT CLOSE TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS AT BMW DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED. THEY HAVE INSPECTED AND REPLACED A FEW SENSORS AND THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTS.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Aug 27, 201892,000 milesCA
THE SEAT MAT SENSOR (AIRBAG) HAS FAILED ON MY VEHICLE. THE ITEM IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SEVERAL OTHER YEARS, HOWEVER IT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED ON THE 2012 YET. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EXISTING PROBLEM. THEY WANT ME TO PAY $1200 TO FIX THE ITEM THEY KNOW HAS FAILED ON NUMEROUS YEARS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY ARE NOT RESOLVING IT. THEY TOLD ME MY CASE WAS CLOSED AND IT WOULD NOT BE INVESTIGATED ANY FURTHER THEN MY PHONE CALL.
Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2018100,009 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,009.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 9, 201883,000 milesCA
CAR STALLED SUDDENLY WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET NEAR A PARKING LOT. UNABLE TO RESTART BLOCKING THE ROADWAY. TRANSMISSION LOCKED IN PARK MODE AND OVERRIDE TO NEUTRAL GEAR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. WAITED FOR TOW TRUCK WHILE CARS WERE BLOCKED OFF. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF HAPPENED ON A BUSY FREEWAY OR STREET. INABILITY TO MANUALLY PUT GEAR INTO NEUTRAL POSES ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 30, 2017120,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL CAUSING THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE VALLEY AUTO WORLD BMW DEALER LOCATED IN 3822 SYCAMORE DAIRY RD, FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA; 910-864-0000 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V746000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 201733,000 milesPA
DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE AT 33000 MILES. UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND OPEN DOOR BY INSIDE HANDLE. THEREFORE, MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY IF DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BMW BUT HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL, WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND AS A SAFETY PROBLEM.
Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2017115,272 milesMD
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.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 201643,000 milesCA
I HAD TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING IN MY CAR BECAUSE OF A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING ANY DIRECTION, SOUND HEARD WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE OR PARK. I HAD ABOUT 43,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE NOISE STARTED. I HAD CALLED BMW TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM BEING IT IS PART OF THE SRS SYSTEM FOR THE CAR, AND THEY TOLD ME FOR MY VEHICLE VIN THERE WAS NOT. BEING APART OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM I AM WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANY SAFETY GUIDELINES OR EXTENDED WARRANTY I AM NOT BEING INFORMED OF FOR THE PART I HAD TO REPLACE 61-31-9-354-047. *TR
Electrical System
Filed May 7, 201630,000 milesVA
SEVERAL TIMES WHEN STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION WITH THE AUTO START/STOP ENGAGED, THE CAR WILL STOP AND AUTOMATICALLY GO INTO NEUTRAL. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES WHEN PULLING INTO AN INTERSECTION. IT HAPPENED ONCE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE CAR STALLED AFTER I STARTED THE TURN. I HAD TO GET THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE QUICKLY TO COMPLETE THE TURN AND AVOID BEING HIT BY THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN FREQUENTLY, HAS OCCURRED A TOTAL OF 5 OR 6 TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 8, 2015TX
AT A SPEED OF 40-60 MPH WHEN I BRAKE MY CAR SHAKES REALLY BAD. I HAVE TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE BMW IN CLEAR LAKE, TX TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY CHANGED THE BRAKES. THE SECOND TIME I HAD A BUBBLE IN MY TIRE AND GOT IT REPLACED ALONG WITH A BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT. I DRIVE ON THE HWY. 5 DAYS A WEEK AND EVERY TIME I PRESS ON MY BRAKE MY CAR SHAKES. EVEN AFTER THE NEW TIRE, BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT IT STILL SHAKES WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. I FEEL A HARD VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AND A SQUEAKING WHEN BACKING UP. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OCTOBER 2 AND 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THAT FOR THE SAME THING. IT IS NOT FIXED.
Wheels
Filed Nov 10, 201420,000 milesFL
5/20/14 I84- TIRE BLOW OUT WITH GOODYEAR RUN FLATS 245/40/R19 98V ON INTERSTATE AFTER POTHOLE. 10/28 I95 2 TIRES BLOW OUT...TOWED 40 MILES TO DEALER AND REPLACED WITH 2 NEW TIRES. MILEAGE 26,000 10/28 DEALER...TWO OTHER TIRES HAVE BUBBLES IN SIDEWALL AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, ONE OF WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN MAY. BMW SERVICE'S ONLY INTEREST IS SELLING NEW TIRES. BMW CONTACTED AT CORPORATE RELATIONS AFTER 2ND INCIDENT ON 10/29/14 AND AS OF TODAY 11/10/14 NO SOLUTION. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON INTERSTATES. GOODYEAR INSPECTED CURRENT TIRES WITH BUBBLES AND COULD FIND NO DAMAGE OR CAUSE FOR SIDEWALL BUBBLES. *TR
WheelsFire
Filed Oct 11, 20141,500 milesNJ
I LEASED A 2012 NBMW 535I FROM PAUL MILLER BMW OF WAYNE, NJ. PAUL MILLER BMW IS A CERTIFIED AND AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER IN NJ, AND HANDLED ALL SERVICES FOR SEVERAL REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 19 TIRES FOR FLATS AND OTHER ISSUES IN A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS SINCE LEASING MY VEHICLE. THIS CAR OBVIOUSLY HAS A TIGHT SUSPENSION WITH LOW PROFILE (40) TIRES AND THIS CAR IS PARTICULAR MAY BE MORE DEFECTIVE THAN OTHERS. SINCE THIS CAR?S RELEASE AND SOME PRIOR YEARS OF THE BMW 535I, I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE DANGER OF DRIVING THIS CAR AS IT FEELS LIKE GIANT BOULDER FALLS ONTO THE CAR WHEN IT HITS EVEN MODEST POTHOLES OR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. BMW AS COMPANY SHOULD NOT MARKET THIS CAR TO ANY URBAN AREA CUSTOMERS, WHICH I HOPE THE FTC AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WOULD PLEASE ENFORCE BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK BMW CORPORATION, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND NJ PAUL MILLER BMW IN WAYNE NJ TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO SO. ALSO BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES BREACHED WARRANTY AS THEY PROVIDED USED TIRES DURING FEBRUARY 2014 EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A TIRE REPLACEMENT CONTRACT THAT I PAID THEM $1813 FOR. PAUL MILLER BMW ALSO TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR NEW TIRES BECAUSE 3 OF THEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DURING ONE EPISODE WHEN I HIT SOME HIGHWAY BUMPS. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED PUTTING LIQUID NITROGEN INTO THE TIRES AND BILLED ME FOR THIS. THE TIRES WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. THIS WAS YET ANOTHER BREACH OF CONTRA
Electrical System
Filed Feb 10, 20144,000 milesCA
I HAVE A 2012 535I AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING STALLS WHEN AUTO START/STOP ENGAGES, WHEN THE VEHICLE TRIES TO RESTART THE ENGINE IT SWITCHES TO N WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR A STOP SIGN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT IN CERTAIN DRIVING SITUATIONS. *TR
Tires
Filed Feb 10, 201427,000 milesCA
I HAVE PURCHASE 5 DUNLOP RUN FLAT TIRES DO TO SIDE WALL DAMAGE. SIDEWALL DAMAGE CAUSED ME TO PURCHASE 3 275/35R19 96Y BMW B DUN SP SPRT MAX DSST RF B & 2 245/40R19 94Y BMW B DUN SP SPRT MAX DSST RF THESE TIRES ARE VERY COSTLY THEY DO NOT PERFORM AND COULD BE DEFECTED. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Oct 25, 201333,573 milesCA
THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS FROM THE MOMENT WE BOUGHT IT. THE CAR STARTED MAKING WHISTLING SOUNDS AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND HAS BEEN SEEN BY BMW RTS ALREADY 4 TIMES. BUT MOST RECENTLY MY HUSBAND WAS WAITING AT THE LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN HIS STEERING WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN LOCKED AND HE COULD NOT DRIVE IT. SO WE TOOK IT IN TO GET IT SERVICED AND WAS TOLD TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA . 3 WEEKS LATER I FINALLY RECEIVED MY CAR AND CAUSE OF THIS STEERING ERROR READS: EPS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY. THE REPLACED THE EPS CONTROL UNIT, BASICALLY THE STEERING RACK, AND THE EPS CONTROL UNIT FAILED AGAIN! THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO RESET THE CONTROL MODULES REPROGRAMMED THE EPS CONTROL UNIT, ADJUSTED THE STEERING ANGELS, INITIALIZED ALL WINDOWS AND SUNROOF, PERFORMED ACTIVE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. BASICALLY THE CARS A DUD AND BMW REFUSES A BUY BACK. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 54, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 17, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.