Engine complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128i. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, she smelled a strong burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the strong burning odor caused her to collapse once. The contact sought medical assistance and was informed that her brain was not getting enough oxygen. The contact stopped driving the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the driveway, she saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128i. The contact stated after completing an oil change at the dealer and starting the vehicle, the RPM started fluctuating. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop at a traffic light, the RPM fluctuated rapidly and the vehicle decelerated while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was able to drive to the dealer at a slower speed. The dealer diagnosed that the VANOS (Variable Nockenwell Steuerung) system needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was a manufacturing defect; however, she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. …
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 128i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle at a red light and attempting to accelerate to make a right turn, the traction control warning light and the ABS warning light flashed with an error message. The vehicle the accelerated unintentionally. The contact had to straighten the steering wheel to regain control of the vehicle after the vehicle had fishtailed. The vehicle regained normal function. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear passenger's side of the vehicle and also inside the cabin of the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed and pulling into the driveway, the vehicle stalled. While driving on two occasions, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, door and trunk failed to open. The contact's husband checked the vehicle and noticed there was power being distributed to the battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While the vehicle was still at the local dealer, it was diagnosed that the CAS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 128I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The independent mechanic associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was 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 failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 128i years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (25), 2010 (10), 2009 (8), 2013 (8) and 2012 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 50% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for BMW 128i engine problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 22V-119 (crankcase (pcv), Mar 2, 2022); 17V-683 (crankcase (pcv), Oct 30, 2017); 14V-176 (engine, Apr 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW 128i engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles; 10% happened before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.