Most common 2009 BMW 528i problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 528i complaints by model year
Best 528i years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2008, 2013. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 528i recalls (2)
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.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
What 2009 BMW 528i owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. 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 while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would overheat. An unknown warning light was illuminated and a warning message that the vehicle was overheating and to slow down and stop the vehicle to prevent further damage was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 172,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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 the vehicle was overheating and unsafe to drive. The contact was advised to seek a loaner vehicle while waiting for parts to become available. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system
CRITICAL SAFETY REPORT: DRIVING FIRE / INJURY / FAILED RECALL REMEDY (CAMPAIGN 12V-126)While driving, my 2009 BMW E60 suffered an immediate, catastrophic electrical fire originating at the positive battery terminal bulkhead connector in the trunk floor. This exact component is the subject of federal safety mandate NHTSA Recall Campaign 12V-126.The fire occurred with zero warning on a public roadway, forcing an emergency roadside stop directly in front of a local preschool, creating an imminent public safety crisis. In an attempt to suppress the fire and pull the burning battery away from the school zone, I sustained a physical burn injury to my finger (medical documentation available).The vehicle's positive battery terminal melted completely INWARDS, and the heavy-gauge copper wiring and surrounding trunk body panels suffered extreme structural thermal destruction. …
Hello, my car filled up with smoke one day. It smelt like plastic was burning I was pulling up to my drive way and was super dizzy the whole inside was filled with smoke. I couldn't breath properly. I have called BMW dealerships and no one seems to have the part for my car, I don't know what to do. I'm scared to drive but I need to get to school! Please help me resolve this issue.
Fuel & propulsion system
I was driving the vehicle on the highway about 70 miles per hour - when without any warning the vehicle "check engine light" and "hazard lights came on - the fuel gauge showed over 100 more galloons in the tank than it had previously - tried to accelerate but the car did not respond. The engine reduced power and was stalling as I immediately started to cross the highway from the furthest left lane in order to get to safety on the right side of the road - I was with my parents and my handicapped nephew and scared for all of our lives. The engine "sputtered and vibrated" before stopping. I didn't notice anything wrong or any change in the way the car drove. This was a very dangerous and unsafe incident.
This car does have systems issues involving fuel pressure under hwy speeds and during hard acceleration. There is a orange warning light that comes on intermittently why the car is trying to pull vacuume and get up to proper speeds. There have been several recalls but not all models are involved. I would suggest replacing the o rings and or injectors as preventable measure and for better fuel economy. If the dealer can't help you then reach out to the area rep in your sales city.
2009 BMW 528i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 528i a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 528i rates better than average: 63% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 528i at the same age. It is one of the best 528i years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 528i?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and fuel & propulsion system (4).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 528i have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 BMW 528i, the most recent from October 30, 2017 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 528i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2013. See the full BMW 528i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 528i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 94,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started 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.