Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 BMW 528i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The drivetrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a defective oil pump. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V138000 (Power Train) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.
The drivetrain disintegrated. Car started running really rough, and then just stopped completely. Would crank but would not move. Yes, it is available. Car would barely go, and then just stopped in the road. I had to have it towed to a mechanic. No, I had not received a warning of this possible hazard. No, it was not inspected by any of the above, but was inspected by numerous mechanics. Yes, drivetrain light/warning came on, as well as, drive at a slower rate when the car started to drive roughly. The turbo also went out on the car. May 28, 2024
I had just purchased a car but a month ago I was driving to lunch and I was at a stop sign when the light turned green I started to go the car started shaking and smoke was coming out of the front under the hood I had just an oil change so I took it back to the oil change shop. They could not figure out why the engine blew and I had to take it to a different BMW shop where I have to purchase a rebuilt motor and pay for the repairs. I can request all records from the automotive shop if needed.
I own bmw 528i 2012. These engines are straight up bad. Timing chain failed at 149K miles with no signs of failure. Just driving down the road when suddenly the car just turns off and goes into neutral on its own. I simply pulled over restarted the car to cylinder misfires, car struggling to accelerate, smoke out the exhaust, and a loud rattling sound. I pulled over had the car towed. I had my car taken to a independent shop for repairs and diagnostics and what I got told was absolutley crazy. The timing chain guides broke off the timing chain, went down into the oil pump and those pieces settled into the pump restricting oil from going to the top of the motor causing the timing chain to start slacking and breaking from the top. …
While driving error message came up on screen saying add a quart of oil, car was smoking and engine block caught fire.
My car was having a whining noise and during the diagnosis it was found that the plastic guides within the engine block that keep the timing chain intact is bad. The technician also found that the guibo (aka universal joint) was cracked. From my research on the matter, I read that NHTSA had issued a letter pertaining to other make and model on faulty or poorly designed guibo. I presume that the affected models be investigated and coverage be extended to other lines of BMW. This is the directive from NHTSA I am referring to: rcak-17V067-6564.pdf rcrit-17V067-9870.pdf my current mileage is only about 55,000 miles and maybe there were other owners who developed this fault within the standard or extended warranty for the product line that was outside this recall. Please investigate and take corrective action.
Last week I was on the nj turnpike when all of a sudden my car stall and lost power, I barley got off the turnpike when the car came to a completely stop. No warning messages or noises just stopped. Fortunately no accident occurred due to this but could have been an ugly one. The car would not start and was towed to the BMW dealer. The car was inspected, oil was clean, no water damage, however they tell me I need a new engine (13K) has the engine seized without telling me what caused it.the car has 83K miles. I've been a BMW owner for 19 years. I now have mixed feelings about BMW and the way I feel now I will nevery buy another BMW as I'm not getting the attention I thin I deserve. Any advice is greatly appreicated!
I was driving on the road and I accelerated a lil bit faster to beat the traffic light and then my car loss power and stalled out and I got stuck in the middle of the bridge and I was causing traffic the power train malfunction and the fuel supply light cam on and the charge battery light came on I try starting it but it wouldn't start and the fuel supply light kept coming on and some wiring problem was going on when trying to start it my tv screen would turn orange and the speedometer where the MPH/gas/temperature/and RPM would twitch like some electrical problem
Defective drive train - on March 11, 2019 my drive train malfunction and which damage my engine. This is an safety concern because my car stop on the freeway while I was driving. BMW mfg knew about the defective drive train prior to me purchasing car from fields BMW on July 2013. BMW north America offer to pay 21,000 for the engine replacement and they want me to pay 6,000.00 and I feel BMW know about the faulty design in 2012 and did not inform the consumer. When I purchase the car, it had 18,000 miles on it and I put 62,000.00
Transmission complaints in other 528i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2012 BMW 528i?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2012 BMW 528i, 22% of the model year's 90 complaints. The component named most often is driveline (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 BMW 528i transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2012 BMW 528i, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 528i transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.