BMW 528xi Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 528xi model year from 2008–2013 using 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2012 and 2013, which drew far more complaints than other 528xi years at the same age. The best years are 2009, 2010 and 2008.

5model years
156complaints
1recalls
2012, 2013worst years
2009, 2010best years

Complaints by model year

20082009201020122013306105456
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 528xi. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2013562.3×1EngineAvoid
2012542.3×—EngineAvoid
201010−54%—AirbagGood
20096−77%—EngineGood
200830−22%—EngineAverage

* Complaints compared with the median 528xi year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 528xi problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2013
    8856%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2012
    3623%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2013
    3422%
  • Lightsworst: 2008
    2013%
  • Air bagsworst: 2008
    1510%
  • Other / not specified
    138%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2012
    117%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2008
    64%
  • Seatsworst: 2008
    64%
  • Body & structureworst: 2012
    21%
  • Steeringworst: 2012
    21%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2010
    11%
  • Brakesworst: 2012
    11%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2012
    11%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2013
    11%

Latest BMW 528xi recalls

Exterior lighting

NHTSA recall 15V-188 · Mar 31, 2015 · 13,443 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 528xi should you avoid?

2012 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 528xi years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2012.

What is the best year for the BMW 528xi?

2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other 528xi years at the same age, followed by 2010 and 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common BMW 528xi problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (88), transmission & drivetrain (36) and electrical system (34). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 528xi had?

1 recall across 2008–2013. The model year with the most is 2013.

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.