Most common 2012 BMW 528xi problems
Share of the 54 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 528xi complaints by model year
Best 528xi years: 2009, 2010, 2008. Years to avoid: 2012, 2013. Compare all years →
What 2012 BMW 528xi owners say
Engine & cooling all 33 →
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. …
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), but the failure occurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check coolant level warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the recall repair was not yet available. However, the dealer installed a splash seal. The contact notified the manufacturer of the issue, and was referred to contact another dealer since parts for the recall repair were available. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where the remedy was available, and the contact was informed that the recall was already completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. …
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was informed that the recall repair had been performed. The contact stated that upon driving off the parking lot at the dealer and coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the message "Drive Train Malfunction - Service to Nearest BMW Dealer as Convenient" was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle was significantly sluggish and failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. …
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
While driving on the Grand Central Plwy, Queens, NY, a drive train motification came on and stated to drive moderately, right after the oil light came on. We were near a gas station, and added a quart of oil. The oil light went out, the car started without hesitation. We decided to go home, we got off the highway about a mile out, the car just stopped went into park and could not start again. It would crank over, but not connect. We were on a four lane road, luckily there was no one behind us, it could have been a terrible incident. The car was towed to a BMW dealership in Great Neck, NY and we were told it was either the engine or the timing chain and it was not worth fixing. The car was then towed to my mechanic, who stated there was a technical warning #N20 & N26 regarding the timing issue. Hoping something can be done
Car begin to stall on traffic, drivetrain malfunction light appeared..Took it to BMW DEALER My Fuel Pump replace with new EKP module- Which is the same recall that BMW issued in 2017 which included the Model/year vehicle that i have.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 BMW 528xi a good car?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 528xi rates avoid: 2.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the 528xi at the same age. It is one of the 528xi years we suggest avoiding. 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 2012 BMW 528xi?
The engine & cooling — 33 complaints, 61% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (18) and fuel & propulsion system (8).
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 528xi have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 BMW 528xi. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 528xi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2010 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012 and 2013. See the full BMW 528xi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 528xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 76,000 miles; 14% 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.