Most common 2012 BMW 650i problems
Share of the 20 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 650i complaints by model year
Best 650i years: 2008, 2010, 2014. Years to avoid: 2012, 2007, 2013. Compare all years →
2012 BMW 650i recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 BMW 650i:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2012 BMW 650i owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal odor appeared inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed black exhaust coming from the tailpipe. The contact that that the oil tube was refilled every 80 to 100 miles. The vehicle was taken to BMW of bayside (24721 northern blvd, douglaston, ny 11362) diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle then was taken to another dealer where a diagnostic test was still pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 12V161000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. While driving various speeds, several components in the engine leaked, including the oil. Also, the check oil indicator illuminated and smoke appeared under the hood while the vehicle was in drive. The vehicle was taken to BMW of riverside (3060 adams st, riverside, ca 92504, [phone]) and BMW of murrieta (41430 auto mall pkwy, murrieta, ca 92562, [phone]). Both dealers informed the contact that all repairs would be her responsibility. The manufacturer was informed and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 137,857.
2012 BMW 650i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 22 / 17 |
| 4.4L 8-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 BMW 650i a good car?
Based on 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 650i rates use caution: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the 650i at the same age. It is one of the 650i 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 650i?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seat belts (2) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 650i have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2012 BMW 650i, the most recent from April 18, 2018 (engine). 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 650i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008, 2010 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2007 and 2013. See the full BMW 650i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 650i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 63,000 miles; 50% 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.