BMW 528i Complaints

833 consumer complaints on file.

#11452012February 15, 2022
ENGINE, STEERING
Casually picking up from a stop light when my car just randomly decided to turn off on the middle of the road and go into neutral. I lost power steering and brakes. I was able to manage to pull over and restart the car and I was welcomed with a bunch of check engine lights and many other malfunctions. Got the car towed and comes out that the timing chain has failed as well as the oil pump and resulted in damage to the camshaft and cylinder head of the motor. This is just insane how all of this happened in just a few seconds. I took care of my car did oil changes on time, coolant, brakes, transmission fluid. I took care of my car. Bmw put me in a very unsafe condition that day and I’m very upset because that could have ended very bad for me. The n20 motor has been very well known to fail at any time without any warning and bmw has yet to recall this motor. It became very bad to the point to where they even got sued but only limited the warranty up to 100K miles. Many people experienced this problem before 100K and some experienced it earlier. Their is no given time when this timing chain can fail on you. In my case so many things were damaged in the engine and I even contacted bmw NA and they didn’t even care to help. Bmw put me in a very bad spot and they want me to replace the engine and pay labor and pay more than what the cars worth! Bmw is crazy for this and I hope all of these engines get recalled and get replaced free of charge without worrying about how many miles you got on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451630February 12, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. He also said one of the Camshaft caps also has a crack in it.The car has been parked in my driveway for 6 months because repairing the motor would cost a ton, and putting in a remanafactured motor with labor cost would cost just as much as buying the same car again. BMW had a lawsuit about the N20/N26 but thats only covered upto 100K miles. Considering my car was running good I had no reason too change anything on this car. Oil changes were done almost every 3-5K miles and the car had no sounds no lights on the dash. I tried to claim the SULEV/PZEV Warranty which is covered upto 150K miles and the dealerships either never contacted me back or they just said no. I even contacted the HQ of BMW and they also refused any repair even with SULEV Warranty. BMW knows 100% these motors have a bad timing chain issue and that these timing chains can fail at any moment. What type of motor fails at 150K miles. Im a college student, my dad gave me this car for graduating high school. I maintained my car so much just for it to fail out of no where and the way it failed could have caused someone to crash into me. Im really upset that BMW isnt taking responsibility for whats wrong and wont recall these timing chains or motor no matter the mileage on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451301February 10, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle stalled while on highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442711December 5, 2021
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Malfunction of the passenger restraint system. Warning indicator states system is not working properly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442309December 1, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
headlights faulty module no longer sealed and taking water water making all components in the headlights malfunction to repair this issue costing me 2,800.00 for ONE HEADLIGHT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442312December 1, 2021
POWER TRAIN
The timing belt broke with no warning and destroyed the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441192November 21, 2021
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had been having problems with my seatbelt alarm coming on for a while with nothing in the seat of the passenger and then as I was trying to turn in to park I heard a click from my steering wheel as if it didn’t want to turn and the driver seat restraint malfunction error popped up . Now my horn will not work as well . I’m told that the dealership is the only place it can be repaired. I’m worried that it will deploy on me while driving . I’m sure this is an issue others have experienced as well .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438893November 1, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle independently decelerated. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were two bolts missing from the camshaft which caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434597September 27, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528i. The contact stated while at a standstill the vehicle stalled randomly. The contact stated that drive train failure warning message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was awaiting diagnostic testing. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V627000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433977September 22, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My BMW suddenly started making a weird sound. I took it to BMW and they could not tell me exactly what happened. However they told me that a new engine was needed. I contacted headquarters and they referred me back to the local BMW. The Local BMW said that there's no way for them to know what caused the engine problem but they were recommending a new engine. I had no choice but to purchase a new engine, still to this day I have not idea why the engine failed. I strongly believe its something they are failing to admit is wrong with their engine that causes problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433464September 18, 2021
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
MY CAR (2013 BMW 528i) STARTED MAKING A TICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN THIS STARTED THAT THE DRIVER AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND IT APPEARS THESE TWO SYMPTOMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ANOTHER. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE IS BUT THE STEERING WHEEL TICKING IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION WHICH POSES A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS I'VE SEEN IT IS A COMMON MALFUNCTION AND IT SHOULD NOT BE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11422314June 25, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car started to leak gas from the tank.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421045June 15, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the driver’s side headlight housing had an excessive amount of moisture inside. The vehicle failed to start. The daytime and parking light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11407469April 11, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OFF FOR 2.5 HOURS. IT HAPPENED WHILE PARKED, IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING LOT AND NO ONE WAS INSIDE THE CAR AT THE TIME.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11405485March 29, 2021
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I HAVE A F10 2011. I HAVE BEEN WAITING ON SOME REIMBURSEMENT FROM BMW SINCE 2017! NOW I CAN'T FIND ANY RECORD OF THEIR PROMISES M. I BOUGHT MY 528I IN 2015. REPLACES WATER PUMP TWICE, PULLY, TENCH-NOR, MORE THAN 5 TIMES, AND SOME BELTS. IT LAGGED ON THE FWY AND OTHER TIMES IT ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. EVERY TIME I DROVE IT, IT SMELLED LIKE IT WAS ON FIRE. OH, LET'S NOT FORGET THE FAULTY CRANK SHAFT AND THE AIRBAG ARE BOTH BROKEN. AND NOW, SINCE 2018 IT SITS IN THE DRIVEWAY LOOKING BRAND NEW. STUCK PAYING MY NOTE @ $700. AND HAVE TO RENT FROM AVIS $1,000 A MONTH. THIS IS NOT FAIR. THE LAST TIME I HAVE HEARD FROM BMW NORTH WAS OVER A YEAR AGO.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11398673March 2, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN I'M AT A STOP MY CAR SUDDENLY JUMPS FORWARD WHEN I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE THIS IS A ONGOING ISSUE. IT'S SCARY CAUSE I FEEL LIKE I'M GOING TO HIT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IF I'M AT A STOP LIGHT AND SOMEONE IS CROSSING THE STREET MY CAR COULD JUMP AND HIT THEM. I DO NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NO MORE CAUSE OF THIS. IT ALSO HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING IT PICKS UP SPEED ON IT'S OWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN EVER THE CAR IS DRIVEN ANYWHERE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11396026February 13, 2021
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WAS AT MY FIANC GRANDADS FUNERAL SATURDAY 02/06/2021 AND THE CAR STARTED ACTING STRANGE IMMEDIATELY I HEARD STRANGE NOICE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE GOT A DIAGNOSIS AND MECHANIC TOLD ME VVT ISSUES GOT IF FIXED AT A CERTIFIED BMW TECH AND ON HIS BULLETIN I SEEN THE RECALL AND HE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS RECALL AND THAT HE GETS MANY CARS EVERY WEEK FOR THIS JOB HE TOLD ME I WOULD BE REIMBURSED FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA I HAVE ALL THE RECITES FOR THE LABOR AND PARTS AND I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11391116February 1, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
EARLY 528I, F10 MODELS HAVE FACTORY SOFTWARE GLITCH THAT IMPROPERLY SET FRONT BRAKE MILEAGE TO AN ERRONEOUS 3100 MILES WHEN RESET AFTER FRONT BRAKE REPLACEMENT. BMW DOES NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP OF SOFTWARE ISSUE AND PLACES SOFTWARE UPGRADE COST ON CUSTOMER THROUGH DEALERSHIP. ISSUE DOES NOT ARISE UNTIL AFTER WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. CUSTOMERS THAT REFUSE TO PAY FOR COST OF BMW SOFTWARE MALFUNCTION CONTINUOUSLY HIT THE RESET OPTION FOR FRONT BRAKES WHICH CONSISTENTLY RESET TO AN ERRONEOUS MILEAGE OF 3100 MILES. THIS CONTINUOUS ERRONEOUS RESET APPROACH DOES NOT ALLOW FOR PROPER BRAKE WEAR ASSESSMENT BASED ON MILEAGE AND LEADS TO LOSS OF AWARENESS ON FRONT BRAKE PADS REPLACEMENT WHICH CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS DUE TO LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES. MY WIFE KEPT HITTING THE RESET OPTION TO REMOVE THE ERRONEOUS ALARM SO OFTEN THAT SHE ACTUALLY WAS DRIVING WITH EXTREMELY LOW PADS AND ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS NOT SAFE AND BMW SHOULD COVER FACTORY SOFTWARE UPGRADE SINCE CUSTOMERS DO NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO ALTER OR UPGRADE SOFTWARE ON THE VEHICLES.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11389138January 20, 2021
ENGINE
AT LEAST 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD A WEIRD ENGINE PROBLEM. AFTER PARK THE CAR FOR AWHILE IT FAILED TO START WITH NO REASON. AFTER ONE HOUR OF TRYING TO START, ENGINE START AS USUAL. CAR HAVE BEEN TEST BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A WHOLE WEEK AND NO CODES OR FAILS HAVE BEEN DETECTED. MOST OF THESE FAILS HAVE HAPPEND AFTER PARK THE CAR, A COUPLE OF TIMES ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE DEALERSHIP, CAR HAS FAILED TWICE. SAME AS ALWAYS IT STARTS AGAIN AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES. LAPSE BETWEEN FAILS IS 3 TO 4 MONTHS APART. FAIL HAPPENS ONLY ON THE CITY SO FAR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11388184January 14, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL A WHILE AGO ON 2011 5251 HEATER BLOWERS STARTING FIRES AND I KEEP SMELLING BURNING SMELL INSIDE MY CAR WHEN HEAT IS ON.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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