2012 BMW 535I

54 complaints on file, page 1 of 3.

1. Filed Oct 28, 2025Failure Sep 6, 2025Peachtree City, GAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners and noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID Number 11016414. A primary cause of the issue is accelerated timing chain wear. The N63 engine's design features timing chains that are prone to stretching prematurely. This stretching can disrupt the precise timing of the engine's valves, leading to a cascade of problems. As a consequence, owners have reported a variety of symptoms, including the illumination of the "drivetrain malfunction" warning light, noticeable engine noise, excessive vibration, and potentially catastrophic engine failure. The "drivetrain malfunction" message, in particular, is a frequently cited indicator of this underlying powertrain problem. To address these widely reported issues, the N63 Customer Care Package was implemented. This service bulletin instructs authorized BMW technicians to perform a series of diagnostic tests. The main objective is to detect if the timing chains have stretched beyond acceptable tolerances. If excessive wear is confirmed, the TSB provides a detailed procedure for the necessary repairs. This often involves replacing the timing chains and related components to restore proper engine function. Beyond the core timing chain replacement, the Customer Care Package also includes several proactive and preventative measures. Technicians are instructed to check and potentially replace other components, such as fuel injectors and boost solenoids, which may have been impacted or contributed to the engine's performance issues. Furthermore, the service includes reprogramming the vehicle's software

   NHTSA complaint 11696232
2. Filed Mar 22, 2025Failure Mar 22, 2025Belleville, NJElectrical systemFire

   The car was parked overnight. In the morning around dusk , it spontaneously caught fire.

   NHTSA complaint 11649879
3. Filed Jan 21, 2025Failure Jan 21, 2025Bellevue, WAAir bags

   UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.

   NHTSA complaint 11637534
4. Filed Oct 23, 2024Failure Oct 14, 2024127,000 milesHouston, TXElectrical system, Engine and engine cooling

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine temperature and "Pull Over - Stop Vehicle" warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and let the vehicle cool down and drove to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was an active recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11621488
5. Filed Aug 21, 2024Failure Jul 1, 2023119,000 milesBlythewood, SCEngine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline

   The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 50–55 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle shutoff. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive to her residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the fuel pump and the water pump. The water pump and fuel pump were replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.

   NHTSA complaint 11609875
6. Filed Jan 30, 2024Failure Jan 3, 2024Birmingham, ALEngine

   Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should. The Recall needs to be extended to include 2012 - 5 series models as failure of these bolts will cause immediate engine failure and could result in catastrophic crash, especially if driving at high speeds. I have contacted BMW of North America and they will not extend the recall until formal complaints, such as this, are received. My Issue with the Vanos Camshaft Bolts is currently being repaired (out of pocket) and I will share my invoice once received.

   NHTSA complaint 11568781
7. Filed Feb 13, 2023Failure Jan 2, 2023Charlottesville, VAExterior lighting

   The headlights on the BMW 535 collect excessive amounts of condensation. If the condensation builds up, then the light does not function properly. The main safety concern is the malfunction of the turn signal. It will function in the rear of the vehicle but does not light up on the front in the affected headlight housing. Review of this problem on-line shows that this has occurred in many BMW vehicles and BMW also has issued a service bulletin for this problem (SI B63 05 16). As widespread as this problem is, I would think there would be a required recall for this service.

   NHTSA complaint 11506957
8. Filed Jul 9, 2022Failure Jul 8, 2022princeton, NJExterior lighting

   The front lights - water gets in impact visibility. The only repair is to replace the entire unit which is $2k per light. There is not other options. The adaptive warning sign does not go away due to this water.

   NHTSA complaint 11473074
9. Filed May 22, 2022Failure Apr 5, 2022Lithonia, GAEngine, Power train

   While driving heard a loud noise and oil start pouring out the bottom of the car.. After getting my Vehicle looked at BMW dealership informed me that the drive shaft had broken and fell in the engine and caused a hole in the engine and damaging the oil pan also

   NHTSA complaint 11465609
10. Filed Apr 21, 2022Failure Apr 20, 2022West Chester, OHSeat belts

    Driver seatbelt fails to engage with latch. Latch does not positively lock when inserted. Safety risk is obvious and has rendered the car undrivable. This just happened and has not been inspected by dealer. I personally looked at it and compared with other belt points. to me, it looks like the small metal clip failed.

    NHTSA complaint 11461597
11. Filed Dec 6, 2021Failure Dec 2, 202190,000 milesBakersfield, CAFuel system, Gasoline, Power train

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the drivetrain malfunction warning message flashed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact had a friend replace the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with a defective fuel pump. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed her that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11442812
12. Filed Nov 1, 2021Failure Oct 1, 2021Milton, GAAir bags, Seats

    Based on research it appears BMW has a long history of issues and even a recall on select years around the passenger seat sensor detector becoming faulty and impacting the ability of the air bags to deploy in a collision. This seems to a critical issue since it could result in serious injury to the passenger in the event of a collision.

    NHTSA complaint 11438883
13. Filed Sep 11, 2021Failure Sep 3, 2021Townsend, DEEngine, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system

    While driving car stalled, dropped speed and engine warning light came on. Fuel pump was needed. Had to have car towed obtained a rental for 11 days. Fuel pump out of stock. Immediately after fuel pump was replaced less than two weeks the thermostat had to be replaced. Another tow and another rental. I need to be compensated for stress aggravation and loss of use. Repairs and car rental and tow cost over $3500

    NHTSA complaint 11432548
14. Filed Aug 25, 2021Failure Dec 1, 202097,000 milesRedding, CAFuel system, Gasoline

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact waited approximately 5-10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted soon after the initial failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11430482
15. Filed Jun 14, 2021Failure Jun 8, 202170,000 milesmiami, FLPower train

    The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the power train warning message was displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11420906
16. Filed May 13, 2021Failure Mar 23, 2021116,526 milesLittle Canada, MNEngine, Suspension

    3/23/2021 DRIVING ON I-94 IN MORNING RUSH HOUR WHEN ENGINE KILLED. WAS ABLE TO ROLL OVER TO THE MEDIAN BETWEEN AN ON-RAMP AND THE HIGHWAY BEFORE CAR STOPPED MOVING. CHARGE BATTERY LIGHT ON ON THE DASH AS WELL AS CHECK STABILIZATION WARNING. WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL BUT DASH LIGHTS/WIPERS WERE ON (RAINING). TOWED TO MECHANIC I'VE TAKEN VEHICLES TO FOR PAST 4-5 CARS/TRUCKS. IT WAS FOUND THAT THE #2 PISTON RING CAME OFF AND JAMMED BETWEEN THE CYLINDER WALL AND PISTON CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE/NEED TO BE REPLACED. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED AND WHILE DOING A TEST DRIVE, THE MECHANIC FELT A VIBRATION AND THEY FOUND THAT THERE WAS MOVEMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE SO THEY REPLACED THAT AS WELL. THE CAR HAD 116.5K ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED ABOUT 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE ENGINE AND CV ASSEMBLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. JUST GOT CAR BACK YESTERDAY, JUST OVER A MONTH AND A HALF TO REPAIR.

    NHTSA complaint 11416491
17. Filed Feb 23, 2021Failure Feb 17, 2021109,000 milesClemmons, NCExterior lighting, Visibility/wiper

    THE HEADLIGHT GET CONDENSATION INSIDE WHICH REDUCES INTENSITY OF HEAD LIGHT. THIS CONDENSATION HAS NOW CORRUPTED THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE WHICH MADE THE TURN SIGNAL NOT WORK. THE DESIGN OF THE HEAD LIGHT MOUNTING MAKES FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT BY HAVE TO REMOVE BUMPER JUST TO GET TO HEADLIGHT. 1. CONDENSATION REDUCES INTENSITY OF HEADLIGHTS 2. MOISTURE CORRODED ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROLLER MODULE THAT ALSO MADE TURN SIGNAL NOT WORK. 3. VERY COMPLICATED ACCESS TO HEADLIGHT TO REPAIR (VERY EXPENSIVE)

    NHTSA complaint 11397518
18. Filed Jan 25, 2021Failure Nov 24, 2020150,000 milesHollywood, FLEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    ENGINE BLEW A YEAR AGO AND I HAD TO HAVE THAT REPLACED BECAUSE THE ROD BEARINGS BLEW AT 90,000 MILES. REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAS FAILED NOT ONCE BUT 2 TIMES. FAILED THE FIRST TIME 11/24/2020 AND AFTER $2200 IN REPAIRS AGAIN ON 01/23/2021. NEVERMIND ALSO HAVING BOTH FROM CV AXLES REPLACED AS WELL. BUT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE I HAVE BEEN SEEING ON A LOT OF BMW'S.

    NHTSA complaint 11389810
19. Filed Oct 28, 2020Failure Oct 10, 202071,000 milesGranada Hills, CAFuel/propulsion system

    ON OCTOBER 10TH, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 830AM, I WAS DRIVING WESTBOUND ON THE 118 FWY, MY 2012 BMW 535I SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I TRIED TO GIVE IT MORE GAS BUT IT WOULD NOT GO FASTER. IT IMMEDIATELY GAVE ME AN ERROR POINTING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY SAFELY. AFTER BEING INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT BOTH OF MY FUEL PUMPS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR FUEL PUMPS FOR THE 2012 BMW 535I BUT MY SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. IT'S OBVIOUS I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS OTHER 2012 BMW 535I.

    NHTSA complaint 11366920
20. Filed Oct 14, 2020Failure Oct 13, 2020109,000 milesSaint Petersburg, FLEngine

    WHILE DRIVING AT 40MPH, MY VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL BY ITSELF AND ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES YESTERDAY AND NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.

    NHTSA complaint 11364323