Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2012 BMW 640I peaked in 2024, with 1 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2012 BMW 640I
Coupe, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Oct 16, 2024 to Oct 16, 2024.
Recall campaigns covering this model year2292k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2012 coupe
Severity index100.02012 coupes average 7.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2012 BMW 640I name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
2 recall campaigns cover the 2012 BMW 640I
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16V-746 | Oct 17, 2016 | Affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts | Fuel system | 136,188 | Part replacement |
| 14V-176 | Apr 10, 2014 | In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may… | Engine and cooling | 156,137 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2012 BMW 640I
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Oct 16, 2024Failure Oct 5, 2024College Park, GAElectrical systemFire
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while driving. Within a matter of minutes, the fire rapidly spread, and despite any initial efforts to contain it, the vehicle was completely engulfed and fully burned. Fortunately, my son and passenger were not injured or trapped in vehicle. The fire department was contacted, and they arrived at the scene at [XXX]. They extinguished the fire and conducted an initial investigation. I am awaiting their official report, which will be forwarded as soon as it is available. If any further information is required, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [XXX] . Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11620069
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- EA21002 Engineering analysis, Airbags
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021, still open
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
329 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- B065725 Nov 18, 2025 · Other
Right Engine Hood Hinge Return - B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - B340914 Jun 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors … - B651523 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails. - B010122 Dec 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. - B650414 Oct 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not curr… - SIB010921 Aug 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined … - SIB662419 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are … - SIB640821 Jun 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The air conditioning cycles from cold to warm air while driving or while at a stand still. The vent outlet temperatures vary by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or more (38 F to 60 F +) without changing any climate control settings. In some cases the air conditioning … - SIM010917 Jun 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting reso… - SIM010717 Jun 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification - SIB651312 May 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - B111614 Mar 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaign… - B651312 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, supersede… - B341019 Sep 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible brak… - B341019 Jul 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which are designed for sporty, dynamic driving styles. As a side effect of the highest possible bra… - B840221 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. - B840121 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting Februa… - B840221 Jun 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the dis… - B011321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al - B011321 May 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al - B340414 Apr 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases th… - B130720 Dec 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INCORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION FOR THE HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP IN ISTA: The current version of ISTA states the incorrect tightening torque for the High-Pressure pump M6 mounting bolts to the cylinder head cover. The correct tightening torque is only 12 Nm for th… - B340515 Nov 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle, when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away from a parking space. - B310112 Aug 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds (e.g., parking lot maneuvers) or when turning the steering wheel while stationary. - B650709 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NAVIGATION SYSTEM - REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROADMAP DATA: Do not replace parts and do not program the vehicle. Roads can change by up to 15% every year. To ensure the best navigation experience, we do everything in our power to create the best maps. … - B340517 Jul 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied, noticeable at low speeds. The vehicle must be moving. - B840214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 7) replaces SI B84 02 14 dated May 2019. ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative. This Service Information Bulletin: Is be… - B652214 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
AUTOMATED ACTIVATION OF NAVIGATION SYSTEM DURING PDI/QC1: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 2) replaces SI B65 22 14 dated October 2015. The INITIAL NAV enabling code no longer needs to be pre-ordered through the Parts department! When the vehicle… - B513016 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a tra… - B340517 Apr 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from front wheel while cornering without brakes applied noticeable at low speeds. The v… - B010518 Feb 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on. - B341019 Nov 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMER DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MOTORSPORT VEHICLE BRAKES: INFORMATION Inform the customer during a consultation that the M Compound (standard equipment) and M Carbon Ceramic (optional) brakes are high-performance brake systems which … - B521519 Oct 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FRONT SEAT HAS SIDE TO SIDE PLAY AND CAN MAKE NOISES WHEN CORNERING. Either or both of the front seats has side to side (lateral) play, and can make noises when cornering. - B651519 Aug 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONNECTEDDRIVE. Security patches for non-safety critical vulnerabilities in BMW head units Entry Nav Entry Media NBT and NBT EVO. - B122319 Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DIAGNOSTIC HINT: CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSPECTION AFTER LOSS OF CRANKSHAFT SIGNAL. In certain situations when the crankshaft position signal is lost while driving the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and an engine malfunction check control message (CCM #29) m… - B111216 Jul 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The crankcase ventilation hoses may become brittle and break when they come in contact with hot engine components. One or more of the crankcase ventilation hoses are not FPM (fluoroelastomer) rubber material. The FPM rubber material is engine heat resistant… - B520919 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CRACKING NOISE FROM SEAT BACKREST. Groaning/Cracking noises are heard from the front seat backrest when the vehicle is cornering. - B520819 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
FRONT SEAT BACKREST MAKES A CRACKING NOISE WHEN FOLDED FORWARD. - B520719 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NOISE FROM THE FRONT SEATS WHEN ADJUSTING THE SEAT LENGTH. - B160419 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
NEW REPLACEMENT FUEL TANK INTERNAL FUEL LINE CONNECTION. INFORMATION WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. This Service Information bulletin provides technical and repair procedure-related information. - B110919 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after programming the vehicle or with a customer complaint. - B012118 Jun 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should not cause any drivability problems that would prevent normal day-to-day operati… - 613512 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Radio and Air Conditioning Functions Inoperative, When Vehicle is Moving. All audio and heating/air conditioning functions cannot be controlled when the vehicle is moving. After the vehicle is turned off and has entered sleep mode (after approximately 30 mi… - 660612 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Lane Change Warning Lamps on Side View Mirrors Are Too Dark. The lane change warning lamps (small and triangle-shaped) on the exterior door mirrors are too dark. This may occur when driving from light to dark conditions, such as: * Entering a tunnel * At tw… - 651512 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). - 110712 Jul 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N63 Engine: Oil Consumption and/or Rough Running Complaints. The vehicle may consume engine oil above the permissible specification, and may run rough at times. White or blue smoke may also be seen exiting the exhaust system. CAUSE The construction material… - 512012 Jul 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Rattling Noise from Underneath the Instrument Panel. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the driver's or passenger foot well area while driving. CAUSE Tolerance excessive between the footwell air duct and the securing hooks. - 121412 Jul 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N55 Engine: Various Faults Stored in DME Related to VANOS and Camshaft Position. A rattling noise can be heard from the engine compartment; the engine has a loss of power; and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. One or more of the following faults … - B840311 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT ACTIVATION VIA DCSNET FOR BMW ASSIST. - B840214 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INFORMATION New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B84 02 14 dated September 2018. - B121919 May 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Information May 2019 Engine Electrical Systems B12 19 19 Technical Service. On the affected vehicles a DME software error prevents the Check Control Message (CCM) "Low Engine Oil Level" to be displayed in instrument cluster (Kombi) when the engine o… - B012418 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On the affected vehicles the CBS engine oil service interval has been reduced to 1 year/10000 miles to make these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine equipped vehicles. - B012418 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On the affected vehicles the CBS engine oil service interval has been reduced to 1 year/10000 miles to make these vehicles consistent with all other N63x engine equipped vehicles. - B621118 Jan 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BLACK SPOT IN THE CENTRAL INFORMATION. This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B62 11 18 dated January 2019. Whats New: â?¢ Warranty section - Programming information added. A small black spot remains on the Central Information Displays (CID) illumina… - 130413 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N55 Engine: Erroneous Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated with Mixture Faults Stored in the DME. INFORMATION An error has been identified in the current version of ETK regarding N55 fuel injector replacement part numbers and production dates. Installing th… - 110413 Sep 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"The customer complains that the ""low engine oil"" message is displayed too frequently. CAUSE The cause is related to, but not limited to, one or more of the following components and systems shown below: * Turbocharger * Crankcase ventilation * Engine gask… - B660115 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Surround View Camera Last User Mode Operation Change. After programming with ISTA/P 2.53.5 or a more recent version, the rear camera view is displayed when the reverse gear is selected. The vehicle does not remember the last user mode (surround/top camera v… - B110614 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMW vehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fuel economy without comprom…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.