2012 BMW 528I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 BMW 528I: 4 recalls, 90 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #13V454000 · 2013 · 76,191 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance May fail.
Why it matters: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.
Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #14V627000 · 2014 · 8,988 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance May fail. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 13v-454.
Why it matters: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #16V746000 · 2016 · 136,188 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xdrive, 550i and 550i xdrive and 2012 535i activehybrid, 640i convertible, 650i convertible, 650i xdrive convertible, 650i coupe and 650i coupe…
Why it matters: The loose wires May cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump May stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017.
Electrical, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V608000 · 2024 · 720,796 vehicles
What's wrong: Bmw of north america, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i, 2012-2016 z4 sdrive28i, 528i, 528i xdrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 x5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xdrive, 328xi gran turismo, 2013-2017 x3 sdrive28i, x3 xdrive28i, 2015-2018 x4 xdrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump May be exposed to water and short…
Why it matters: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (43): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (18), warning light on (13), noise or vibration (8).
- Fuel & propulsion (26): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (5), electrical failure (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (7), warning light on (7).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (4), leaks (3).
The 2012 BMW 528I has 90 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 15 528I model years for complaints (1.6× the average 528I year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (117 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (73 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 BMW 528I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 BMW 528I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2012 BMW 528I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 BMW 528I problems?
Owners have filed 90 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (43), fuel & propulsion (26), transmission & drivetrain (20).
What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 528I get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 8-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 BMW 528I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.