2012 BMW 535I Problems

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

UNKNOWN passenger restraint system malfunction message started coming.

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.

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.

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.

I HAD TO REPLACE THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING IN MY CAR BECAUSE OF A CLICKING SOUND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNING ANY DIRECTION, SOUND HEARD WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE OR PARK. I HAD ABOUT 43,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE NOISE STARTED. I HAD CALLED BMW TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY WARRANTY ON THIS ITEM BEING IT IS PART OF THE SRS SYSTEM FOR THE CAR, AND THEY TOLD ME FOR MY VEHICLE VIN THERE WAS NOT. BEING APART OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM I AM WONDERING IF THERE WAS ANY SAFETY GUIDELINES OR EXTENDED WARRANTY I AM NOT BEING INFORMED OF FOR THE PART I HAD TO REPLACE 61-31-9-354-047. *TR

THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP FOR VARIOUS PROBLEMS FROM THE MOMENT WE BOUGHT IT. THE CAR STARTED MAKING WHISTLING SOUNDS AND ENGINE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON AND HAS BEEN SEEN BY BMW RTS ALREADY 4 TIMES. BUT MOST RECENTLY MY HUSBAND WAS WAITING AT THE LIGHT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN WHEN HIS STEERING WHEEL ALL OF A SUDDEN LOCKED AND HE COULD NOT DRIVE IT. SO WE TOOK IT IN TO GET IT SERVICED AND WAS TOLD TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA . 3 WEEKS LATER I FINALLY RECEIVED MY CAR AND CAUSE OF THIS STEERING ERROR READS: EPS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY. THE REPLACED THE EPS CONTROL UNIT, BASICALLY THE STEERING RACK, AND THE EPS CONTROL UNIT FAILED AGAIN! THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY TO RESET THE CONTROL MODULES REPROGRAMMED THE EPS CONTROL UNIT, ADJUSTED THE STEERING ANGELS, INITIALIZED ALL WINDOWS AND SUNROOF, PERFORMED ACTIVE 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. BASICALLY THE CARS A DUD AND BMW REFUSES A BUY BACK. *TR

THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE INNER SIDEWALLS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OR WARNING OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, NO CONTROL PANEL WARNING, PULLING ETC. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED NORMALLY, THE CAR DRIVING NORMAL. THEN SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LOUD PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND AS IF THE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. I PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE!!!

5/20/14 I84- TIRE BLOW OUT WITH GOODYEAR RUN FLATS 245/40/R19 98V ON INTERSTATE AFTER POTHOLE. 10/28 I95 2 TIRES BLOW OUT...TOWED 40 MILES TO DEALER AND REPLACED WITH 2 NEW TIRES. MILEAGE 26,000 10/28 DEALER...TWO OTHER TIRES HAVE BUBBLES IN SIDEWALL AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, ONE OF WHICH WAS INSTALLED IN MAY. BMW SERVICE'S ONLY INTEREST IS SELLING NEW TIRES. BMW CONTACTED AT CORPORATE RELATIONS AFTER 2ND INCIDENT ON 10/29/14 AND AS OF TODAY 11/10/14 NO SOLUTION. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON INTERSTATES. GOODYEAR INSPECTED CURRENT TIRES WITH BUBBLES AND COULD FIND NO DAMAGE OR CAUSE FOR SIDEWALL BUBBLES. *TR

THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY FROM THE INNER SIDEWALLS. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OR WARNING OF ANY ISSUES, LOW PRESSURE, NO CONTROL PANEL WARNING, PULLING ETC. I WAS ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED NORMALLY, THE CAR DRIVING NORMAL. THEN SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LOUD PULSATING VIBRATION SOUND AS IF THE TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT. I PULLED OVER TO FIND THAT THE TREAD HAD SEPARATED COMPLETELY ALL THE WAY AROUND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRE!!!

I LEASED A 2012 NBMW 535I FROM PAUL MILLER BMW OF WAYNE, NJ. PAUL MILLER BMW IS A CERTIFIED AND AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER IN NJ, AND HANDLED ALL SERVICES FOR SEVERAL REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 19 TIRES FOR FLATS AND OTHER ISSUES IN A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS SINCE LEASING MY VEHICLE. THIS CAR OBVIOUSLY HAS A TIGHT SUSPENSION WITH LOW PROFILE (40) TIRES AND THIS CAR IS PARTICULAR MAY BE MORE DEFECTIVE THAN OTHERS. SINCE THIS CAR?S RELEASE AND SOME PRIOR YEARS OF THE BMW 535I, I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE DANGER OF DRIVING THIS CAR AS IT FEELS LIKE GIANT BOULDER FALLS ONTO THE CAR WHEN IT HITS EVEN MODEST POTHOLES OR ROAD IMPERFECTIONS. BMW AS COMPANY SHOULD NOT MARKET THIS CAR TO ANY URBAN AREA CUSTOMERS, WHICH I HOPE THE FTC AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WOULD PLEASE ENFORCE BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK BMW CORPORATION, FINANCIAL SERVICES, AND NJ PAUL MILLER BMW IN WAYNE NJ TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO SO. ALSO BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES BREACHED WARRANTY AS THEY PROVIDED USED TIRES DURING FEBRUARY 2014 EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A TIRE REPLACEMENT CONTRACT THAT I PAID THEM $1813 FOR. PAUL MILLER BMW ALSO TRIED TO CHARGE ME FOR NEW TIRES BECAUSE 3 OF THEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DURING ONE EPISODE WHEN I HIT SOME HIGHWAY BUMPS. THEY ALSO SUGGESTED PUTTING LIQUID NITROGEN INTO THE TIRES AND BILLED ME FOR THIS. THE TIRES WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. THIS WAS YET ANOTHER BREACH OF CONTRACT AS BMW'S TOWING SERVICE DID NOT PICK ME UP MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN FLATS OCCURRED. THEY ALSO SAID THE RUNFLAT TIRES CAN BE DRIVEN AT 50 MPH OR LESS FOR SEVERAL MILES AND THIS DID NOT WORK ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AS THE TIRES SHREDDED AND I WAS STRANDED - ONE TIME OF WHICH WAS WITH A CUSTOMER IN THE CAR! *TR

I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON ABOUT SOMETHING WITH A FUEL LEAK AND BMW SAYS IT'S SOMETHING TO DO WITH ADMISSIONS! I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF PLEASE. THIS IS A REAL ISSUE. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THE ELECTRIC CALIPERS GET STUCK AND CAUSE A BIG BANG WHEN U PULL OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT WHEN YOU FIRST LEAVE. DON'T HAPPEN AFTER THAT. THE MECHANIC SAID THIS WAS THE PROBLEM CAUSE EVERYTHING ELSE LOOKED FINE.

AT A SPEED OF 40-60 MPH WHEN I BRAKE MY CAR SHAKES REALLY BAD. I HAVE TAKEN TO ADVANTAGE BMW IN CLEAR LAKE, TX TWICE. THE FIRST TIME THEY CHANGED THE BRAKES. THE SECOND TIME I HAD A BUBBLE IN MY TIRE AND GOT IT REPLACED ALONG WITH A BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT. I DRIVE ON THE HWY. 5 DAYS A WEEK AND EVERY TIME I PRESS ON MY BRAKE MY CAR SHAKES. EVEN AFTER THE NEW TIRE, BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT IT STILL SHAKES WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. I FEEL A HARD VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING AND A SQUEAKING WHEN BACKING UP. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OCTOBER 2 AND 5 MONTHS PRIOR TO THAT FOR THE SAME THING. IT IS NOT FIXED.

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.

AT 72,000 MILES THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT AIRBAG LIGHT WENT ON AND IT WILL NOT RESET. NO ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT OR AIR BAG. IT WAS NOT IN MOTION AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AT ENGINE START AND DID NOT GO OUT.

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.

THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION WARNING KEEPS POPPING UP. I'VE SPENT CLOSE TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS AT BMW DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED. THEY HAVE INSPECTED AND REPLACED A FEW SENSORS AND THE ISSUE STILL PERSISTS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 535I. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT SWITCHED TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION, DOWNSHIFTED INTO FIRST GEAR, AND DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AT A FUEL STATION AND NOTICED THAT THE RPMS WERE INCREASING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500.

WAS DRIVING SUDDENDLY CAR LOST SPEED TO 20MPH RPMS REVED UP TO 4000. WOULD NOT GO ANY FASTER HAD TO PULL OVER THE CAR PUT ITSELF IN NEUTRAL THEN TURNED ITSELF OFF FEW MINUTES LATER WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND RESUME DRIVING .. IT WA A CITY STREET CLEAR WEATHER HE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION WASINDICATED ON THE SCREEN VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON CITY STREETS PLUS INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS THROUGH ATLANTA.

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.

THE CAR WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT. IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE RIGHT SIDE, MY 2012 535I HAS BEEN ALIGNED TWICE BY BMW AND CAN'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM. MY SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED ME THAT I NEEDED TO CONTACT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE TO THEM. *TR

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)