RoadVitals

2012 BMW 650I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
20
Latest Jan 4, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 18, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 20 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 BMW 650I, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and seat belts categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 363 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1246.2%
  • Brakes27.7%
  • Seat belts27.7%
  • Fuel system27.7%
  • Interior & seats27.7%
  • Airbags27.7%
  • Other / unspecified13.8%
  • Heating & air conditioning13.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

Apr 18, 2018
47,806 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
The risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Oct 17, 2016
136,188 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, 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 xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
The risk: 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 remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2023

While at complete stop engine shut off with no warning lights on dash board. BMW dealer related they do not know what is wrong with engine.

NHTSA ID
11500126
Incident
Dec 5, 2022
Seat belts
Filed Oct 13, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 650 XI. The contact stated that both the front driver and front passenger seat belts would fail to retract upon disengagement. The contact stated that the seat belts would need to be pushed back manually into place by the occupants after use. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall and was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11489137
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Mileage
92,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 20, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 650I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL ODOR APPEARED INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK EXHAUST COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE. THE CONTACT THAT THAT THE OIL TUBE WAS REFILLED EVERY 80 TO 100 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BAYSIDE (24721 NORTHERN BLVD, DOUGLASTON, NY 11362) DIAGNOSED, AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V161000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11365320
Incident
Mar 6, 2019
Mileage
30,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 17, 2020

AT APPROXIMATELY 120,000 MILES MY ENGINE OIL PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING MY CAR TO STALL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR. THE BMW DEALERSHIP SAID TO ME THAT EVEN THOUGH MY CAR MEETS THE MILES SPECIFICATIONS THE ENGINE OIL HAS METAL PIECES IN IT THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT COVER A NEW WARRANTY UNDER THEIR LEMON LAW. BMW NEW THAT THIS ENGINE WAS A TROUBLED ENGINE FROM THE FIRST DAT THIS CAR WAS BUILT AND NOW BMW IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THES VEHICLES

NHTSA ID
11324905
Incident
Jan 3, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 21, 2020

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON HIGHWAY 20 WEST MY ENGINE LOSS ALL POWER MAKING MY CAR SLOW COMPLETELY DOWN. I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND I HAD TO MOVE OVER TWO LANES TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY. ONCE MY CAR STOPPED THE CAR PUT ITS SELF IN PARK AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO SELECT ANY GEAR. COME TO FIND OUT THE TURBO CHARGER WEN OUT IN MY CAR CAUSING THE CAR TO ACT IN THIS UN SAFE MANNER. THIS IS A REALL SAFETY ISSUE THAT BMW HAS ON THESE PARTICULAR ENGINES. THIS MATTER NEEDS O BE ADDRESSED WITH MY CAR PLEASE

NHTSA ID
11310650
Incident
Jan 31, 2020
Mileage
102,000 mi
Filed Jul 3, 2019

I AM TRYING TO ACQUIRE IT USED FROM AN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALERSHIP. THERE ARE OUTSTANDING RECALLS. DEALERSHIP WANTS ME TO HOLD THEM HARMLESS. YES. AN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALERSHIP IN ATALANTA WILL SELL A CAR WITH DEFECTS AND SUBJECT TO AN NHTSA RECALL AND ASK A CONSUMER TO INDEMNIFY THEM. GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW.

NHTSA ID
11229203
Incident
Jul 3, 2019
Mileage
80,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 650I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SEVERAL COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE LEAKED, INCLUDING THE OIL. ALSO, THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF RIVERSIDE (3060 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 373-5000) AND BMW OF MURRIETA (41430 AUTO MALL PKWY, MURRIETA, CA 92562, (951) 200-5491). BOTH DEALERS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT ALL REPAIRS WOULD BE HER RESPONSIBILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AND PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,857.

NHTSA ID
11228955
Incident
Apr 30, 2019
Mileage
137,857 mi
AirbagsEngine
Filed Jun 18, 2019

A WARNING LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IS ON. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE ME $1500 TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG. HOW CAN IT BE DAMAGED IF IT'S NEVER BEEN USED? HOW IS THIS REPAIR MY RESPONSIBILITY? ADDITIONALLY, THIS BMW BURNS OIL. IT SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH ALL 8 CYLINDER MODELS AS THEY AGE. I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 300 MILES OR SO AND THE CAR BLOWS BLACK SMOKE VIA THE EXHAUST. I'VE SPENT $1300 TO REPAIR IT, BUT IT DIDN'T REPAIR THE ISSUE. NOW I'M BEING TOLD IT'S A $10,000 REPAIR. HOW IS A PROBLEM THAT'S SYSTEMATIC WITH SO MANY 8 CYLINDER BMWS MY RESPONSIBILITY?

NHTSA ID
11220935
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 “discharged battery” complaints.

B340914

WHEELS

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 work correctly and no problem can be found with the wiring harness.

B010122

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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. The Settlement Benefits are effective and available on and after February 9, 2022. Note: This bulletin is a notice of a Class Action Settlement Service Campaign benefits that are now available.

B651523

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

B010122

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 650I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018001
2017111
2016001
2015311
2014601
2013160137.7
2012Viewing202151.8
2010500
2009400
2008600
2007221044.1
2006201147.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.