BMW 528I Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the BMW 528I across 11 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (25). The words owners use most often: “drivetrain malfunction” (10% of reports).
- 106power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Drivetrain malfunction: mentioned in 11 of 106 complaints (10%)
- Timing chain: mentioned in 6 of 106 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 73 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 106 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 3 a fire.
BMW 528I power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists power train for the BMW 528I. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at 5 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into Neutral (N) and the engine experienced a total loss of motive power. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle rolled backward, struck the front bumper of another…
I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership…
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, and after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the message…
A critical component failure has rendered my 2016 BMW 528xi inoperable and unsafe. The water pump failed, forcing the car into a safety "limp mode," limiting its speed to approximately 40 miles per hour. This issue mirrors NHTSA Recall 24V-608 regarding an electrical connector on the water pump…
Very often, when I change the gear to 'Drive' or 'Reverse' I get a message on the dashboard screen - "secure Vehicle against rolling" and the car DOES NOT move unless I shift the auto gear lever several times or sometimes shut off the engine to get back to normal driving. Once when I was in such a…
Frequently asked questions
Do all BMW 528Is have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints about power train for the BMW 528I. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the BMW 528I power train?
No recall currently lists power train for this vehicle.
What do owners say about power train problems on the BMW 528I?
The most frequent phrase is “drivetrain malfunction”, in 11 of 106 complaints, followed by “timing chain” (6).
Other BMW 528I problems
See all BMW 528I problems.