2009 BMW 128I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2009 BMW 128I, 19% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Nalley Bmw is saying they do not have this recall on my car, but it is coming up in the recall database and I am hearing a noise in my car (a whirring / high pitching humming sound) positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater : this recall involves an engine component known as the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater.”
NHTSA complaint #11043652, filed 2017-11, 78,500 miles“My electric water pump failed and my car overheated 3 times (once resulting in thick white smoke coming from the engine) tow trucks were called and fire department notified. Car is now unused on drive way as it just overheats constantly when turned on.”
NHTSA complaint #11609838, filed 2024-08“VANOS chamshaft bolts broke, and had to pay $3,200 to replace assembly, and restore timing in engine. There is currently an open recall for 2010+ models but the problem still occurs on 2009 models as well. This is a huge risk for drivers as the car can randomly stall and cause fatal accidents and/or financial burden. This problem has been addressed for earlier models, and needs to be held to the same standard for later models with the same engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11631292, filed 2024-12Related service bulletins
- 10162416Jul 9, 2019"Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in DME. The ""Service Engine Soon"" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine…
- 10151300May 1, 2016N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06…
- 10151170Mar 1, 2016N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147595Jan 1, 2015SUBJECT DME Internal and Valvetronic Faults Set at Cold Ambient Temperatures. The Service Engine Soon light (MIL) can be illuminated with the erroneous internal and Valvetronic…
- 10149287Oct 1, 2014SI B12 14 12 October 2014 Engine Electrical Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B12 14 12 dated February 2014. designates changes to this…
- 10149277Oct 1, 2014Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the…
- 10150065Jun 1, 2013"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's…
- 10149589May 1, 2013"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the…
- 10150096Mar 1, 2013N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 BMW 128I
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW 128I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology