2012 BMW 328I Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 12%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 123,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2012 BMW 328I, 12% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 123,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump plug connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626198, filed 2024-11, 125,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated during cold starts, there was a large puff of bluish-white smoke coming from the tail pipe. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil supply line needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11533623, filed 2023-07, 65,000 miles“The contact’s mother owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was overheating and there was a burning plastic odor coming from the A/C vents. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The check engine warning light and the coolant temperature warning light were illuminated. Additionally, upon parking the vehicle for 10 minutes, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11511207, filed 2023-03, 125,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an BMW certified mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). …”
NHTSA complaint #11581148, filed 2024-04, 138,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe, and there was a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan was leaking near the water pump. The dealer replaced the thermostat gasket, the valve cover gasket, the cylinder head cover, the ISA screws and washer, the high-pressure pipe, and the gasket flange. …”
NHTSA complaint #11625247, filed 2024-11, 115,783 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10215746May 1, 2022Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide…
- 10212788Apr 1, 2022The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
- 10214256Feb 1, 2022The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
- 10204534Oct 1, 2021For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7…
- 10203331Sep 1, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10204619Jul 1, 2021BMW of North America, LLC BMW NA is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10200228Jun 1, 2021On rare occasions during an engine oil service, the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing.
- 10188938Feb 1, 2021COMBUSTION CONTROL VALVE LIFT AT IDLE: The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
- 10186213Dec 1, 2020N20 AND N26 ENGINE TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN: Whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases frequency when increasing the engine…
- 10181214Sep 1, 2020Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 13 | 23% |
| 2015 | 42 | 34% |
| 2014 | 29 | 19% |
| 2013 | 44 | 17% |
| 2012 | 16 | 12% |
| 2011 | 175 | 30% |
| 2010 | 40 | 26% |
| 2009 | 21 | 11% |
| 2008 | 33 | 14% |
| 2007 | 35 | 9% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 8% |
| 1997 | 3 | 12% |
| 1996 | 6 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW 328I
55 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 328I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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