2012 BMW 328I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 42%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,415miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the engine of the 2012 BMW 328I, 42% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,415 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just recently had to take my 2012 Bmw 328I convertible in because of the engine was making a loud noise plus loss of hp. The technician informed me that the vanos solenoid bolts had broken off into the engine after doing more research into this I find that there was a recall on the vanos gear bolts. My question is do I pay for this repair?”
NHTSA complaint #11281940, filed 2019-11, 69,000 miles“Got a code for low pressure and then drive train malfunction took it to Bmw and they told me I was covered by warranty but after they diagnosed the car they said I was not. It is a 2012 with only 67k miles and I was very upset with Bmw. It is getting fixed at a local german shop right now and is going to be a lot of money”
NHTSA complaint #11383451, filed 2020-12, 67,000 miles“I was about a quarter mile from my home when my 2012 328 n20 began to make a loud sound coming from engine. The car also started to idle very rough. Check engine lights went off. I had the car towed to my Bmw mechanic and they diagnosed an issue with the timing chain. They verified a noise and a very loose timing chain. Timing chain and guide repair was performed at a high cost. Mileage is 127500.”
NHTSA complaint #11355036, filed 2020-09, 127,651 miles“I started my car and got a drivetrain malfunction warning. Drove it straight to the dealership where they told me my timing chain was stretched, which caused a vanos fault. They suggested replacing the timing chain and oil pump ($5500 repair). The car had 90k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11280287, filed 2019-11, 90,830 miles“I was cruising on the highway when my idrive displayed 'low oil pressure warning' and 'drivetrain malfunction,' the engine weird noises before it shutdown and went into neutral while I was still around traffic. I barely made it a safe place to stop as I had to coast up a hill and then turn with whatever momentum I had. The steering wheel and brakes were extremely hard to move. I got my car towed and had a diagnostic test for codes shown in the attached screenshot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11330954, filed 2020-06, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10199292May 1, 2021B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert…
- 10176360May 1, 2020B58C AND B58M ENGINES ENGINE OIL FILTER INSERT IS DIFFICULT TO REMOVE - REMOVAL: On rare occasions during an engine oil service the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter…
- 10170574Dec 1, 2019SERVICE ACTION: N54T ENGINE - INSPECT AND REPLACE INJECTOR(S). The piezo-type fuel injectors may cause a rough running at start-up or rough running while at idle.
- 10165279Aug 1, 2019DME FC 21A02D - COMBUSTION CONTROL: VALVE LIFT AT IDLE This Service Information Bulletin (Revision #2) replaces SI B12 13 18 dated May 2018. Correction software level updated…
- 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…
- 10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
- 10160348Apr 1, 2019VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B61 04 19 dated March 2019.
- 10153691Dec 1, 2018FAULT 118002 - MIXTURE TOO RICH SETS DURING WINTER WITH COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following fault stored in the Digital Motor…
- 10145283Jul 1, 2018BUZZING NOISE FROM VALVETRONIC MOTOR BEFORE OR AFTER ENGINE OPERATION: Buzzing noise may be heard from the Valvetronic motor when the vehicle is unlocked, before the engine is…
- 10154818Feb 1, 2018N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 15 | 26% |
| 2015 | 23 | 18% |
| 2014 | 29 | 19% |
| 2013 | 92 | 36% |
| 2012 | 55 | 42% |
| 2011 | 194 | 34% |
| 2010 | 48 | 31% |
| 2009 | 47 | 24% |
| 2008 | 54 | 23% |
| 2007 | 65 | 16% |
| 2000 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 BMW 328I
26 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsEngine cooling
16 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 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