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Electrical systemPart report

2011 BMW 528I Electrical system Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
8%of 118 total for the year
Median mileage
41,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 BMW 528I, 8% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,500 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.

“Prior to any knowledge of a safety recall on my car I reported an abnormal sound coming from my engine. I had called Bmw roadside about the noise I heard. I asked for them to take it to the dealership to have it looked at. Ever since that first time of me hearing a strange noise there has been 3 separate engine shut offs while driving on the frwy. Each time those incidents have occurred I would call roadside and try explaining myself but having the most difficult time due to me being diagnosed with ptsd,anxiety disorder and copd. …”

NHTSA complaint #10671720, filed 2015-01, 45,000 miles

“This vehicle has a hesitation of throttle acceleration from idle and shifting between gears.presents a real safety issue from idle position to acceleration. A 1-2 second delay consistently happens. The Bmw dealer reported to me that they are aware of this situation but do not have a solution yet. If enough reports of this incident were handed in then it may necessitate a cure from Bmw. …”

NHTSA complaint #10618966, filed 2014-08, 31,000 miles

“This malfunction light has been coming on since I bought this vehicle. It is extremely frustrating because every time I have that this car serviced they have never truly fixed the problem. It may stop for a moment and then any random day it will give me this warning as you se in the picture provided. A bigger problem that is unexceptable is that the car keeps flashing a warning about the coolent is needed and that it needs to be fixed or there could be engine damage. This warning has been the main concer. …”

NHTSA complaint #10882502, filed 2016-07

“1. Vanos Bolts recall. NHTSA Recall 23V-707. Cause the car the have a rough idle, check engine light, car to stall, and cut off in traffic all with seconds. Dealership says it was not the Vanos Bolts that cause the shutdown, but it is the DME and ICM. 2. The safety of myself and my 15 year old daughter was at risk, along with the drivers on the highway. The car stopped in traffic, and would not release out of park to go in neutral. 3. State Trooper came to call a tow truck, the car was inspected by BMW of Irondale. 4. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #11771424, filed 2026-10

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20163356%
20153655%
20142646%
20131419%
20121213%
201198%
20101117%
2009522%
20083025%
200037%
199937%
199839%
199725%

Other parts of the 2011 BMW 528I

Engine
34 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW 528I

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