2011 BMW 528I Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 29%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the engine of the 2011 BMW 528I, 29% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was at my fianc grandads funeral saturday 02/06/2021 and the car started acting strange immediately I heard strange noice coming from the front of the engine got a diagnosis and mechanic told me vvt issues got if fixed at a certified Bmw tech and on his bulletin I seen the recall and he told me about this recall and that he gets many cars every week for this job he told me I would be reimbursed from Bmw of north america I have all the recites for the labor and parts and I really need your help in getting this resolved”
NHTSA complaint #11396026, filed 2021-02, 94,000 miles“Acceleration delay, the car has a very distinct lag when you step on the gas pedal, from a stop or moving, sometimes up to 2 seconds. It happens in town on the freeway any time you put your foot down on the gas. It is very dangerous when you try to get into traffic. You think you have time to go, step on the gas and nothing happens. Then the car slowly starts to go. My wife and I have both almost been hit by other cars because we try to move out in to traffic and nothing happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #10851277, filed 2016-03, 30,000 miles“While driving my vehicle at around 50-60 MPH, the engine low coolant warning lamp came on and instructed me to go immediately to the nearest Bmw dealer for service in order to avoid engine damage. I went to the dealer and reported the problem. At the time of this incident, my car was still under full manufacturer bumper to bumper warranty. The vehicle was put into service and the service advisor stated that a pressure test was done and no issue was found and that it was probably air bubbles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762856, filed 2015-09, 38,000 miles“While driving my vehicle at around 50-60 miles per hour, the engine low coolant warning lamp came on and instructed me to go immediately to the nearest Bmw dealer for service in order to avoid engine damage. I went to dealer and reported the problem. At the time of this incident, my car was still under full manufacturer bumper to bumper warranty. The vehicle was put into service and the service advisor stated that a pressure test was done and no issue was found and that it was probably air bubbles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10762823, filed 2015-09, 38,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10211851Mar 1, 2022This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The…
- 10172479Feb 1, 2020LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and…
- 10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
- 10163026Jun 1, 2019N63 ENGINE: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR PROCEDURES. While engine oil consumption may create a customer inconvenience in the short term it should…
- 10149564Oct 1, 2018N63 AND N63T ENGINE: ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION, ENGINE OIL TOP-UPS AND REFILL CAPACITY. Customers with one of the vehicles above may complain that the engine's oil consumption is…
- 10149961Sep 1, 2018?ENGINE LEAK DIAGNOSIS ON TURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINES. When diagnosing an engine oil leak or a coolant leak on turbocharged V8 engines it is necessary to use a borescope to identify…
- 10149960Sep 1, 2018N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement. Refer to the following applicable SIBs before replacing the valve seals. * B11 07 11 - Turbocharger Failure: Oil Supply and Return…
- 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.
- 10154817Feb 1, 2018ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE. One of the following complaints may be reported The engine runs erratically; The engine causes vibrations when running; Grinding noise from the engine…
- 10146706Jun 1, 2017N63 and S63 Engine: Valve Seal Replacement This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 08 15 June May 2017 What's New: Diagnostic tips updated. Refer to the following…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17 | 29% |
| 2015 | 14 | 22% |
| 2014 | 14 | 25% |
| 2013 | 37 | 51% |
| 2012 | 43 | 48% |
| 2011 | 34 | 29% |
| 2010 | 16 | 25% |
| 2009 | 8 | 35% |
| 2008 | 20 | 17% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 528I
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 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