2011 BMW 528I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 21%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,740miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2011 BMW 528I, 21% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,740 miles.
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“My vehicle loss power while driving babies to daycare. The care started shaking and would not gain power in cold weather. The vehicle took about 20 minutes to warm then the indicator light went of and no problems. The indicator light was a yellow engine light followed by drivetrain malfunction. The car jerks now. I have done research on this issue and I see several people with the same issue to who. Has this model car. Also the parts are on back order in germany meaning there are aware of issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10795203, filed 2015-11, 53,000 miles“As my car was stopped at a red light, I felt a quick jerk forward and thought I was rear-ended. I looked back and there wasn't a car. As I pulled into my parking space, I was switching from reverse to drive, the car jerked again, like I was being rear ended. It felt like the car was skipping a gear (I drive an automatic). Then as I was leaving the parking lot, I pushed the gas down and for almost 2 seconds the car did nothing, then jerked hard forward and started to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10520213, filed 2013-06, 39,000 miles“When accelerating from a complete stop or driving at higher speeds (50-80mph), the vehicle consistently pulls to the right. I've had alignments performed, but the problem persists. The dealer said it's within specification, and they couldn't do anything else about it. After more persistence, my service adviser came back with: the stock camber settings on Bmw's are pretty aggressive, and they can't adjust the camber anymore on my car to resolve the pulling to the right issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10499723, filed 2013-02, 35,036 miles“When I press the accelerator to start driving, there is a very distinct and uncomfortable lag of about 2 seconds. This happened when I was making a right turn into a two-way divided road from a residential complex. The visibility to the left is limited to about 200 ft due to a curve in the divided road. When I start moving from the stop sign, I have to accelerate quickly in order to avoid any traffic that may be coming at speed behind me. This accelerator lag makes for a safety concern. …”
NHTSA complaint #10552900, filed 2013-11, 44,740 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10174009Apr 1, 2020TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from…
- 10162396Jul 9, 2019N52T / N55 with 8HP45: Delay in Engine Response. A customer may complain of a delay in engine response after decelerating at low road speeds and then reaccelerating. This can…
- 10135032Feb 1, 2018TICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT AXLE WHEN CORNERING: The customer may complain of a metallic ticking noise from the front axle when cornering, maneuvering, parking or pulling away…
- 10146821Sep 1, 2016CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT AXLE This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 31 01 12 dated June 2015. Clicking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at…
- 10151302May 1, 2016N63, N63TU, S63 and S63TU Engines: Oil Leak from the Rear of the Engine and Transmission Bell Housing. Customer complains that engine oil is leaking from the center of the…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10151404Aug 1, 2015Vibration or Shudder from Driveline when Accelerating from a Stop. Chassis stabilization warning is displayed. Vehicle may exhibit a shudder or vibration when taking off from a…
- 10147198Jul 1, 2015Cracking in Rear Differential Mount Bushing. During inspection, the rear differential mount in the rear axle support shows signs of cracking.
- 10147084Feb 1, 2015Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a…
- 10147077Feb 1, 2015SI B27 02 13February 2015 Intermediate and Special Transmission Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B27 02 13 dated June 2013. designates changes to…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 20 | 22% |
| 2011 | 25 | 21% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 1999 | 4 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 12% |
| 1997 | 5 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2011 BMW 528I
34 complaintsEngine cooling
32 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 29, 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