2012 BMW 535I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 19%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 BMW 535I, 19% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 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.
“Engine blew a year ago and I had to have that replaced because the rod bearings blew at 90,000 miles. Rear differential has failed not once but 2 times. Failed the first time 11/24/2020 and after $2200 in repairs again on 01/23/2021. Nevermind also having both from cv axles replaced as well. But the rear differential failure I have been seeing on a lot of Bmw's.”
NHTSA complaint #11389810, filed 2021-01, 150,000 miles“My car have about 1/2 second delay from the time you press the accelerator and the car responds, so you push harder, because (I guess) is turbo the kick in is very strong, almost hit a car in front of me at least twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10510846, filed 2013-05, 5,000 miles“Vehicle has issues in line with the recall that has been extended for some VIN numbers under recall number #16v746000. Vehicle has experienced shaking under acceleration, sputtering, flashing check engine light and, multiple trips to the dealership. The vehicle has had items noted under the recall fixed at the expense of the vehicle owner. Currently the high pressure fuel pump has been replaced, as has the battery without making any change on the vehicles performance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958015, filed 2017-03, 115,272 miles“While driving heard a loud noise and oil start pouring out the bottom of the car.. After getting my Vehicle looked at BMW dealership informed me that the drive shaft had broken and fell in the engine and caused a hole in the engine and damaging the oil pan also”
NHTSA complaint #11465609, filed 2022-05“The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535i. The contact stated that the power train warning message was displayed. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11420906, filed 2021-06, 70,000 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…
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 BMW 535I
15 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 535I
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