Bmw 528xi problems

General information about Bmw 528xi
Bmw 528xi years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972, succeeding the New Class Sedans, and currently in its eight generation.

The 5 Series was initially available as a sedan, with a wagon/estate body style (marketed as "Touring") added in 1991 and a 5-door fastback configuration (marketed as "Gran Turismo") available from 2009 to 2017. Each successive generation carries a distinct internal E- designation.

The first generation of 5 Series was powered by naturally aspirated four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol engines. Following generations have been powered by four-cylinder, six-cylinder, V8 and V10 engines that are either naturally aspirated or turbocharged. Since 1982, diesel engines have been included in the 5 Series range.

The 5 Series is BMW's second-best-selling model after the 3 Series. On 29 January 2008, the 5 millionth 5 Series was manufactured, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic.

BMW's three-digit model naming convention began with the first 5 Series, thus the 5 Series was BMW's first model line to use "Series" in the name.

Since the E28, all generations of 5 Series have included an "M" model, called the BMW M5.

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Common Bmw 528xi problems

The BMW 528xi, like any other car, has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:

Rear Reflex Reflectors: BMW has also issued a recall for certain model year 2013-2014 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and M5 vehicles, 2013 ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles, and 2014 525d xDrive vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light, causing the vehicles to fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108. BMW will replace the rear reflex reflectors free of charge.

Engine Oil Leaks: One of the most common problems reported by BMW 528xi owners is engine oil leaks. The leaks are often caused by worn or damaged gaskets or seals, and they can lead to reduced engine performance and increased oil consumption. Repairing engine oil leaks can be expensive, especially if the engine needs to be partially disassembled to access the affected components.

Front Tension Strut Bushings: The front tension strut bushings in the BMW 528xi can wear out over time, leading to a rough ride and reduced handling performance. Replacing the bushings can be a time-consuming and expensive repair, especially if the entire strut assembly needs to be replaced.

Coolant Leak from Radiator: Some BMW 528xi owners have reported coolant leaks from the radiator. This can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly. Replacing the radiator can be a costly repair, especially if the leak is caused by a damaged water pump or other related components.

Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor: The blower final stage fan resistor in the BMW 528xi can fail, causing the blower motor to stop working or operate at reduced power. Replacing the resistor can be a relatively simple repair, but it can still be expensive if the blower motor or other related components are also damaged.

HPFP Problems: The BMW 528xi has had issues with the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) in the past. The HPFP is responsible for delivering high-pressure fuel to the engine's fuel injectors. If the HPFP fails, it can cause a loss of power, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage. BMW has issued a recall for certain model year 528xi vehicles to address this issue, but some owners have reported ongoing problems.

Valve Body Rebuild: Some BMW 528xi owners have reported issues with the transmission's valve body, which can cause the car to jerk or shift hard. Rebuilding the valve body can be a costly repair, but it can help to resolve these issues.

It is important to note that not all BMW 528xi vehicles will experience these problems, and some issues may be more common in certain model years or with higher mileage vehicles. If you are considering purchasing a BMW 528xi, it is recommended that you have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential issues before making a purchase.

What problems do BMW 528i have?

Is 528xi reliable?

BMW 528i xDrive Reliability Rating Breakdown. The BMW 528i xDrive Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 20th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars.

What is the most common problem with the BMW 5 Series?

What's wrong with the BMW 5 Series?

Airbag leaks.
Faulty air lines.
Loose or broken electrical connections.
Broken compressor.
Malfunctioning ride height sensor.
Faulty control module.

Are 528i expensive to maintain?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a BMW 528i is $825, compared to an average of $976 for luxury fullsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models. The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of a vehicle.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 528xi years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 528xi cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 528xi model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 528xi model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 528xi years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 528xi car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 528xi , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Engine problems
Power train problems
Unknown or other problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 528xi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 528xi model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 528xi model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 99 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 528xi . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 528xi vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-03
Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
VIN: WBAXH5C56DD
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: See attached document for complaint.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
Date Complaint: 2024-07-18
VIN: WBAXH5C50CD
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag malfunction warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2024-07-03
Date Complaint: 2024-07-12
VIN: WBAXH5C56DD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and was towed to a local dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failure with the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the contact had not received the notification letter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
Date Complaint: 2024-02-08
VIN: WBAXH5C54CD
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Adaptive lights and turn signal failure. There seems to be a widespread issue with BMWs across all makes and models. The failure of the turn signal creates a safety hazard in that the car is unable to properly signal a change of lanes or turn at stop signs or stop lights. BMW is aware of this defect but has failed to act.

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
Date Complaint: 2024-01-27
VIN: WBAXH5C50DD
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: The vehicle has had no accidents or front impacts but has extensive moisture/condensation build up in both front headlamp housings. I intermittently receive a "adaptive headlight failure "warning in cold temperatures until the vehicle warms up. Night driving visibility is being affected as a result of the lens being covered with said moisture/condensation. I see many 5 series vehicles with the same problem.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2023-11-24
Date Complaint: 2023-12-08
VIN: WBAXH5C5XCD
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Issue with water penetration into adaptive headlights (sealed system) while driving lights can shut off and signals are disabled. Potential major safety issue.

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-10-27
Date Complaint: 2023-10-30
VIN: WBAXH5C56DD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: Engine failure due to faulty timing chain or oil pump while driving

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-08-22
Date Complaint: 2023-09-02
VIN: WBAXH5C52DD
Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Summary: BMW 528i xdrive purchased new in 2013. Currently has 103k miles. While driving on hi-way at 65 mph, received "low oil pressure" alarm on instrument panel. Pulled on hi-way, engine shut-down. Initial diagnosis by local mechanic is timing chain failure. Have read COUNTLESS blogs about this being a recurring problem with the plastic timing chain degrading, 90% leading to complete engine failure - repair of which far exceeds value of car. Went to BMW dealership which didn't even bother to read the CLASS ACTION reports I presented. They had done some service work a year or so ago with no mention that this is a rather common issue. Said they would repair at my cost and that's all they can do. Ridiculous the lack of OWNERSHIP and responsibility that BMW is taking. Hopefully if enough people report BMW's behavior, an oversight agency will have enough stroke to force BMW to deal with this.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-30
Date Complaint: 2023-08-22
VIN: WBAXH5C5XCD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: Car gave a Drivetrain Malfunction error and I was able to get the car to the mechanic I've used on the car since it was purchased. I was informed this week that there is now debris in the oil from the timing chain.

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-05-11
Date Complaint: 2023-05-15
VIN: WBAXH5C58DD
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: The headrest deployed while parked in the dealer ship and was subsequently replaced. The vehicle was parked and not running

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2022-01-03
Date Complaint: 2023-04-16
VIN: WBAXH5C58DD
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Adaptive headlight, turn signals, daytime/parking lamp and headlamp vehicle aim malfunctions. it is available for inspection. Hand signals are required due to the front signals inoperability. It is reason to be aware certain enviromental conditions can prevent hands signals and or other to see the signals. an inability to signal as vehicles are mandated to provide, potentially can be a dire situation for all involved. The actual subject company confirmed the issue upon inspection. Along with two independent mechanic shops. Inspected by manufacturer. There were not any pre-warning alerts. The notifications presented themselves upon the onset of malfunctions. At that point the damage was already embedded. My research uncovered BMW has allowed the defect to exist for over 10 years conservatively. Repairs can cost the BMW owner between $5000 to $10,000. I have not been able to find another manufacture's vehicle with the same issue. Therefore, this is malfeasance on the part of BMW.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2023-03-21
Date Complaint: 2023-04-04
VIN: WBAXH5C5XCD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: The engine seized after paying it off I was told the timing chain jumped and hit a valve

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-26
Date Complaint: 2023-03-08
VIN: WBAXH5C52DD
Components: ENGINE
Summary: The 2013 BMW 528xi had impeccable maintenance up to this catastrophic event. The mileage was just over 80,000 miles at the time of detonation. The four-cylinder N20's plastic timing chain guide experienced catastrophic failure upon placing the car in drive, obstructing the oil pump's ability to lubricate, scorching the cylinders, and destroying the engine. BMW of North America has covertly settled a class action lawsuit regarding this issue (N20 timing chain guide), which caused this incident on my 528xi. However, no public notices were issued to current customers. Additionally, timing chains are a lifetime component; their guides should be as well unless otherwise specified in the manual. BMW of North America either installed inferior components unknowingly that do not meet their strict OEM specifications or engineered a timing chain bomb that they knowingly are aware of and are liable for all damages associated with this engineered nightmare.

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Bmw 528xi 2012

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
Date Complaint: 2023-02-08
VIN: WBAXH5C57CD
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Adaptive headlamp failure including daytime lamp failure from loose headlamp seal that allowed water to infiltrate system. The lights go off at anytime while driving.

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Bmw 528xi 2013

Date Of Incident: 2023-02-04
Date Complaint: 2023-02-04
VIN: WBAXH5C5XDD
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Something isn’t right with how water travels to and gets into the Front Headlights of these cars weaking the seals and damaging the multiple modules of these headlights my front passenger headlight out of nowhere started forming condensation in the headlight which shorted almost every module in there it barely works now. I have a coworker with with same exact model and year as mines and he said he just had to have his replaced too. My repair guy says he replaces 2 a week on BMW’s at his shop. Something is defective either with the actual headlights or seals or with how the vehicle is designed to allow water to flow down straight to the headlights through the slits in the hood of the car. Now my car will not pass inspection until I pay $4k to replace the headlight. BMW needs to recall these headlights or fix the trajectory issue or the seal or something I should not be responsible for this cost entirely. Thank you

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Recalls Bmw 528xi

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Bmw 528xi.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Bmw 528xi 2013
Report Received Date: 2015-03-31
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 528xi 2014
Report Received Date: 2015-03-31
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.