2012 BMW 535i recalls
Reported Oct 17, 2016 · 136,188 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2012 BMW 535i problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 9 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Tires | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Seats | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
Most reported parts
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 BMW 535i complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · reported Oct 28, 2025
BMW N63 Engine Powertrain Issues 2012 535i The N63 engine, utilized in various BMW models including the 2012 535i, has been subject to multiple customer complaints regarding premature timing chain wear and other powertrain-related issues. This led BMW to introduce a "Customer Care Package," detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) B110614, to address the concerns reported by multiple owners and noted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under ID Number 11016414. A primary cause of the issue is accelerated timing chain wear. The N63 engine's design features timing…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 127,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine temperature and "Pull Over - Stop Vehicle" warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and let the vehicle cool down and drove to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was an active recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 119,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 50â55 MPH, the engine overheated and the vehicle shutoff. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive to her residence. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V746000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the fuel pump and the water pump. The water pump and fuel pump were replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not…
Engine · reported Jan 30, 2024
Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should. The Recall needs to be extended to include 2012 - 5 series models as failure of these bolts will cause immediate engine failure and could result in catastrophic crash, especially if driving at high speeds. I have contacted BMW of North America and they will not extend the recall until formal complaints, such as this, are received. My Issue with the Vanos Camshaft Bolts is currently being…
Exterior Lighting · reported Feb 13, 2023
The headlights on the BMW 535 collect excessive amounts of condensation. If the condensation builds up, then the light does not function properly. The main safety concern is the malfunction of the turn signal. It will function in the rear of the vehicle but does not light up on the front in the affected headlight housing. Review of this problem on-line shows that this has occurred in many BMW vehicles and BMW also has issued a service bulletin for this problem (SI B63 05 16). As widespread as this problem is, I would think there would be a required recall for this service.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 BMW 535i have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 BMW 535i: 16V-746 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 BMW 535i?
Owners report fuel/propulsion system problems most often (12 reports), followed by engine (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.