2011 BMW 528I engine problems
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2011 BMW 528I — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I am filing a complaint regarding the recall work performed on my 2011 BMW 528i for the VANOS bolt safety recall. The recall notice stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive until repaired. I arranged towing to Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond, Oklahoma because of this safety warning. The dealership…”
filed Nov 17, 2025
“Again I write about 2011 bmw 528i, the vanos bolts were recalled and when bmw was fixing them they showed a video , there was belt and metal pieces in the engine oil. Whoever had this car before me did fix the belt and other issues but they said they didn't take off the bottom of the engine pan for…”
filed Jul 11, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuitCampaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
- In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft…Campaign 14V176000 · Apr 10, 2014
Related service bulletins
Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system…
B160623 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 20, 2023
Engine problems in other 528I years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 528I | 17 | 29% |
| 2015 528I | 13 | 21% |
| 2014 528I | 14 | 25% |
| 2013 528I | 37 | 51% |
| 2012 528I | 42 | 47% |
| 2010 528I | 16 | 25% |
| 2009 528I | 8 | 36% |
| 2008 528I | 20 | 17% |
| 2000 528I | 1 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 BMW 528I
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.