2012 Bmw 328I
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Bmw 328I has 196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 228. The most common issue is engine problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: april 2013, a warning signal on my vehicle notified me there was a need for coolant. i scheduled maintenance for 4/18/13. i informed them of the coolant warning and also inquired about recall notices. on 4/19/13, i called weber bmw myself to check the status, louie informed me there were 3 recall n. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
196
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
70 complaints- • APRIL 2013, A WARNING SIGNAL ON MY VEHICLE NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A NEED FOR COOLANT. I SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 4/18/13. I INFORMED THEM OF THE COOLANT WARNING AND ALSO INQUIRED ABOUT RECALL NOTICES. ON 4/19/13, I CALLED WEBER BMW MYSELF TO CHECK THE STATUS, LOUIE INFORMED ME THERE WERE 3 RECALL N
- • WENT TO START CAR AND GOT A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION MESSAGE. HAD IT TOWED TO A BMW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL REPLACE THE INTAKE VANOS SOLENOID SENSOR. *TR
- • BOUGHT BRAND NEW 2012 328I. WITHIN 2 MONTHS ENGINE MALFUNCTION WARNING WOULD SHOW UP AND CAR WOULD GO INTO "LIMP MODE" AND BARELY DRIVE ABLE. SOMETIMES COULD BE RESET BY TURNING OFF, THEN BACK ON. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, AND EVERY TIME THE DEALER TOLD ME NO ONE ELSE WAS HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THEY BL
“APRIL 2013, A WARNING SIGNAL ON MY VEHICLE NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A NEED FOR COOLANT. I SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 4/18/13. I INFORMED THEM OF THE COOLANT WARNING AND ALSO INQUIRED ABOUT RECALL NOTICES. ON 4/19/13, I CALLED WEBER BMW MYSELF TO CHECK THE STATUS, LOUIE INFORMED ME THERE WERE 3 RECALL N”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Bmw 328I
Based on 123 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 69K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 100-150K miles range.
FUEL SYSTEM
SEATS/RESTRAINTS
AIR BAGS
OTHER
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Bmw 328I
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Bmw 328I
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw 328I Service Intervals
Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2012 328I, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 196 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: APRIL 2013, A WARNING SIGNAL ON MY VEHICLE NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A NEED FOR COOLANT. I SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 4/18/13. I INFORMED THEM OF THE COOLANT WARNING AND ALSO INQUIRED ABOUT RECALL NOTICES. ON 4/19/13, I CALLED WEBER BMW MYSELF TO CHECK THE STATUS, LOUIE INFORMED ME THERE WERE 3 RECALL N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DISENGAGES IF PASSENGER SITS ON ANY TYPE CUSHION. PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DISENGAGED LIGHT IS ON IF PASSENGER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT SITTING ON ANY TYPE OF CUSHION OR PADDING. THE AIR BAG CAN DISENGAGE IF PASSENGER WEARS A PADDED WINTER COAT. THIS BMW 328I ORIGINALLY WAS D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: APRIL 2013, A WARNING SIGNAL ON MY VEHICLE NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A NEED FOR COOLANT. I SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 4/18/13. I INFORMED THEM OF THE COOLANT WARNING AND ALSO INQUIRED ABOUT RECALL NOTICES. ON 4/19/13, I CALLED WEBER BMW MYSELF TO CHECK THE STATUS, LOUIE INFORMED ME THERE WERE 3 RECALL N
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WENT TO START CAR AND GOT A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION MESSAGE. HAD IT TOWED TO A BMW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL REPLACE THE INTAKE VANOS SOLENOID SENSOR. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw 328I — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 196
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 4
- Injury reports
- 1
- Segment avg
- 228
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Bmw 328I