2012 BMW 135I
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 51 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 27 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
10 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
6 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.1ADDICTS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1263580 BMW 135I DCT TRANSMISSION OIL PAN/GASKET STARTED LEAKING DUE TO THE CONSTANT HOT TEMPERATURE FROM THE EXHAUST CAUSING PART TO DEFORM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180405
HAVE TAKEN THE CAR FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME STALLING,AND LAGGING OF THE FAULTY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HESITATES 3-5SECONDS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE INPUT AND THEN LUNGES VIOLENTLY FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130202
5 of 19 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
4 of 19 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW USA DATED SEPTEMBER 2017 TELLING ME THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO SATISFY THIS RECALL AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT RIGHT AWAY TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
HAVE TAKEN THE CAR FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME STALLING,AND LAGGING OF THE FAULTY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HESITATES 3-5SECONDS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE INPUT AND THEN LUNGES VIOLENTLY FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130202
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW a
Campaign 13V044000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge.
Campaign 14V176000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 17V067000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 19V579000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 BMW 135I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V044000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V067000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V579000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 BMW 135I reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 135I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 135I have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.