2011 BMW 528I
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1997 | 41 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 46 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 118 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 117 |
| 2012 | 89 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2015 | 62 |
| 2016 | 57 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: engine — 33 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180131
26% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 31 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled. The check engine warning light and brake warning light repeatedly illuminated on and off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240729
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 528I BMW AND WITHIN MONTHS I HAD A COOLANT SIGNAL INDICATING LOW COOLANT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE COOLANT SIGNAL CAME ON EVERY SIX WEEKS, DESPITE HAVING IT TOPPED OFF AT DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140521
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240105
21% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 17 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
IN-TANK FUEL PUMP SAFETY RECALL - NO. 16V-746, LAST UPDATED 10/13/2016. I ATTEMPTED TO GET THIS RECALL ACCOMPLISHED AFTER RECEIVING A LETTER FROM BMW IN MAR 2017 THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND TO CONTACT MY LOCAL DETAILER FOR THE REPAIRS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171109
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 528I BMW AND WITHIN MONTHS I HAD A COOLANT SIGNAL INDICATING LOW COOLANT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE COOLANT SIGNAL CAME ON EVERY SIX WEEKS, DESPITE HAVING IT TOPPED OFF AT DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140521
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V832000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 16V746000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
Campaign 17V683000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V176000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V832000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2011 BMW 528I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 BMW 528I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 BMW 528I?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW 528I have?
4 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.