bmw 528i 2011 Complaints

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

the vehicle has an acceleration problem and hesitates and pauses when starting from a stop or while in low speed conditions. it is dangerous to, for example, pull out in traffic when one does not know if your vehicle is going to accelerate properly. there is a definite lag and pause that is a problem when accelerating.

Reported in: MIDLOTHIAN VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C58BC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

the vehicle has an acceleration problem and hesitates and pauses when starting from a stop or while in low speed conditions. it is dangerous to, for example, pull out in traffic when one does not know if your vehicle is going to accelerate properly. there is a definite lag and pause that is a problem when accelerating.

Reported in: MIDLOTHIAN VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C58BC

POWER TRAIN

when accelerating from a complete stop or driving at higher speeds (50-80mph), the vehicle consistently pulls to the right. i've had alignments performed, but the problem persists. the dealer said it's within specification, and they couldn't do anything else about it. after more persistence, my service adviser came back with: the stock camber settings on bmw's are pretty aggressive, and they can't adjust the camber anymore on my car to resolve the pulling to the right issue. he said there is another bmw suspension part (control arm) they can use that will allow them to adjust the camber more, which will resolve the pull issue. the only problem is that bmw won't cover the cost to have the part replaced, which is just under $1100.00, and i'll have to pay for it out of pocket. i advised my adviser that was not acceptable, which prompted him to contact the service manager. the service manager said they would cover the cost of the alignment (~$185), but i would have to pay the remaining amount (~$900). after questioning the dealer further, they contacted the regional manager on my behalf. the regional manager said because the mileage on my car was so high (~40k), he would only cover the cost of the part, not labor. while i appreciate the dealer's efforts, i don't feel i should have to pay anything out of pocket to fix my car so it will drive in a straight line without pulling, especially when my car is still within manufacturer's warranty. bottom line is that bmw now has a fix for a known issue which presents a safety hazard. bmw should fix the problem at no expense to the customer, since this has been a documented issue for several customers starting at 10 miles, after purchasing new.

Reported in: PFLUGERVILLE TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

SUSPENSION

when accelerating from a complete stop or driving at higher speeds (50-80mph), the vehicle consistently pulls to the right. i've had alignments performed, but the problem persists. the dealer said it's within specification, and they couldn't do anything else about it. after more persistence, my service adviser came back with: the stock camber settings on bmw's are pretty aggressive, and they can't adjust the camber anymore on my car to resolve the pulling to the right issue. he said there is another bmw suspension part (control arm) they can use that will allow them to adjust the camber more, which will resolve the pull issue. the only problem is that bmw won't cover the cost to have the part replaced, which is just under $1100.00, and i'll have to pay for it out of pocket. i advised my adviser that was not acceptable, which prompted him to contact the service manager. the service manager said they would cover the cost of the alignment (~$185), but i would have to pay the remaining amount (~$900). after questioning the dealer further, they contacted the regional manager on my behalf. the regional manager said because the mileage on my car was so high (~40k), he would only cover the cost of the part, not labor. while i appreciate the dealer's efforts, i don't feel i should have to pay anything out of pocket to fix my car so it will drive in a straight line without pulling, especially when my car is still within manufacturer's warranty. bottom line is that bmw now has a fix for a known issue which presents a safety hazard. bmw should fix the problem at no expense to the customer, since this has been a documented issue for several customers starting at 10 miles, after purchasing new.

Reported in: PFLUGERVILLE TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

POWER TRAIN

from a complete stop, when accelerating, there is a lag or hesitation before the car takes off. when it does take off, there is a hard jerk. it makes it very hard to gauge the distance between you and other cars when it lunges very quickly. if you're pulling into traffic, as in my case, it can be very dangerous. also if it's wet, and this happens, it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. this needs to be investigated, as it can be a major safety issue.

Reported in: PFLUGERVILLE TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

ENGINE

from a complete stop, when accelerating, there is a lag or hesitation before the car takes off. when it does take off, there is a hard jerk. it makes it very hard to gauge the distance between you and other cars when it lunges very quickly. if you're pulling into traffic, as in my case, it can be very dangerous. also if it's wet, and this happens, it could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. this needs to be investigated, as it can be a major safety issue.

Reported in: PFLUGERVILLE TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

POWER TRAIN

after purchasing my 2011 528i i noticed the car would not accelerate smoothly from a stop or after slowing down to make a turn, it actually felt like it was applying the breaks until you applied close to half throttle then it would lurch forward. the car was taken to dealer and received a patch and programming which made no change. to top all of this off it picks and chooses when its going to drive "normal" so you don't know what to expect....this is unsafe...... on the freeway it wont downshift to pass unless pressed to the floor, the motor just lugs and wont give you the expected response causing cars and trucks alike to be cut off because you didn't accelerate as expected.... i cant believe bmw is allowing its flagship model the 5 series to have these issues and not address them.... the car pulled to the right as described by many, i took it to the dealer and left at the end of the day with a $300.00 alignment????? i'm concerned with getting stuck with a lemon $50,000 car that i wont be able to sell, atleast offer a buy back program??? help!!!!!

Reported in: RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BD

SUSPENSION

after purchasing my 2011 528i i noticed the car would not accelerate smoothly from a stop or after slowing down to make a turn, it actually felt like it was applying the breaks until you applied close to half throttle then it would lurch forward. the car was taken to dealer and received a patch and programming which made no change. to top all of this off it picks and chooses when its going to drive "normal" so you don't know what to expect....this is unsafe...... on the freeway it wont downshift to pass unless pressed to the floor, the motor just lugs and wont give you the expected response causing cars and trucks alike to be cut off because you didn't accelerate as expected.... i cant believe bmw is allowing its flagship model the 5 series to have these issues and not address them.... the car pulled to the right as described by many, i took it to the dealer and left at the end of the day with a $300.00 alignment????? i'm concerned with getting stuck with a lemon $50,000 car that i wont be able to sell, atleast offer a buy back program??? help!!!!!

Reported in: RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BD

ENGINE

after purchasing my 2011 528i i noticed the car would not accelerate smoothly from a stop or after slowing down to make a turn, it actually felt like it was applying the breaks until you applied close to half throttle then it would lurch forward. the car was taken to dealer and received a patch and programming which made no change. to top all of this off it picks and chooses when its going to drive "normal" so you don't know what to expect....this is unsafe...... on the freeway it wont downshift to pass unless pressed to the floor, the motor just lugs and wont give you the expected response causing cars and trucks alike to be cut off because you didn't accelerate as expected.... i cant believe bmw is allowing its flagship model the 5 series to have these issues and not address them.... the car pulled to the right as described by many, i took it to the dealer and left at the end of the day with a $300.00 alignment????? i'm concerned with getting stuck with a lemon $50,000 car that i wont be able to sell, atleast offer a buy back program??? help!!!!!

Reported in: RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BD

POWER TRAIN

the vehicle has a significant delay in acceleration that occurs primarily after (i) the vehicle has slowed down to a speed between 18 mph and 24 mph; (ii) a full stop (although it is intermittent following a full stop) and (iii) sudden surges of acceleration. the acceleration delay is most noticeable when moderate acceleration is desired. the pedal can be depressed nearly fully with no noticeable acceleration for a short period. after the delay the car will accelerate, often in a surge. from a full stop acceleration is often a jerky affair. the acceleration issues significantly compromise safety due to the unexpected vehicle performance, both with the acceleration delay and the sudden surge of acceleration that occurs after about a second to a second and a half after the accelerator has been depressed. often times when merging into traffic the vehicle has been nearly hit as a result of the acceleration delay. likewise, it is nearly impossible to make a left turn until a road is empty as i have no idea how long it will take to cross opposing traffic.

Reported in: SUGAR LAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BC

ENGINE

the vehicle has a significant delay in acceleration that occurs primarily after (i) the vehicle has slowed down to a speed between 18 mph and 24 mph; (ii) a full stop (although it is intermittent following a full stop) and (iii) sudden surges of acceleration. the acceleration delay is most noticeable when moderate acceleration is desired. the pedal can be depressed nearly fully with no noticeable acceleration for a short period. after the delay the car will accelerate, often in a surge. from a full stop acceleration is often a jerky affair. the acceleration issues significantly compromise safety due to the unexpected vehicle performance, both with the acceleration delay and the sudden surge of acceleration that occurs after about a second to a second and a half after the accelerator has been depressed. often times when merging into traffic the vehicle has been nearly hit as a result of the acceleration delay. likewise, it is nearly impossible to make a left turn until a road is empty as i have no idea how long it will take to cross opposing traffic.

Reported in: SUGAR LAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

the vehicle has a significant delay in acceleration that occurs primarily after (i) the vehicle has slowed down to a speed between 18 mph and 24 mph; (ii) a full stop (although it is intermittent following a full stop) and (iii) sudden surges of acceleration. the acceleration delay is most noticeable when moderate acceleration is desired. the pedal can be depressed nearly fully with no noticeable acceleration for a short period. after the delay the car will accelerate, often in a surge. from a full stop acceleration is often a jerky affair. the acceleration issues significantly compromise safety due to the unexpected vehicle performance, both with the acceleration delay and the sudden surge of acceleration that occurs after about a second to a second and a half after the accelerator has been depressed. often times when merging into traffic the vehicle has been nearly hit as a result of the acceleration delay. likewise, it is nearly impossible to make a left turn until a road is empty as i have no idea how long it will take to cross opposing traffic.

Reported in: SUGAR LAND TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C59BC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

vehicle did not accelerate as i was pulling out of a gas station. this is normal for this car (throttle delay). i usually plan for the poor performance, however, because of heavy traffic i pulled out in what should have been ample time to merge in. no accident occurred but if i did not know how to react it very easily could have. i do not let other family members drive this vehicle due to this issue very unsafe!! thanks for your time.

Reported in: AMHERST OH || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C58BC

POWER TRAIN

as my car was stopped at a red light, i felt a quick jerk forward and thought i was rear-ended. i looked back and there wasn't a car. as i pulled into my parking space, i was switching from reverse to drive, the car jerked again, like i was being rear ended. it felt like the car was skipping a gear (i drive an automatic). then as i was leaving the parking lot, i pushed the gas down and for almost 2 seconds the car did nothing, then jerked hard forward and started to drive.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C50BC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

as my car was stopped at a red light, i felt a quick jerk forward and thought i was rear-ended. i looked back and there wasn't a car. as i pulled into my parking space, i was switching from reverse to drive, the car jerked again, like i was being rear ended. it felt like the car was skipping a gear (i drive an automatic). then as i was leaving the parking lot, i pushed the gas down and for almost 2 seconds the car did nothing, then jerked hard forward and started to drive.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C50BC

POWER TRAIN

when i press the accelerator to start driving, there is a very distinct and uncomfortable lag of about 2 seconds. this happened when i was making a right turn into a two-way divided road from a residential complex. the visibility to the left is limited to about 200 ft due to a curve in the divided road. when i start moving from the stop sign, i have to accelerate quickly in order to avoid any traffic that may be coming at speed behind me. this accelerator lag makes for a safety concern. i imagine this can also be a safety concern during merging into freeways with very short on ramps and the ramp meter on.

Reported in: FOOTHILL RANCH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

when i press the accelerator to start driving, there is a very distinct and uncomfortable lag of about 2 seconds. this happened when i was making a right turn into a two-way divided road from a residential complex. the visibility to the left is limited to about 200 ft due to a curve in the divided road. when i start moving from the stop sign, i have to accelerate quickly in order to avoid any traffic that may be coming at speed behind me. this accelerator lag makes for a safety concern. i imagine this can also be a safety concern during merging into freeways with very short on ramps and the ramp meter on.

Reported in: FOOTHILL RANCH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. car had inadequate power and felt like it dragged. bmw service center repeatedly failed to identify a problem. eventually, the signal came on and an intolerable fuel odor emerged upon turning on the car. fuel and chemical odors remain. i have read of other similar complaints online and believe there is a manufacturing defect that makes the car unsafe. the exposure to carcinogenic coolant fumes and the gas fumes are dangerous. coolant may be leaking into the engine. other mechanical issues may be causing the drag and continued loss of power. in one instance i left the vehicle at the bmw service center with a full tank and when it was returned to me, the fuel level had dropped significantly despite having been driven a very small amount of miles by the service people. i am very concerned that these problems pose a safety hazard to not only myself, but the general public and other bmw owners who may be unaware of these issues. i feel the car is compromised by the manufacturing defects and that efforts to repair the problems continue to exist. i feel the car is unsafe and poses a safety and health hazard and that bmw is unwilling to investigate how pervasive the problem may be. i want an investigation and feel the vehicle is unsafe to drive. this is not "the ultimate driving machine." please investigate these problems and help prevent others from being unnecessarily subjected to toxic fumes and chemicals which may compromise the public's health and the safety of people on the road.

Reported in: INGLEWOOD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C53BD

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. car had inadequate power and felt like it dragged. bmw service center repeatedly failed to identify a problem. eventually, the signal came on and an intolerable fuel odor emerged upon turning on the car. fuel and chemical odors remain. i have read of other similar complaints online and believe there is a manufacturing defect that makes the car unsafe. the exposure to carcinogenic coolant fumes and the gas fumes are dangerous. coolant may be leaking into the engine. other mechanical issues may be causing the drag and continued loss of power. in one instance i left the vehicle at the bmw service center with a full tank and when it was returned to me, the fuel level had dropped significantly despite having been driven a very small amount of miles by the service people. i am very concerned that these problems pose a safety hazard to not only myself, but the general public and other bmw owners who may be unaware of these issues. i feel the car is compromised by the manufacturing defects and that efforts to repair the problems continue to exist. i feel the car is unsafe and poses a safety and health hazard and that bmw is unwilling to investigate how pervasive the problem may be. i want an investigation and feel the vehicle is unsafe to drive. this is not "the ultimate driving machine." please investigate these problems and help prevent others from being unnecessarily subjected to toxic fumes and chemicals which may compromise the public's health and the safety of people on the road.

Reported in: INGLEWOOD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C53BD

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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. car had inadequate power and felt like it dragged. bmw service center repeatedly failed to identify a problem. eventually, the signal came on and an intolerable fuel odor emerged upon turning on the car. fuel and chemical odors remain. i have read of other similar complaints online and believe there is a manufacturing defect that makes the car unsafe. the exposure to carcinogenic coolant fumes and the gas fumes are dangerous. coolant may be leaking into the engine. other mechanical issues may be causing the drag and continued loss of power. in one instance i left the vehicle at the bmw service center with a full tank and when it was returned to me, the fuel level had dropped significantly despite having been driven a very small amount of miles by the service people. i am very concerned that these problems pose a safety hazard to not only myself, but the general public and other bmw owners who may be unaware of these issues. i feel the car is compromised by the manufacturing defects and that efforts to repair the problems continue to exist. i feel the car is unsafe and poses a safety and health hazard and that bmw is unwilling to investigate how pervasive the problem may be. i want an investigation and feel the vehicle is unsafe to drive. this is not "the ultimate driving machine." please investigate these problems and help prevent others from being unnecessarily subjected to toxic fumes and chemicals which may compromise the public's health and the safety of people on the road.

Reported in: INGLEWOOD CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C53BD

SUSPENSION

in july of 2013 we began experiencing problems with the vehicles steering. it would pull very hard to the right, making it difficult to steer, causing constant adjustments with the steering wheel, to keep it from running off of the road. we took it to our bmw dealer for repair. the vehicle was still under manufacturers warranty. we were charged $1773.14 to repair the vehicle. the upper control arms were bent, according to the service department.the service department told us that it was not a manufacturers defect and that we must have hit a "pothole", which we hadn't. we live in an urban area with well maintained roads. i was also not clear on how hitting a pothole, presumably with one wheel, could bend both control arms. i spoke with an insurance adjuster, to see if the "damage" might be an insurance claim. i was told "no". the adjuster also told me that he had owned several bmw's himself, and they were known to have problems with the upper control arms. he stated that my vehicle's upper control arms, have 3 different part numbers, as this is an ongoing problem they can't seem to fix. by march of 2014 the vehicle again started to pull to the right. i took it back to bmw to have it re-aligned and they advised that my tires, were to worn to do the adjustment. on april 19 2014 we traded the vehicle, as we were concerned about future problems. i requested and saved the upper control arms, and visual inspection shows no definitive bent parts to the naked eye. i believe that bmw has a safety concern with those upper control arms, that should be investigated. i checked a few bmw blogs online, and it seems to be a common problem. i will give my control arms to your agency for investigative purposes if you desire. i do feel that this problem may result in future accidents involving these vehicles and do request you investigate.

Reported in: HUDSON FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C55BD

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 528i. the contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle stalled. the vehicle was taken to a dealer. the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 4,000 and the current mileage was 56,000.

Reported in: PALM SPRINGS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C53BC

POWER TRAIN

tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 528i. the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed and failed to respond. the vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where the failure was unable to be replicated. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v176000 (engine and engine cooling) and the part was not available for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not able to provide an estimated timeframe for when the part would become available for the recall repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 6,000.

Reported in: CALABASAS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C52BC

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 528i. the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed and failed to respond. the vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where the failure was unable to be replicated. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 14v176000 (engine and engine cooling) and the part was not available for the recall repair. the manufacturer was not able to provide an estimated timeframe for when the part would become available for the recall repair. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 6,000.

Reported in: CALABASAS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C52BC

POWER TRAIN

this vehicle has a hesitation of throttle acceleration from idle and shifting between gears.presents a real safety issue from idle position to acceleration. a 1-2 second delay consistently happens. the bmw dealer reported to me that they are aware of this situation but do not have a solution yet. if enough reports of this incident were handed in then it may nesesitate a cure from bmw. apparently not enough squeaky wheels per say for bmw to act.hopefully this along with hundreds of these complaints already on your web site about this very same issue is enough to get bmw to act on this safety issue.

Reported in: HARRISON TWP. MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C54BC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

this vehicle has a hesitation of throttle acceleration from idle and shifting between gears.presents a real safety issue from idle position to acceleration. a 1-2 second delay consistently happens. the bmw dealer reported to me that they are aware of this situation but do not have a solution yet. if enough reports of this incident were handed in then it may nesesitate a cure from bmw. apparently not enough squeaky wheels per say for bmw to act.hopefully this along with hundreds of these complaints already on your web site about this very same issue is enough to get bmw to act on this safety issue.

Reported in: HARRISON TWP. MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C54BC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

this vehicle has a hesitation of throttle acceleration from idle and shifting between gears.presents a real safety issue from idle position to acceleration. a 1-2 second delay consistently happens. the bmw dealer reported to me that they are aware of this situation but do not have a solution yet. if enough reports of this incident were handed in then it may nesesitate a cure from bmw. apparently not enough squeaky wheels per say for bmw to act.hopefully this along with hundreds of these complaints already on your web site about this very same issue is enough to get bmw to act on this safety issue.

Reported in: HARRISON TWP. MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C54BC

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 528i. the contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph and the engine stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. when the contact restarted the vehicle there was knocking noise and it was towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test. the mechanic stated that some of the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment unit became loose and broken. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 14v176000. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

Reported in: PAMONA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAFR1C51BC