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2012 BMW 5 Series Problems: 3 Known Issues

2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 BMW 5 Series has 3 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis, N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing and N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW 5 Series problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 BMW 5 Series has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis, N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing, N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?

The 2012 BMW 5 Series has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis and N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing and N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2012-2015 BMW 5 Series 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis?

BMW SIB 11 03 17 identifies F10 528i and 528i xDrive sedans with the N20 engine produced from September 1, 2011 through February 28, 2015. The bulletin covers defects in the timing-chain and oil-pump drive-chain modules; it does not say every 528i is defective or prescribe mileag… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing?

BMW SIB 01 21 18 identifies certain U.S.-specification model-year 2010-2013 F10 550i and 550i xDrive N63 vehicles in an oil-consumption and battery-drain settlement. The litigation alleged excess oil use and possible engine damage, while BMW denied wrongdoing; the bulletin does n… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check?

BMW SIB 11 16 14 applies to F10 5 Series sedans with the N63 engine produced from March 2010 through July 2013. It defines an ISTA timing-chain elongation test intended to detect wear and provide a repair path; BMW states that this N63 timing-chain check and Customer Care Package… Severity: high.

2012 BMW 5 Series Problems: 3 Known Issues

All 3 Known Issues

2012-2015 BMW 5 Series: 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis#

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2010-2013 BMW 5 Series: N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing#

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2010-2013 BMW 5 Series: N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check#

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Other BMW Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common BMW 5 Series problems?

Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?

What is the 2012-2015 BMW 5 Series 528i N20 Timing-Chain or Oil-Pump-Chain Diagnosis?

What is the 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series N63 Low-Oil Warning Requires 550i Oil-Consumption Testing?

What is the 2010-2013 BMW 5 Series N63 550i Timing-Chain Wear Check?