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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-BMW-128I
2012 · bmw

bmw 128i problems

2 safety recalls. 29 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
23 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
5 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 128i · airbags Crash
PULLING IN PARKING LOT TO PARK GOING AT A VERY LOW SPEED I HIT THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NOT HOLD INSTEAD THE CAR ACCELERATED AND JUMPED ON TO A SIDEWALK AND THEN INTO A BRICK WALL. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN REVERSE AND IT TOOK OFF BACKWARDS FOR A FEW FEET UNTIL THE…
11/27/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10554034.0
2012 128i · airbags
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LETTER FROM BMW IN THE SPRING OF 2016, BUT THEY HAVE NOT REPAIRED MY CAR YET. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT FIX IT YET. WHAT'S TAKING SO LONG? HOW LONG CAN THEY KEEP ME WAITING? I'M CONCERNED…
11/15/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10926219.0
2012 128i · airbags
TAKATA RECALL -- AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING FOR A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG, I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW IN LATE SEPTEMBER THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART IS AVAILABLE AND THAT I SHOULD GET MY CAR IN. I SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH KUNI BMW ON OCTOBER 17, 2017 BUT THEY CALLED THAT MORNING…
11/05/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11043410.0
2012 128i · airbags
TAKATA RECALL BRAMAN DEALERSHIP IN WEST PALM BEACH WILL NOT SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE AIRBAG RECALL PERFORMED.
10/24/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11036033.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 13V044000 07/02/2013

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 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011

If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
severe NHTSA 19V579000 06/08/2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Fix: 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. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

Common questions

Is the 2012 BMW 128i reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 BMW 128i is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 BMW 128i?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 23 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my BMW 128i has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 BMW 128i?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 29 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with bmw. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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