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ProblemsByVinFile / 2012-BMW-640INHTSA data synced 6 days ago
BMW
2012 BMW 640i problems
The 2012 BMW 640i has 2 active recall campaigns on file and only 3 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.
The 2012 BMW 640i has 3 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Limited NHTSA data — only 3 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 2 active recalls on file.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 640i?
Not enough data for a verdict
Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2012 640i· electricalFire
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a vehicle fire that occurred on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] in Alabama State University. The vehicle involved is a 2012 BMW 640i Coupe (black) with the license plate number [XXX]. The fire started while driving. Within…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. The contact was driving 70 MPH, in a thunderstorm in the left lane of the interstate, when he noticed a bolt of lighting land just to the right of the interstate in the grass. 31 of 43 electrical modules failed immediately, including the…
Had a problem with your 2012 BMW 640i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3
The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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 Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles
If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
Limited NHTSA data. Only 3 owner complaints have been filed for the 2012 BMW 640i, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2012 BMW 640i?
Only 3 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 2 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2012 BMW 640i without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2012 BMW 640i?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2012 BMW 640i to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2012 BMW 640i a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 3 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2012 BMW 640i?
No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.
How do I check if my BMW 640i 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 640i?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 3 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 6 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/BMW/640i.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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