This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 BMW 650i engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 BMW 650i have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 68,100 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 650i (this page) | 9 |
| 2013 650i | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 9 engine complaints filed for the 2012 BMW 650i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
N63 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT - BATTERY SERVICE BENEFIT - RETROFITS/ REPLACEMENTS: This Service Information bulletin applies to: Class vehicles in operation on the road (Applicable N63 engine model vehicles); by Class members (Class Vehicle owners on the date this settlement became effective), And it provides diagnostic/repairs instructions, as well as, Warranty Information for performed remedies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSIONTO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES: This Service Information Bulletin replaces SI B01 05 18 dated July 2019. Engine starts poorly (hard starting) rough idle and misfires. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N63: OIL CONSUMPTION CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT DIAGNOSIS/REPAIRS (VERSION 12.0). What's New: Engine Timing Chain Guide Pre-Inspection (with Valve Stem Seal Repair) instruction added Updated N63 Replacement Engine Assembly/Part statement added Warranty Information section updated, including the current coverage and attachments.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗N63 ENGINE VEHICLES: CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FOR ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION/BATTER. What's New: The short-term extension window of one (1) year/12,000 miles from date of the settlement has expired.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal odor appeared inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed black exhaust coming from the tailpipe. The contact that that the oil tube was refilled every 80 to 100 miles. The vehicle was taken to BMW of bayside (24721 northern blvd, douglaston, ny 11362) diagnosed, and it was…
Vehicle engine (n63) loses power while in operation and goes into a drivetrain failure mode reducing enging power substantially. This is a recurring problem in the car. BMW is aware of the issue and has taken the car in to repair it 3 times. They recenly performed a customer care program to remediate the problem. But it occurred agian shortly after thet attempt. BMW made a ruling today, that they…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. While driving various speeds, several components in the engine leaked, including the oil. Also, the check oil indicator illuminated and smoke appeared under the hood while the vehicle was in drive. The vehicle was taken to BMW of riverside (3060 adams st, riverside, ca 92504, (951) 373-5000) and BMW of murrieta (41430 auto mall pkwy, murrieta, ca 92562, (951)…
A few months ago the vehicle started to display "drive train malfunction" on the screen while shaking with a horrible odor of fuel. I took the vehicle in to the dealer and was told all of the fuel injectors needed to be replaced! We are talking about a $100k+ vehicle barely out of warranty. After battling with the dealer I was told BMW has agreed to fix the problem under warranty. When I went to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 BMW 650i. While gradually accelerating, the vehicle began to overheat and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (BMW of eastern north) where it was diagnosed that the electric auxiliary water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v161000 (engine). The manufacturer stated…
At approximately 120,000 miles my engine oil pump went out causing my car to stall while on the highway traveling at 70 miles per hour. The BMW dealership said to me that even though my car meets the miles specifications the engine oil has metal pieces in it therefore they will not cover a new warranty under their lemon law. BMW new that this engine was a troubled engine from the first dat this…
Car burns oil and smells of engine coolant during operation and while at idle.
While driving my car on highway 20 west my engine loss all power making my car slow completely down. I was in heavy traffic and I had to move over two lanes to get to the shoulder of the highway. Once my car stopped the car put its self in park and would not allow me to select any gear. Come to find out the turbo charger wen out in my car causing the car to act in this un safe manner. This is a…
While at complete stop engine shut off with no warning lights on dash board. BMW dealer related they do not know what is wrong with engine.
Had engine trouble with your 2012 BMW 650i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 BMW 650i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 37,500 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 68,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,500; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/BMW/650i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.