2012 Bmw 135I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
19 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
50,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 19 complaints (52.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 9 | 47.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 31.6% |
| Braking behavior | 5 | 26.3% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 21.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 15.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 5.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 10 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
Engine: 10; Power Train: 6; Fuel/Propulsion System: 5; Air Bags: 4; Electrical System: 3; Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Seats: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 7 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
2013: 2; 2014: 3; 2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 4; 2019: 3; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2023: 1
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 9 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10496145 · 2013-02-02 (February 2, 2013)
HAVE TAKEN THE CAR FIVE TIMES FOR THE SAME STALLING,AND LAGGING OF THE FAULTY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE CAR HESITATES 3-5SECONDS NO RESPONSE TO THROTTLE INPUT AND THEN LUNGES VIOLENTLY FORWARD. CAR HOLDS GEAR WHEN PULLING AWAY FROM LIGHTS AND THEN SURGES WHEN PARKING THE CAR ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT CARS PARKED NEXT TO ME. SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED ON THE CAR FOUR TIMES AND THE ISSUE IS STILL THERE. WAS TOLD THAT THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR WAS ALSO FAULTY IN THE CAR AND THAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THE ISSUE OF SURGING AND FLUCTUATING IDLE. MASS AIRF…
Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10496145 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10550616 · 2013-11-02 (November 2, 2013)
FROM THE TIME OF OWNERSHIP (MARCH 16, 2012) TO NOW, THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF DURING OPERATION WHILE IN IDLE RPM SPEED. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A SIX-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. WHETHER THE CLUTCH IS FULLY PRESSED IN AND IN-GEAR, OR THE VEHICLE IS OUT-OF-GEAR, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY FOR THE IDLE RPMS DROPPING AND THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. THIS MOSTLY OCCURS WHILE STOPPING FOR A RED LIGHT, STOPPING FOR A STOP SIGN, OR IN STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. FOR EXAMPLE, THE VEHICLE IS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AT 25MPH. THE CLUTCH IS FULLY PRESSED I…
Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10550616 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10576352 · 2014-04-01 (April 1, 2014)
WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE BMW 135I DCT TRANSMISSION WILL STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THIS RESULTS IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. SOMETIMES BEFORE THE CAR STALLS, THE ENGINE WILL REV WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT TO 2500 RPM AND DROP THE CLUTCH WHICH RESULTS IN A RAPID ACCELERATION IF YOUR FOOT IS NOT ON THE BRAKE THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I HAVE ALMOST CRASHED THE CAR MANY TIMES AS A RESULT OF THIS. BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO DEALERS THAT CAN BE FOUND IF YOU GOOGLE THE ISSUE, BUT THERE IS NO KNOWN REMEDY. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN AN…
Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10576352 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10594185 · 2014-05-27 (May 27, 2014)
VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 7 SPEED DCT TRANSMISSION. WHEN CAR HAD ALMOST COME TO A STOP THERE WAS SUDDEN BURST OF ENGINE SPEED (TO ABOUT 2500 RPM) CAUSING CAR TO SHOOT FORWARD. ACCIDENT AVOIDED BY JAMMING ON THE BRAKE. THIS THEN HAPPENED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. DEALER RE-PROGRAMMED ECM AND PROBLEM HAS NOT GONE AWAY. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. MOST RECENT EPISODE IN MY OWN GARAGE WHERE BARELY AVOIDED DRIVING INTO FRONT WALL WHEN IT SURGED. DEALER AGAIN RE-SET SOFTWARE. CLEAR FROM DEALERS REACTION THAT THIS IS NOT ISOLATED INCIDENT AND CLEAR THAT THEY DON'T H…
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10594185 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10598161 · 2014-06-13 (June 13, 2014)
I HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR INTO SCHOMP BMW TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, THE LATEST BEING LAST WEEK TELLING THEM I BELIEVE THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE AND IT FEELS AS IF IT WILL STALL AS I AM TURNING A CORNER OR STOPPED AND BEGIN ACCELERATING. THEY SHOWED NO RECALL AND HOOKED MY CAR UP TO COMPUTER AND NO CODES CAME BACK WITH ANY ISSUES. I AM REALLY SCARED THAT MY CAR WILL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF TURNING IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC. IT HAS HESITATED TO WHERE I HAVE HAD TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR TO GET THE CAR TO MOVE. I AM AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AND…
Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10598161 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10934183 · 2016-12-09 (December 9, 2016)
TAKATA RECALL - RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE LAST YEAR, BUT PART REMAINS UNAVAILABLE, PLACING ME AT RISK, PARTICULARLY IN HOT SOUTH FLORIDA.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10934183 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10954506 · 2017-02-14 (February 14, 2017)
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG INFLATOR. THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10954506 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11045769 · 2017-11-13 (November 13, 2017)
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW USA DATED SEPTEMBER 2017 TELLING ME THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE TO SATISFY THIS RECALL AND TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT RIGHT AWAY TO HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND IT WAS CANCELLED BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP "DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS AND DIDN'T KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD GET THEM". BMW CANNOT TELL ME WHEN THEY WILL HAVE THE PART, DESPITE SENDING ME A LETTER STATING THAT THEY "HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL".
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11045769 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System
Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 7, 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. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
Reported: 2014-04-10 (April 10, 2014)
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. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V071000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2016-02-05 (February 5, 2016)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V067000 · Power Train:Driveline:Constant Velocity Joint
Reported: 2017-02-02 (February 2, 2017)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and 550i xDrive Gran Turismo vehicles and 2012 740i and 740Li vehicles. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
Consequence: If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V579000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2019-08-06 (August 6, 2019)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V017000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA campaign record ↗