2012 BMW 328I Electrical System Problems

Dealer refused to cover DME that failed immediately after recall 24V-608 work. In early June 2025, I contacted my local BMW dealership about an overheat notification I received while driving. They confirmed there was an open recall on the vehicle for a water pump connector (Recall 24V-608). I had the vehicle towed to their location. They sent me a video walkaround that characterized everything looked good, except the water pump connector which had failed. Several days later, I was informed the recall repair had been completed but when they plugged in the new water pump connector, the DME shorted and they had to unhook the battery. Despite my best attempts to get this consequential damage covered as part of the recall work, BMW refused. I was told I had to come pick up the car as-is or pay for repairs. When I looked into the issue further online, I learned that if I had chosen to pick up the car, hook up the battery and attempt to start and drive it, I could have found myself stuck inside the car (electronic locks) with a DME that literally caused the whole car to start on fire. Thank goodness I didn't go that route. After further investigation into the recall issue (24v-608), I have learned the entire basis of the recall was risk of a "thermal event" caused as a result the faulty water pump connector shorting out. BMW never denied this when I brought it up. It is infuriating that BMW is suggesting the DME shorting out is not related to or covered by the water pump recall issue. A risk of thermal event is stated in the recall notice, and the DME literally shorted out DURING the recall repair work. They quoted me something like $5,000-7,000 to have the car drivable again. I'm at a complete loss.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, and shortly afterwards the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuse box. The contact was informed that the fuse box had melted and was stuck to the battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

Mileage: 161,000

My BMW IS OVERHEATING ITS BEEN IMAT BMW OF DOWNTOWN FOR 8 days and they’re trying to charge me to repair my melted fuse box,cooling systems and battery, damage that has occurred as a default of the pcv

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge started to indicate that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The VIN was included, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part needed for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, a message to pull over immediately was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 114,000

The contact owns a vehicle 2012 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump plug connector. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe, and there was a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan was leaking near the water pump. The dealer replaced the thermostat gasket, the valve cover gasket, the cylinder head cover, the ISA screws and washer, the high-pressure pipe, and the gasket flange. Additionally, the dealer performed an oil change and added coolant to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 115,783. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 115,783

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the temperature sensor on the instrument panel had initially failed to operate as needed; over time, the entire instrument panel had gone blank while the vehicle was being driven. In addition, the battery would continue to run while the vehicle was turned off; as a result, the vehicle would shut off while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to various independent mechanics and each stated that the instrument cluster was defective. Despite multiple battery and temperature gauge replacements, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

Mileage: 84,000

My BMW 2012 E92 model vehicle currently has a malfunctioning Front Seat Occupancy AirBag sensor mat is very similar to the recall for E60 to E91 models. BMW refuses to fix it under the other recall and I'm wondering what can be done to add it to the recall? I also read of an extended warranty for this part but I do not qualify since my model is e92.( SI B01 01 18) . Please advise.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER 30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND HE DROVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT STATED 2 WEEKS LATER, HE WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Mileage: 110,000

PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION ERROR CODE COMES OFF AND ON WHILE IN MOTION

MY CAR WAS PARKED I STARTED IT RAN BACK IN HOUSE TO GET PHONE GOT IN CAR SMELT PLASTIC BUT IT WASN'T COMING FROM VENT GOT OUT CAR TO SMELL AROUND CAR AND WHEN I GOT TO TRUNK THE SMELL WAS LOUDER OPENED TRUNK AND A SMALL FIRE CAME UP LIKE A BARBECUE FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE A MAN RODE BY IN A TRUCK AND HELP PUT IT OUT THE WASN'T DROVE SINCE 12:00 P.M THE DAY BEFORE I RAN IN MY FRONT DOOR GRABBED PHONE AND THAT FAST BUT THE GUY SAID IT LOOKS LIKE THE WIRES WERE BURNING PREVIOUSLY BECAUSE I HAD A BURN STAIN ON MY EXTERIOR WHITE PAINT. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

RECENTLY MY GIRLFRIEND AND I HAD PURCHASED AND FINANCED A 2012 BMW 328I. THE MILEAGE WHEN WE BOUGHT THE CAR WAS AT 48,000. WITHEN THE FIRST 2 WEEKS OF HAVING THE CAR I HAD TO BRING IT BACK DUE TO THE PARKING LAMP BEING OUT. I DIDN'T GET NO WARNING FROM THE CAR THAT THE LIGHT WAS OUT EITHER. I BROUGHT IT IN THEY CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR THE TIME BEING AND I WENT ON MY WAY. THE SAME EXACT PARKING LAMP WENT OUT ANOTHER FEW WEEKS LATER. WE HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS AND IT IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE AND SAYING THAT I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT MORE MILES THAN I ACTUALLY HAVE. THE ODOMETER IS NOW READING 60,000 MILES. BASICALLY SAYING I HAD DRIVEN OVER 13,000 MILES IN CLOSE TO 3 MONTHS TIME. THERE IS NO WAY I COULD OF DRIVEN 13,000 MILES IN THAT SHORT OF TIME WHEN I ONLY USE THE CAR TO GO TO WORK WHICH IS 20 MILES AWAY. THE CAR BROKE DOWN ON ME AND THE ODOMETER IS DEFINENTLY FAULTY. I KNOW ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHEN I SEE THEM. THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE PRIOR TO BREAKING DOWN. ENGINE SHAKED VIOLENTLY AND MADE HISSING SOUNDS AFTER RELEASING THE GAS.

Mileage: 60,000

THE BMW 2012 328 XIT (XI WAGON) HAD HAD STUMBLING ISSUES FOR MONTHS AND THE DEALER WASN'T ABLE TO DIAGNOSE. WHILE DRIVING, THE OEM BOSCH #5 CYLINDER COIL PACK FINALLY WENT CAUSING THE CAR TO HAVE TO LIMP HOME. THE CAR WAS "REPAIRED" NO QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE DEALER AND THE BOSCH COILS WERE REPLACED WITH DELPHI COILS AS AN UPGRADE. OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT COILS GOING BAD ON A NEWER CAR.

Mileage: 31,040

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

WENT TO START CAR AND GOT A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION MESSAGE. HAD IT TOWED TO A BMW DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THEY WILL REPLACE THE INTAKE VANOS SOLENOID SENSOR. *TR

Mileage: 8,682

THE I DRIVE COMPLETELY FAILED LEAVING THE SCREEN BLACK AT THIS TIME I HAD NO AUDIO,NO HANDS FREE TELEPHONE NO WAY TO CHANGE ANY SETTINGS ON THE VEHICLE. WENT TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN OVERTEMP CODE AND THAT BMW WAS AWARE THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS AND ENGINEERS WERE WORKING ON IT BUT AT THE TIME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THIS CAR ONLY HAS 12,300 MILES ON IT AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WERE 3 OTHER CARS THERE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL CARS HAD LOW MILEAGE. I FEEL THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT BMW IS AWARE OF BUT CHOOSES TO DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Mileage: 12,300

APRIL 2013, A WARNING SIGNAL ON MY VEHICLE NOTIFIED ME THERE WAS A NEED FOR COOLANT. I SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE FOR 4/18/13. I INFORMED THEM OF THE COOLANT WARNING AND ALSO INQUIRED ABOUT RECALL NOTICES. ON 4/19/13, I CALLED WEBER BMW MYSELF TO CHECK THE STATUS, LOUIE INFORMED ME THERE WERE 3 RECALL NOTICES ON MY CAR THAT WERE APPARENT AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, AND THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO HOLD MY CAR UNTIL MONDAY 4/22/13.I PICKED UP MY CAR ON 4/23/13 AND LOUIE INFORMED ME ALL THE RECALLS WERE FIXED AND MY CAR WAS GOOD TO TAKE HOME. ON 4/24/13, THE COOLANT WARNING SIGNALED AGAIN. THAT EVENING, MY CAR BEGAN TO EXERT EVEN MORE ISSUES THAN BEFORE! FIRST THE COOLANT WARNING, THEN WARNING TELLING ME TO DRIVE MODERATELY, THEN PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY ENGINE OVERHEATING. I PULLED THE CAR OVER, STOPPED THE ENGINE ALLOWING IT TO COOL DOWN, AND STARTING IT BACK UP, THE CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER 17 MPH. I CONTACTED WEBER BMW FOR ANOTHER SERVICE SCHEDULED FOR 4/30/13. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM WEBER BMW CONTACTED ME ON 4/29/13 AND INFORMED ME LOUIE ADVISED I CASUALLY STOP BY TO TOP OFF MY COOLANT,' AND THAT SHOULD RESOLVE MY PROBLEMS. I FOUND THIS RESOLUTION SKEPTICAL, LAZY, AND KNEW IT WOULD NOT BE ADEQUATE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES WITH MY CAR. I STOPPED BY WEBER ON 4/29/13 AND THE SERVICE ADVISER ATTEMPTED TO 'TOP OFF MY COOLANT, WHEN WE BOTH NOTICED THE COOLANT SPILLING OUT OF THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ENGINE (I EMPHASIZE SPILLING AND NOT LEAKING). I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. LOUIE CALLED ME ON 4/30/13 TO REPORTED A HOLE IN THE PART THAT WAS REPLACED PER THE RECALL CAUSING THE COOLANT TO SPILL OUT. HE LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR WOULD BE READY NEXT DAY 5/1/13 FOR PICK UP. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ANY LONGER. I PURCHASED THIS CAR 4/10/12, AND IT BEGAN SHOWING ISSUES OF POOR MANUFACTURING JUST SHY OF A YEAR, I ONLY HAVE 14,000MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 14,000