repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 BMW 135iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 19 owner complaints about the 2012 BMW 135i, most often about the engine. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 12, 2023. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 BMW 135i has problems
19 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Engine
6Power train
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Air bags
3Electrical system
1Seats
1Electronic stability control (ESC)
1Suspension
1Vehicle speed control
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 BMW 135i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
repaired · 2018 Q3
Driveline: constant velocity joint
Risk. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. 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…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q4
Engine and engine cooling: engine
Risk. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other 135i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 135i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 BMW 135i safety ratings
2012 BMW 135 I C RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 BMW 135i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 135i owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically…
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. SEVERAL TIME, WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WITH CROSSING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED SHIFTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL BUT THE CAR STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR AT LEAST 5…
WHEN I HAD FEWER THAN 50K MILES, MY THERMOSTAT BROKE SUDDENLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES OR WARNING LIGHTS. SINCE THAT REPAIR, I HAVE HAD 2 COOLANT LEAKS, AND ONE RELATED PIPE CRACK. THIS WEEK, I HAD AIR IN MY COOLANT SYSTEM AND HAD TO HAVE IT DRAINED. THESE ALL APPEAR TO BE…
Own a 2012 135i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.