NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
This page covers 3 recalls, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 BMW 528i.
25 mpg combined
9.4 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2011 BMW 528i has 3 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from the crankcase ventilation valve heater, which can short circuit and melt surrounding components even while the car is parked.
A separate fuel system recall involves the fuel pump wiring connector, where loose wires can cause the connector to overheat and melt, creating a fuel leak. The fuel pump itself may also stop working entirely, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving. On the safety equipment side, certain vehicles that received a replacement airbag sensor cluster during a prior service visit may have had an incorrect unit installed. In a crash, that faulty sensor can fail to properly trigger the driver or passenger airbags, the seatbelt pretensioners, or the active head restraints, reducing the protection those systems are meant to provide.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some replacement Sensor Cluster Units have an acceleration sensor that was programmed incorrectly, which may prevent the system from accurately detecting a crash and deploying airbags, safety belt pre-tensioners, and head restraints.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Sensor Cluster Unit at no cost. Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump inside the tank may have wire contacts that aren't crimped tightly enough, potentially causing electrical connection problems.
What the fix does
The fuel pump module will be replaced with a properly assembled unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.