12 complaints reported

2016 BMW 5 Series Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
12
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 2026

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528i. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unknown recall, and after the recall repair, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil-burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local Midas, where it was discovered that oil was leaking onto the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,400.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Dec 2025
Dec 2025

During initial cold starts there is blue smoke billowing from the exhaust for approx 20 seconds. The odor is horrible.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2025
Aug 2025

Multiple critical BMW engine components are manufactured from plastic, including the oil pan, coolant expansion tank, valve cover, and turbo inlet pipe. These parts are prone to premature failure from normal heat & stress, as confirmed by independent mechanics. Failures can cause sudden loss of oil or coolant, persistent oil leaks, overheating, loss of power, and roadside breakdowns. The use of plastic for an oil pan is concerning. Plastic cannot withstand impacts with common road hazards such as tire fragments, etc. Striking a retread at highway speed could easily crack the pan, dump all engine oil, and lead to catastrophic engine seizure, endangering people. In my case (2016 BMW 528i), several plastic components have already failed, including the oil pan, turbo inlet pipe, coolant expansion tank, valve cover, and multiple coil packs. While BMW considers coil pack replacement a normal maintenance item, there are widespread complaints of premature failures. Most of the heat-related plastic failures occur above 70,000 miles. Despite several related breakdowns, the previous owner and I avoided dangerous situations. These failures are widely documented by other owners online and by independent mechanics, who often recommend aftermarket aluminum replacements for improved safety and reliability. BMW is aware of these issues but continues to use plastic for critical components--they recently lost a class-action lawsuit related to internal plastic engine parts that caused catastrophic engine damage, showing prior knowledge of the risks. These failures also create environmental hazards, as leaking plastic oil pans & valve covers contaminate roads and driveways. Because repairs are $$$, many consumers delay fixing the problems, increasing both safety and environmental risks. This design prioritizes cost savings over durability and safety. These parts should be made of metal to withstand normal use and protect drivers, passengers, and the public from unnecessary hazards.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Apr 2025
Jul 2025

On [XXX], the coolant connector flange on my 2016 BMW 535d (VIN: [XXX] ) catastrophically failed, causing complete coolant loss. I immediately contacted BMW of Las Vegas and was instructed to drive it in despite fluid visibly leaking through the undercarriage. The next day, [XXX], BMW performed Recall 21V-907 (EGR cooler replacement), which involved draining and reconnecting the coolant circuit—but they left the failed flange in place. The failed flange connects directly to the new EGR coolant return hose installed under the recall. BMW had full access to the part but chose not to inspect or replace it. The dealer submitted a consequential damage claim to BMW North America, which was denied. The vehicle remains at the dealership unrepaired. This failure poses serious safety risks. Driving with active coolant loss could cause overheating, engine failure, or fire. Had I not stopped, this could’ve led to mechanical catastrophe. BMW re-pressurized the cooling system into a visibly broken flange, creating an unsafe condition. The failure was confirmed by BMW technicians and documented in a repair order. No warning lamps were active at the time of failure. I currently have an open case with BMW North America, but no contact has been made. I am requesting NHTSA review this matter as BMW failed to fully remedy a safety defect and ignored collateral damage tied directly to the recalled system. The failed part is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 535D, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jul 2025
May 2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:24V608000(ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2024
Apr 2025 Fire

Valve cover leak Oil filter housing leak Super common that these items leak in the bmw N57 diesel engines. Increased risk of fire. I am in the Facebook group with many other owners of the same engine, and almost everyone runs into the same problems by 100,000 miles.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 535D, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Mar 2025
Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming through the A/C vents and coming from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); which the contact related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Feb 2024
Sep 2024

On our 2016 BMW 528i, the valve cover had to be replaced at 82,723 miles. We took the car in to Galleria BMW in D'Iberville, MS on [XXX] for an oil change and the mechanic reported there was oil on the engine and that he needed to replace the valve cover because this was a fire hazard. I was surprised the valve cover needed to be replaced and not just the gasket. Their service advisor said due to the high heat environment and age, the plastic valve cover would wear and deteriorate like a tire. I thought, what if this happened when I did not need an oil change and drove a few thousand miles with leaking oil on my engine. I think it is appalling plastic parts would be used in that environment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Feb 2024
Aug 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was left overnight in a hotel parking lot. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump, plug connector, and head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 535I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Aug 2024
Dec 2023

2016 BMW 528i with 65,000 miles. Oil leaking from pan and told by mechanic that premature failed oil pan gasket and warping of oil pan well known by the manufacturer but they refuse to address the problem leaving the repair bill for customers. Poor design should not be the purchaser's responsibility.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Dec 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he heard an unusual rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain guide. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Jan 2023
Aug 2023

Bmw had recalled the n20 engine for timing chain guides replacement up to year 2015. The original timing chain guides were orange in color but also found to an inferior part from manufacturer. Bmw had replaced the original guides to a white color as supposed to a better product. Now then my 2016 model 528xi not only has the original orange color chain guides or let's say inferior part from manufacturer because my manufacturer date my car is 08/2015..

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528I, Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Incident: Apr 2020

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2016 BMW 5 Series has 12 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.