2022 BMW 5 Series

See attached Petition letter for complaint.

Rear differential failed, internal gears compromised. Noticed problem when going into gear. Vehicle no longer is able to go in gear and will shut off engine. No indication lights prior to failure. Vehicle showed drivetrain error as soon as it had failed. Vehicle was in main road when failure occurred, placing vehicle at risk. Upon BMW technician inspection, there were no leaks, fluid was clean but internal gears were compromised. BMW dealership in New York is unable to provide a problem cause. The rear differential failure caused driveshaft failure which also required replacing. However, the dealer is unaware as to how this could have happened, especially since this vehicle has been dealer-maintained. With no prior indication of failure and dealer unable to explain reason of failure, I request this to be investigated as there may be other vehicles experiencing the same failure.

On XXX, while stopped at a traffic light, I accelerated normally in my 2022 BMW 540i. After moving only a few feet, I heard a loud metallic clank from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle immediately lost all ability to propel itself. It would still shift between gears, but pressing the accelerator would not move the vehicle. A drivetrain warning appeared after the failure. There were no meaningful warning symptoms beforehand. The vehicle was towed to an authorized BMW dealer (Paul Miller BMW in [XXX]), where the rear differential/driveline was identified as the apparent failed component. The vehicle remains completely inoperable and is available for inspection. NHTSA identifies this vehicle as subject to Recall 26V525. The recall concerns excessive wear at the connection between the driveshaft and rear differential and warns that the defect can result in loss of power to the rear wheels and possible vehicle rollaway. The failure I experienced appears consistent with the condition described in that recall. The recall is currently listed as “Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available.” I contacted BMW North America and the servicing BMW dealer because the vehicle has already experienced the apparent recalled failure and cannot be driven. The dealer advised me that BMW became involved but, because the recall is presently “unclear,” BMW would not provide documentation confirming whether the failed rear differential is covered. I was further advised that the only current option is to pay for the repair and seek reimbursement once the recall remedy becomes available. This leaves me with an immobilized vehicle subject to an active federal safety recall involving the same driveline components that failed, but with no current remedy or definitive coverage determination. My third-party service-contract administrator is also declining to authorize the repair because BMW has announced responsibility for the recall condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

A recall has been issued for our car over 5 months ago and dealer is saying they have no idea when the part will be in when i asked for a loaner car they said no,,the recall can cause the car to start a fire. Would like his to be addressed the reason we always bought BMW was for their reliability we are not happy Regards [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2022 BMW 530e is producing a loud, high-pitched noise whenever the heating or air conditioning system is operating, or when the engine reaches higher temperatures. Upon having the vehicle inspected, I was informed that the air conditioning compressor is failing, a known and documented issue with this model. The AC compressor in this vehicle is responsible not only for cooling the cabin, but also for regulating the temperature of the high-voltage battery. I was advised that immediate replacement is necessary to prevent potential battery overheating and to avoid further damage that could result from internal metal debris circulating through the system. The vehicle is available for inspection and has already been evaluated by two independent repair facilities, both of which provided repair estimates of approximately $5,000. Given the compressor’s critical role in maintaining proper battery and engine temperature, this defect presents a significant risk of further mechanical damage and raises legitimate safety concerns. Notably, there were no warning indicators prior to this issue, and although the heating and air conditioning systems continue to function, the underlying risk remains present. Because this is a known issue affecting this model and involves a component integral to both vehicle safety and battery protection, it should be addressed through a recall or manufacturer-supported repair program. The financial burden for correcting a known defect of this nature should not fall on the vehicle owner, and I am requesting that BMW assume full responsibility for the cost of repair.

While turning my 2022 BMW 540i onto a busy, 50 MPH road, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic drivetrain failure, without any physical trauma such as encountering a curb or pothole. The car experienced a total and immediate loss of motive power (propulsion), leaving me coasting in live traffic. This created an extreme safety hazard as I was unable to accelerate or maintain speed to clear the roadway safely. The failure occurred immediately after a significant temperature stress: taken from a heated garage, driven with no issue for 40 minutes, then parked in 15 degree weather for two hours, then complete failure within moments of starting up after the two hour cold parking block. My reading since the incident reveals that BMW quietly switched a critical drivetrain part from a composite/plastic material to metal in later 2022 production runs, due to temperature tress failures precisely as I experienced. This 'silent fix' suggests a known design defect in early 2022 models that poses a recurring risk of sudden propulsion loss. BMW did not do a recall for this, but they should have: I and other drivers were in real danger when my car spontaneously lost all motive ability in high speed traffic.

Sensors around vehicle are faulty and break and/or become dysfunctional very easily. Improper and/or no warning provides false sense of security or danger. BMW is requesting customers pay to address the faulty product sensors. Service representative informed me that it is a known issue but the manufacturer has yet to deal with the problem. Vehicle has only 20K miles on it and in perfect condition besides these faulty sensors.

Front right sensor not working as of 05-23-2024. Approximately seven weeks later the backup camera quit working. Dealers claims right front sensor chipped and no report on why the rear camera not working. If I back into my garage or pulling into a parking space with a car already parked or a wall, the parking assistance does not function. However, from time to time, it starts to work again! The dealer's comment is the sensor is damaged due to "outside influence". I literally had to get a magnifying glass and a flashlight to see the chip on the sensor. The sensor has no visible cracks or damage other than my comment in the prior sentence. Vehicle was brought in when I received the alert "Parking Assistance limited e.g. due to dirt on the sensors. Clean if necessary." Dealer would not remove the bumper to inspect the sensor, said it would take 3-4 hours to visually inspect the sensor, instead relied on software for their analysis. Said the rear camera not working because it is something related thru out the car with the other sensors even though this issue appeared 7 weeks later.

Passenger Restraint service message. Possibly related to airbag seat or floor sensor. Checked BMW customer forums and appears to be widespread issue.

The system fails to alert the driver of any cross traffic activity. it only works when backing into something that is directly in its path. I have taken the car to Laurel BMW Westmont, IL they have confirmed the vehicle settings are correct. I also contacted BMW corporate and spoke to a customer service agent who basically admitted that they are aware of the problem but have no fix in the works. Independent of all this I see where there are a number of folks who have commented on various social media platforms that the BMW cross traffic alert system does not work. I almost got into an accident because of it. Seems like something that should be recalled and fixed. It's pathetic that a car that costs this much does not meet this industry standard.