Model year guide

2012 BMW 640i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 BMW 640i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2012 BMW 640i — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 BMW 640i at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints3
Combined23–26 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 BMW 640i recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #16V746000 · 17/10/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i …

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #14V176000 · 10/04/2014

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, …

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 BMW 640i common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

2012 BMW 640i MPG & running costs

Combined23–26 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,350
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume89 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 BMW 640i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,750
Fuel only$16,750
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deploymen…

NHTSA #EA21002 · Air Bags · opened Sep 2021

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 366

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 366.

Right Engine Hood Hinge Return

Bulletin B065725 · Structure · Nov 2025

Third Stop Lamp Return

Bulletin B064525 · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2025

This bulletin outlines the Customer Care Package program that has been designed exclusively for BMWvehicles with the N63 engine. Vehicles with the N63 high performance engine are engineered with EfficientDynamics that provides fueleconomy without compromising…

Bulletin B110614 · Engine · Mar 2025

Roller Sunblind Return

Bulletin B065424 · Visibility/wiper · Jul 2024

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “di…

Bulletin B611305 · Electrical System · Jan 2024

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work co…

Bulletin B340914 · Wheels · Jun 2023

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

Bulletin B651523 · Electrical System · May 2023

With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Isley, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC.

Bulletin B010122 · Equipment · Dec 2022

According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not current…

Bulletin B650414 · Back Over Prevention, Seats, Air Bags · Oct 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 640I RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2012 BMW 640i trims & engines on record

Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 300 hp

2012 BMW 640i vehicles on record

Other BMW 640i model years

2012 BMW 640i — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 BMW 640i have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2012 BMW 640i. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 BMW 640i?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 BMW 640i get?

The 2012 BMW 640i has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.