What year BMW 650i should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012 and 2013 BMW 650i are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80 respectively, the two highest among all years covered.

Is the 2012 BMW 650i reliable?

NHTSA data shows the 2012 BMW 650i has the highest complaint index (100) of the model, with 20 complaints, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 2 recall campaigns, most tied to the engine.

What is the most common problem with the BMW 650i?

Across all years, engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 29 of 52 total complaints (56%), followed by fuel system issues at 17%.

Which BMW 650i year is best?

The 2010 BMW 650i has the lowest complaint index (40) among years with substantial data and carries a 'Good' verdict relative to other 650i years.

Does the BMW 650i have any recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the 650i model years covered, including 2 campaigns for the 2012 model year.

BMW 650i Best and Worst Years (2010–2017)

Avoid the 2012 and 2013 BMW 650i. The 2012 has the highest complaint index (100) with 20 complaints, 2 fires, and 2 recalls, while 2013 sits at complaint index 80 with 16 complaints, mostly engine-related. The 2010 is the strongest year, with a complaint index of only 40.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013

Model years: 6; 2010–2017
NHTSA complaints: 52
Recall campaigns: 4
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Engine

650i Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 650i problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Good	40	5	0	0	Engine	—	—
2012	Avoid	100	20	2	2	Engine	17	—
2013	Avoid	80	16	1	0	Engine	19	—
2014	Caution	60	6	0	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	19.5	—
2015	No verdict	20	4	0	1	Engine	19.5	—
2017	No verdict	0	1	0	1	Electrical System	19	—

650i years to avoid: what went wrong

2012 BMW 650i Index 100 · 20 complaints · 2 recalls

NHTSA lists 20 complaints for the 2012 BMW 650i, giving it the worst complaint index (100) of any year covered and 2 recall campaigns. Engine problems make up 60% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 67,000, including reports of sudden power loss and drivetrain malfunction warnings. Owners also reported seat heaters smoking or catching fire, seat belts failing to retract, and airbag and brake issues. Two fires and one injury were reported. Structure and body complaints showed a very low median mileage of 1,000, pointing to early-life defects in some cases.

2013 BMW 650i Index 80 · 16 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2013 BMW 650i shows 16 complaints and a complaint index of 80, the second-highest in the lineup, though no recalls were issued for this year. Engine issues account for 63% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,300; owners described sudden shaking, loss of power, and drivetrain malfunction alerts appearing on the dash. Fuel system complaints (44% share) and transmission/powertrain issues (38% share, median mileage 56,000) were also common. One fire was reported. Some owners also reported repeated run-flat tire sidewall failures.

Most common BMW 650i problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine29 (56%)
Fuel System9 (17%)
Transmission & Powertrain8 (15%)
Structure & Body6 (12%)
Other5 (10%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (10%)
Electrical System4 (8%)
Airbags3 (6%)
Brakes3 (6%)
Seat Belts3 (6%)

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 650i should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012 and 2013 BMW 650i are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80 respectively, the two highest among all years covered.
Is the 2012 BMW 650i reliable?: NHTSA data shows the 2012 BMW 650i has the highest complaint index (100) of the model, with 20 complaints, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 2 recall campaigns, most tied to the engine.
What is the most common problem with the BMW 650i?: Across all years, engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 29 of 52 total complaints (56%), followed by fuel system issues at 17%.
Which BMW 650i year is best?: The 2010 BMW 650i has the lowest complaint index (40) among years with substantial data and carries a 'Good' verdict relative to other 650i years.
Does the BMW 650i have any recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns across the 650i model years covered, including 2 campaigns for the 2012 model year.