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2013 Bmw 328i Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Bmw 328i carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Timing chain guide and oil pump chain failure.” BMW vehicles use Condition-Based Service (CBS) — the dashboard shows each service item with its own remaining mileage and time, calculated by sensors. The schedule below shows BMW's underlying targets. BMW Ultimate Care covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of factory-scheduled maintenance on most new vehicles.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #14V627000 · Jul 10, 2014

Issue: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #15V520000 · Aug 17, 2015

Issue: BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #13V454000 · Sep 26, 2013

Issue: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Risk: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

Campaign #24V608000 · Aug 13, 2024

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Bmw 328i.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    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 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Timing chain guide and oil pump chain failure

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

40 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2026-03

“2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723979
“Timing chain in engine failed while the vehicle was going 70 MPH on a busy highway. Vehicle had 96,054 miles. “Low oil pressure” warning came on and immediately the engine lost compression and car had to be pulled over to side of the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11572816
“Check engine light came on and car began to slow down on the expressway going 45 mph. My car now does not start and will not turn over. Before all of this happened my car was misfiring and a warning came up saying Engine Oil pressure Low”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618363

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel tank and fuel line leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a hole on top of the fuel tank”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713400
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, a parking lot attendant advised the contact that the vehicle could not be parked in the lot because fuel was leaking from the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623593
“SMELLING FUEL WHEN I FILL MY TANK AND ALSO NOTICED FUEL ON THE GROUND IF PARKED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. TOOK MY CAR IN AND THEY STATED THE FUEL TANK HAS A HAIRLINE CRACK AND BMW HAS SINCE REINFORCED THE PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11299266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine coolant pump connector recall delay

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

46 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, and multiple warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704595
“The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle on the sidewalk in front of his driveway, it caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633163
“Recall was issued in August 2024 and there is yet to be a fix/remedy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670705

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Passenger seat occupancy sensor airbag fault

AIR BAGS

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2025-09

“I along with many others are getting a passenger restraint sensor error which prevents the airbag from deploying. This is very dangerous and the repair cost is $2000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11610062
“THE CAR IS A 2013 BMW 328I SEDAN. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. I HAD A PASSENGER GET IN THE CAR AND A WARNING APPEARS SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11408427
“THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM SENSOR DINGS REALLY LOUD WHEN A PASSAGE OR OBJECT IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE SENSORS IN THE SEAT THAT TELL THE AIR BAG TO BE ON OR OFF IS MESSED UP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289523

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger oil supply line smoke at cold start

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2019-08 → 2024-05

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL HAD ENTERED THE TURBO CHARGER CAUSING THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11375878
“MY CAR IS A 2013 AND WAS PURCHASED IN 2016; WITH MILAGE AT 78,700. ON A COLD START, A HUGE CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE RIGHT EXHAUST PIPE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340114
“EXHAUST STARTED EMITTING WHITE SMOKE DURING A COLD START. TOOK IT IN TO SERVICE AND THE OIL SUPPLY LINE IS BAD AND SENDING OIL THROUGH THE EXHAUST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242628

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Interior door handle and lock actuator failure

STRUCTURE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2023-11

“WHEN IN PARK OR WITH ENGINE "OFF" THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS FAIL TO OPEN WHEN INTERNAL HANDLE IS PULLED. THE PIN RISES WHEN HANDLED IS PULLED AND RETRACTS BACK WHEN HANDLE IS RELEASED FAILING TO "UNLOCK" THE DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154001
“DRIVER AND PASSENGER TRAPPED IN CAR AFTER PARKING AT AS GAS PUMP. DOORS WOULD UNLOCK BUT NOT OPEN RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL OF KILLING ITS PASSENGERS IN A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11169906
“DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM I STARTING TO FAIL. AT TIMES IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN A DOOR FROM THE INSIDE BECAUSE OF THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WHEN THE REST OF THE CAR IS UNLOCKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11202735

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist failure and steering effort warning

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-02 → 2020-12

“FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL ASSIST POWER STEERING (EPS) WHILE VEHICLE STATIONARY - 2013 BMW 328I, 89,500 MILES UPON STARTUP, WHILE TURNING STEERING WHELL TOMOVE CAR, STEERING SYSTEM EMITTED WHINING NOISE, BANGS AND THUMPS, THEN HIGH PITCHED WHINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288471
“AT STOP LIGHT, WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD "DRIVE MODERATELY, INCREASED STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED. CONSULT SERVICE CENTER." THE STEERING WAS VERY TOUGH TO ROTATE AND IT CREATED PANIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175132
“POWER STEERING FAILURE RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL OR SERVICE NOTICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318539

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil Service (CBS)

Every 10,000 mi

Replace BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) full-synthetic oil and filter every 10,000 miles or annually — whichever the CBS system signals first. M-series engines may require shorter intervals; check the vehicle-specific iDrive screen.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Brake Fluid Service (CBS)

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 LV brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. CBS triggers based on time, not miles, due to moisture absorption.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Vehicle Check / Inspection (CBS)

Every 30,000 mi

Multi-point inspection covering brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, fluids, lighting, and underbody. CBS signals every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Engine Air Filter

Every 40,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 40,000 miles. Higher-performance N55, B58, and S58 engines should be inspected at every oil service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

B48 (2.0L turbo) and B58 (3.0L turbo) require new spark plugs every 60,000 miles. N20/N55 engines often spec 45,000 miles. M-series typically 30,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

BMW labels the ZF 8HP automatic as 'lifetime fill,' but independent transmission specialists strongly recommend replacement every 60,000 miles. Use BMW-spec ZF Lifeguard 8 — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

RWD and xDrive AWD: replace rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles, sooner with M-Sport or active differential. M-cars require BMW SAF-XO synthetic.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

xDrive Transfer Case Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

BMW xDrive AWD: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Skipping this causes the most common xDrive failure — actuator stuck in 100/0 split.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Microfilter (Cabin Air Filter)

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the activated-carbon microfilter every 30,000 miles. Most BMWs have a single combined cabin/charcoal filter behind the engine bay firewall.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant (G48 / HT-12)

On condition / lifetime

BMW labels coolant as lifetime fill on most modern vehicles. Independent BMW specialists recommend replacement every 4-5 years to prevent water-pump and thermostat housing degradation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

55 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

27

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Bmw 328i reflects BMW's published service intervals and the Condition-Based Service system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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