Wrench.Pro

2013 Bmw 528i Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Bmw 528i carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering exterior lighting and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight assembly water intrusion.” 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.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Campaign #15V188000 · Mar 31, 2015

Issue: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 528i, 528i xDrive, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i, 550i xDrive, and ActiveHybrid 5 vehicles. The rear reflex reflectors may not reflect enough light. As such, the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: The vehicle may be less visible to other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. 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.

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 528i.

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight assembly water intrusion

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2021-12

“headlights faulty module no longer sealed and taking water water making all components in the headlights malfunction to repair this issue costing me 2,800.00 for ONE HEADLIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442309
“CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHTS, COMMON IN THE VEHICLE WITH NOW FIX. WATER SEEPS THROUGH AND DESTROYS ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING LEVELING, ADJUSTING, AND TURN SIGNALS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11359895
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHTS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348574

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver door lock actuator malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2018-01

“THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE AND/OR ACTUATOR FAILS AND DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE WITHOUT PRESSING THE ELECTRIC BUTTON ON THE DASH TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064802
“I HAVE AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK WHERE AT RANDOM TIMES (ABOUT 2X PER MONTH) THE DOORS MAKE A RATCHETING SOUND LIKE THE MOTOR IS TRYING TO LOCK AND UNLOCK DOOR IN VERY QUICK SEQUENCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10929611

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Timing chain failure requiring engine replacement

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

30 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2023-07

“ENGINE IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WITH NO WARNING. THE CAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL STATING TO GET TO A SAFE AREA, WHICH I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT TO. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED IT SWITCHED TO PARK. I TRIED TO RESTART THE ENGINE BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207240
“CAR WITH ONLY 69518 MILES ON IT EXPERIENCED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE IN MOVING TRAFFIC. VEHICLE OWNER HAD TO NAVIGATE CAR OUT OF MOVING TRAFFIC WHILE TRYING TO TURN. DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR OWNER AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113629
“WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE WAS VIBRATING. THE TIMING CHAIN WAS STRETCHED AND THE GUIDES CAME APART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030495

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cooling recall unrepaired due to parts delay

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2025-09

“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal burning odor. The contact stated the burning odor occurred frequently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680731
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628779
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine and entering the cabin through the vents. The engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633687

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light tied to steering column fault

STEERING, AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2024-02

“WHEN MAKING TURNS I HEAR A CLICKING NOISE. GOING INTO TURN AND COMING OUT OF TURN NOISE CAN BE HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL ITSELF. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN MAKING TURNS ANYWHERE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176038
“MY 2013 BMW HORN WENT OUT A WEEK AGO, I PAID ALMOST 300 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT FIX AND MY BRAKE FLUID CHANGED. A WEEK LATER MY HORN WENT OUT AGAIN ONCE MY DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT CAME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10965855
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE BRUISES TO BOTH ARMS AND LEGS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10887855

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)

31 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.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

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 528i 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.

Check another vehicle →