2013 BMW 528i

Routine

Owners filed 73 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.

Not among the BMW 528i years to avoid. Which BMW 528i years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
90,000 milesMedian miles at failure

52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 2013 BMW 528i problems

44 of the 73 complaints (60%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine33
010
Air Bags · airbags14
103
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine11
000
Electrical System4
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Service Brakes · brakes2
000
Tires1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches1
000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · headlights1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles24V608000
Filed Aug 13, 2024720,796 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Exterior Lighting15V188000
Filed Mar 31, 201513,443 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 Fittings14V627000
Filed Oct 7, 20148,988 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings13V454000
Filed Sep 26, 201376,191 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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 [email protected].

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 13, 2025CA

On [XXX], Century West BMW in North Hollywood, CA performed recall 20E-A01 B120921 (DME reprogram/connector update) on my 2013 BMW 528i. Within 30 minutes of leaving the dealership, the car displayed a red “engine overheating – stop immediately” warning while I was in a crowded intersection with my child in the vehicle. This created an immediate danger to us and to surrounding traffic. Prior to the recall, the vehicle had no history of overheating. When I returned the next morning ([XXX]), the service advisor admitted they had no timestamp or documentation of the coolant bleed procedure. Instead of proving the recall was performed correctly, the dealership attempted to shift blame onto unrelated issues such as the thermostat or an oil leak, even sending me a video of the oil leak but providing no proof of proper recall completion or verification. This negligence placed me, my child, and the public at serious risk of injury and could have caused catastrophic engine damage. The fact that the vehicle overheated almost immediately after recall work indicates the recall was not properly completed or verified, and the car was returned to me in an unsafe condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 14, 2025107,000 milesTX

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. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact was unaware that the vehicle needed to be taken to an authorized BMW dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was referred to a BMW dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 2, 2025AZ

Hello my name is [XXX] and I am (was) the owner of a 2013 BMW 528i VIN [XXX] . It was a secondary vehicle for me for until I sustained an injury and it being my primary vehicle. I took it through emissions, updated the registration, and I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. I had driven it without a problem then in Juneit did not run at all. At that time there was a recall on the computer system and supposedly it needed a new key programmed to start. That was a 700 expense out of pocket and the car still did not even turn over. I authorized replacing the battery that was another 600, and still the car would not start or run.At this point they were just guessing at what was wrong and going though the process of elimination to try to rectify what was wrong with the car. They did not offer me any kind of courtesy vehicle or even rental discount so I was renting a car while they were trying to figure out what was wrong with the car. I am a small business owner of a non-profit company Modern Day Ministries, LLC that provides assistance to at risk youth and single mothers with disabilities and funding my own organization without loans or assistance. After three months of renting a car, the dealership at 7455 W. Orchid Lane Chandler, Arizona 85226 who had my vehicle only wanted me to keep paying for parts, which for BMW are extremely costly but could not guarantee the car was working. At that time it was known there was a recall on the fuel pump leaking, destroying the electri

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 22, 2025CA

Unrepaired recall. No remedy available for over 8 months, with manufacturer acknowledging that there could a vehicle fire in some cases.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 21, 2025GA

Unknown

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 18, 202587,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump and plug connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 2, 202560,000 milesMA

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. There were unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 26, 2024108,000 milesCA

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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 4, 202498,000 milesSC

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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the engine overheated and there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The messages low coolant and engine overheating were displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to allow the engine to cool down before continuing to drive. The contact stated that while checking the coolant level, the coolant level was in the normal range. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 13, 2024127,000 milesSC

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 not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed the contact noticed a smoke-like smell coming from the vehicle with no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2024FL

The electrical connector of the engine coolanta pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 22, 2024119,000 milesMI

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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it was raining or while washing the vehicle. The indicators failed to operate while attempting to make a turn. The warning light indicating an electrical failure was illuminated. The failure was intermittent. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Tires
Filed Oct 10, 2024FL

20k miles??? I haven't even driven 5k miles and according to my vehicle service rep at the dealership all tires are defective as the belt has shifted in them and it's like pulling teeth trying to rectify the issue between the distributor and manufacturer all 4 tires are bad as 1 had to be replaced and the remaining has been inspected by a certified dealer again, the front tires 245/35zr20 and the rear 275/30zr20

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 4, 2024NY

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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 30, 202496,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2013 BMV 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 10, 2024125,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing a screeching sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was driving rough. The failure mileage was 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 15, 2024CA

Recently, in the last 30 days multiple critical safety components of my BMW vehicle have malfunctioned without warning, posing significant risks to my safety and that of other road users 1. **Horn System Failure**: The horn system of my BMW has ceased to function across all driving conditions, including park, reverse, drive, and when the vehicle is stationary. This abrupt failure indicates a potential electrical and mechanical malfunction, as there have been NO accidents and airbag deployments. This is very alarming and confusing how does a the horn on my vehicle just STOP working. 2. **Risk to Safety**: The failure of the horn system poses a serious hazard in emergency situations where signaling warnings or alerts to other road users is crucial. This not only jeopardizes my safety but also endangers the safety of others on the road. 3. **Seatbelt Issues**: Additionally, the seatbelts in my vehicle are experiencing difficulty clicking and seem to have restraint issues. This further compromises passenger safety in the event of a collision or sudden braking. 4. **Steering Wheel Problems**: Furthermore, there are issues with the steering wheel, which may affect the vehicle's handling and control, posing additional safety risks while driving. **Confirmation and Inspections**: I have promptly consulted with East Bay BMW, located at 4350 Rosewood Dr., Pleasanton, CA, where Danny Martinez serves as the Service Advisor, reachable directly at 925-621-8236. Even after thorough examinat

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 3, 2024TX

While driving in the toll of 130 my sunroof window busted out of nowhere. No 18 wheeler or big truck was in front that could have cause the glass to burst, when it happened it sounded like an explosion. Luckily my sunroof cover was closed shielding the inside of my vehicle otherwise it could’ve been bad for myself and my infants inside the car.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2023CA

Horn stopped working and error code says airbag error

Engine
Filed Jul 3, 2023LA

I AM 70 YEARS OLD, DRIVING IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED! I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A TIMING CHAIN ISSUE AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST IS VERY EXPENSIVE. THERE WAS A LAWSUIT SETTLED ABOUT FAULY TIMING CHAINS IN 2021. MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED BY IT, NOT DUE TO MILEAGE BUT AGE. IT IS DANGEROUS FOR A CAR TO SUDDENLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. I HAD TO CALL THE POLICE TO STAY BEHIND MY CAR WITH LIGHTS FLASHING SO IT WAS NOT HIT. LOUISIANA WAS UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING AT THIS TIME. THE CAR COULD NOT BE STARTED AND I HAD TO WAIT FOR A WREAKER, IN EXTREME HEAT. BMW DID NOT RECALL THESE VEHICLES NAMED IN THIS SUIT. NO ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TO LARGER CITIES FOR HEALTHCARE. I AM THANKFUL THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON AN INTERSTATE WITH SIX LANES. IN MY OPINION, RECALLS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO OWNERS. IT PUTS DRIVERS AT RISK IN AREAS OF HIGH TRAFFIC.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2023FL

The car is from 2013. BMW USA does not want to cover the warranty due to the defective turbo feed oil line, part that it was replacing and I never received information from BMW about it. A few days ago I called and they told me that the car was manufactured in 2012 and had its First service in December 2012 I do not apply for the 10-year or 120,000-mile warranty. Really???rs absurd. They should check this out. My car has been smoking for more than 2 years and I never knew about it. Please help with the warranty.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 2022FL

Upon purchasing the vehicle it was not serviced as supposed I have been calling only to be played around with this has been a nightmare I haven't made my 3rd payment and currently carless

Engine
Filed Jul 19, 2022GA

Error Codes : 1. E11480 No Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 2. E11482 Message (Alive Counter Safety 0xD7) Not Current Receiver Instrument Cluster Transmitter Airbag 3. B7F685 Under Voltage . 4. E114DB Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBV) Missing 5. E114DC Instrument Panel: Demand Based Service Message, Message From CBS Subscriber (BBH) Missing 6. E11421 Message Demand Based Service Message From CBS User Has Failed DRIVETRAIN MALFUCTION when drive sport mode The Trunk always Open for no Reason when unlock the car.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 14, 2022130,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the odor of burning plastic was present inside the vehicle. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the engine compartment. The contact attached a diagnostic device to the vehicle and the reading indicated a heater malfunction. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 5, 2021CA

Malfunction of the passenger restraint system. Warning indicator states system is not working properly.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 1, 2021FL

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

Power Train
Filed Dec 1, 2021CA

The timing belt broke with no warning and destroyed the engine.

Engine
Filed Sep 22, 2021FL

My BMW suddenly started making a weird sound. I took it to BMW and they could not tell me exactly what happened. However they told me that a new engine was needed. I contacted headquarters and they referred me back to the local BMW. The Local BMW said that there's no way for them to know what caused the engine problem but they were recommending a new engine. I had no choice but to purchase a new engine, still to this day I have not idea why the engine failed. I strongly believe its something they are failing to admit is wrong with their engine that causes problems.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2021TX

MY CAR (2013 BMW 528i) STARTED MAKING A TICKING NOISE EVERYTIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN THIS STARTED THAT THE DRIVER AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND IT APPEARS THESE TWO SYMPTOMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ANOTHER. I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE IS BUT THE STEERING WHEEL TICKING IS CAUSING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION WHICH POSES A HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AS I'VE SEEN IT IS A COMMON MALFUNCTION AND IT SHOULD NOT BE.

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 202155,000 milesTX

AT LEAST 7 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 YEARS I HAVE HAD A WEIRD ENGINE PROBLEM. AFTER PARK THE CAR FOR AWHILE IT FAILED TO START WITH NO REASON. AFTER ONE HOUR OF TRYING TO START, ENGINE START AS USUAL. CAR HAVE BEEN TEST BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR A WHOLE WEEK AND NO CODES OR FAILS HAVE BEEN DETECTED. MOST OF THESE FAILS HAVE HAPPEND AFTER PARK THE CAR, A COUPLE OF TIMES ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE DEALERSHIP, CAR HAS FAILED TWICE. SAME AS ALWAYS IT STARTS AGAIN AFTER TRYING SEVERAL TIMES. LAPSE BETWEEN FAILS IS 3 TO 4 MONTHS APART. FAIL HAPPENS ONLY ON THE CITY SO FAR.

Engine
Filed Dec 14, 202090,000 milesNV

I CURRENTLY HAVE A 2013 528I BMW WITH LESS 90K MILES AND LESS THAN 8 YEARS OLD. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I RECEIVED A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION THAT ABRUPTLY STOPPED THE CAR. I GOT TO FIND OUT THAT THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY DONE. I CALLED BMW TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL ON THAT ISSUE, I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND HAD TO GET THE ENGINE REPLACED. IF I WAS ON THE FREEWAY THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR TRAFFIC INCIDENT ACCIDENT,

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 202083,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 BMW 528I IN APRIL 2019 WITH ~65K MILES AT THE TIME. THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR CAME ON AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING SLUGGISH. PER BMWS REQUEST I DROVE IT TO BMW SERVICE CENTER. FAULT CODES F133B04 AND F133E10. THEY PERFORMED CALIBRATION, TESTED AND SENT ME ON MY WAY AND NO MORE WARNING DISPLAYED. JUNE 2020 LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE (OIL CHANGE, CBS) AND INDICATOR WAS NO LONGER DISPLAYING. OCTOBER 2020 LOW OIL PRESSURE AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATORS COME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME, BUT THE CAR COMPLETELY STOPS WHILE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAD IT TOWED TO BMW AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP CHAIN DRIVE, PLUS FAULTS WITH THE VANOS UNIT (FC 1C0102, 1C2002, 1C0301, 130F11, 130E11, 131401, 130308, 130304, 130108, 131501). TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER THEY WANT ME TO PAY $3,100+, BUT THAT IS NOT FIX IT. I STILL OWE $8K ON THE CAR AND NOW IT'S REQUIRING A ENGINE WORK THAT WILL POSSIBLY EXCEED WHAT I OWE ON THE CAR. MY CAR HAS 83K MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT BE INOPERABLE. THE TIMING CHAIN & OIL PUMP CHAIN DRIVE WAS KNOWN BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2016, BUT WAS NOT DISCLOSED. ALL OF MY SERVICE HAS BEEN DONE AT BMW. BMW SERVICED MY CAR WHEN THE INDICATOR CAME ON IN 2019, YET DID NOT GO FURTHER TO FIX THE ISSUE THAT THEY KNEW EXISTED. BMW NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX MY CAR FOR FREE. THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" WITH 83K MILES ON IT SHOULD

Electrical System
Filed Sep 18, 202061,200 milesNC

CONDENSATION IN HEADLIGHTS, COMMON IN THE VEHICLE WITH NOW FIX. WATER SEEPS THROUGH AND DESTROYS ELECTRONICS, INCLUDING LEVELING, ADJUSTING, AND TURN SIGNALS. EACH TIME IT RAINS IT BECOMES WORSE AND MAKES VISIBILITY DIFFICULT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IT WAS STATED TO THE SALES DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD IT IS NO ISSUE. SEEN MANY OTHER 5 SERIES WITH SAME ISSUE.

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 202091,000 milesNC

WHILE DRIVING A MESSAGE OF DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION POPS UP ON THE IDRIVE SYSTEM. SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ALONG WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. HAPPENS OCCASIONALY THEN I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND LOCK THEN UNLOCK AND RESTART. SOMETIMES THE MESSAGE WILL POP BACK UP AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Aug 11, 202096,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER ENTERED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW COUNTRY BMW (1 WESTON PARK RD, HARTFORD, CT 06120, (860) 522-6134) WHERE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN HEADLIGHTS AND MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT WATER ENTERING THE HEADLIGHTS COULD LEAD TO AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE OR FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 202089,120 milesAZ

DRIVING ALONG THE 8 FREEWAY, DRIVING STRAIGHT, BUT SLIGHTLY UPHILL, OUTSIDE SAN DIEGO, THE ENGINE DIED VERY SUDDENLY. WE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW OF EL CAJON, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER HAD FAILED, A PIECE OF PLASTIC HAD PLUGGED THE OIL PUMP, AND THE ENGINE LOST TIME, CAUSING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS 89,190 MILES ON IT.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2020137,800 milesCA

IISSUE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN WHICH I UNDERSTAND TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY BMW'S DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD A LOSS OF POWER ALONG WITH LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT.TOOK THE CAR THE A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THE RESULTS WERE THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED REPLACEMENT ALONG WITH CAM ADJUSTER SOLENOIDS AND PHASERS. ESTIMATED COST ALMOST $5K. CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR THE PAST 40 DAYS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS/HAS HAPPENED TO MANY BMW OWNERS OF 2012-2015 CARS.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 202084,082 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING REGULARLY THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS ON. VEHICLE WAS SENT TO THE LUXURY MOTORSPORT DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THEIR PHONE NUMBER IS 1-855-288-5488. AND AFTER THEY PLUGGED IN THE COMPUTER TO CHECK UP, THE DIAGNOSTIC COMES OUT AS AIRBAG, WABCO 441 120 008 0 / 4411200080 STEERING ANGLE SENSOR DAMAGED. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2020114,000 milesTX

MY ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON IN THE CAR AND THEN THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT.I TRIED TO RUN A SELF DIAGNOSTIC ON THE CAR AS THIS IS A FEATURE BUILT IN AND THE ENGINE OIL CHECK WOULD ONLY GO UP TO 15% AND CUT OFF. I TOOK IT INTO BMW OF BLOOMFIELD FOR SERVICE MENTIONING THIS TO THEM. THEY CHANGED THE OIL AND CLEARED THE CODES GOT THE CAR BACK. FAST FORWARD TO JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, I AM DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT COME ON AND THE CAR STOPS ON ME. JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 1 MONTH AGO AND THE DEALERSHIP IS ADVANTAGE BMW OF HOUSTON

Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2019111,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WAS DISPLAYED ON THE SCREEN. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL POWER AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO THE CLOSEST CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP. AFTER THE REPAIR RAN THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TEST, THEY INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE IT HAD SEIZED. THEY ALSO QUOTED ME AT $9,900 FOR A NEW ENGINE. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000 MILES.

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 201980,325 milesAL

DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED AND CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. REPLACED AIR PUMP TO CONTROL ENGINE VACUUM, MADE CAR DRIVEABLE, COST $1200. DID NOT STOP DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGE FROM COMING ON. TOOK CAR IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE AND HAD THEM LOOK AT THE ISSUE. TIMING CHAIN IS ABOUT TO GO OUT. CAR IS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY, AND THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW WHEN THE TIMING CHAIN WILL COMPLETELY FAIL. I GOOGLED THE ISSUE TO SEE IF IT IS COMMON AND FOUND OUT IT'S EXTREMELY COMMON WITH THE N20 ENGINES. THE ERROR MESSAGE COMES ON EVERY SINGLE TIME I DRIVE MY CAR, AND IT HAS AFFECTED THE PERFORMANCE.

Engine
Filed Oct 14, 2019VA

PRE MATURE TIMING CHAIN AND VANOS FAILURE.

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2019120,000 milesCA

THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON APRIL 19TH. WHILST CLIMBING AN UPHILL ON A MULTI LANE ROAD, I FELT I WAS LOSING POWER, CONFUSED AND WORRIED, I PUSHED ON THE GAS PEDAL HARDER AND HARDER ONLY TO REALIZE I WAS RAPIDLY SLOWING DOWN, AND THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED REVVING! LOOKING AT THE DASH, THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY HAD SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR WAS COASTING UPHILL STEADILY LOSING SPEED. WAS IN THE CENTER LANE, HIT THE HAZARD LAMPS AND TRIED TO CHANGE OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET OVER TO RIGHT SHOULDER FOR SAFELY. CAR IN THE ADJACENT LANES PARALLEL TO ME, NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE ALL FLASHERS GOING WERE NOT FRIENDLY AT FIRST TO LET ME CHANGE AND THANK GOD, I SOMEHOW FORCED MY WAY IN AND JUMPED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ENOUGH TO SAY, I AND MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WERE SCARED OF BEING REAR ENDED OR SIDE SWIPED AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A MULTI CAR COLLISION THAT WAS ALL AVOIDED FROM MY QUICK THINKING ON MY HEELS AND BIT OF LUCK ON MY SIDE. I TOWED MY CAR TO BMW DEALER. DEALER FOUND LOW OIL PRESSURE CODES, ON FURTHER DEBUGGING FOUND BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE, AND INFORMED ME THAT ENGINE WAS DAMAGED FROM THE BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE. ONLY SOLUTION NOW IS TO SWITCH TO A NEW ENGINE COSTING APPROXIMATELY $17K. SINCE I HAVE 120K MILES. I LEANT ABOUT MY WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAINS AND OIL PUMP. MY REQUEST FOR ANY ASSISTANCE UNDER WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN DECLINED BY BMW BECAUSE THE CAR HAS 120K MILES VS. 70K MILES WARRANTY PERIOD. WHILE I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT,

Engine
Filed Jul 21, 2019120,000 milesCA

THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED ON APRIL 19TH. WHILST CLIMBING AN UPHILL ON A MULTI LANE ROAD, I FELT I WAS LOSING POWER, CONFUSED AND WORRIED, I PUSHED ON THE GAS PEDAL HARDER AND HARDER ONLY TO REALIZE I WAS RAPIDLY SLOWING DOWN, AND THE ENGINE HAD STOPPED REVVING! LOOKING AT THE DASH, THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY HAD SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR WAS COASTING UPHILL STEADILY LOSING SPEED. WAS IN THE CENTER LANE, HIT THE HAZARD LAMPS AND TRIED TO CHANGE OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET OVER TO RIGHT SHOULDER FOR SAFELY. CAR IN THE ADJACENT LANES PARALLEL TO ME, NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE ALL FLASHERS GOING WERE NOT FRIENDLY AT FIRST TO LET ME CHANGE AND THANK GOD, I SOMEHOW FORCED MY WAY IN AND JUMPED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ENOUGH TO SAY, I AND MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WERE SCARED OF BEING REAR ENDED OR SIDE SWIPED AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A MULTI CAR COLLISION THAT WAS ALL AVOIDED FROM MY QUICK THINKING ON MY HEELS AND BIT OF LUCK ON MY SIDE. I TOWED MY CAR TO BMW DEALER. DEALER FOUND LOW OIL PRESSURE CODES, ON FURTHER DEBUGGING FOUND BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE, AND INFORMED ME THAT ENGINE WAS DAMAGED FROM THE BROKEN TIMING CHAIN GUIDE. ONLY SOLUTION NOW IS TO SWITCH TO A NEW ENGINE COSTING APPROXIMATELY $17K. SINCE I HAVE 120K MILES. I LEANT ABOUT MY WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR TIMING CHAINS AND OIL PUMP. MY REQUEST FOR ANY ASSISTANCE UNDER WARRANTY EXTENSION HAS BEEN DECLINED BY BMW BECAUSE THE CAR HAS 120K MILES VS. 70K MILES WARRANTY PERIOD. WHILE I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THAT,

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2019110,000 milesMO

HAD 100,000M WARRANTY. AROUND 110K NOTICE "ENGINE OIL PRESSURE" LIGHT FOR FIRST TIME. ADDED A BIT OF OIL AND LIGHT WENT AWAY. CAME ON AGAIN, TOOK IT INTO DEALER. THEY REPLACED AN OIL GASKET AND ANOTHER GASKET. LIGHT CAME BACK ON WITHIN 5 BLOCKS OF DEALER. THEY KEPT MY CAR FOR 3 WEEKS, SAID ENGINEERS AT HEADQUARTERS SAID I NEED A NEW ENGINE. NOW, I DRIVE CARS UNTIL 260K MILES AND THEN SOMEONE ELSE DRIVES THEM AFTER ME. NEEDING A NEW ENGINE AT 110K MILES IS AWFUL. THEY WANT TO PUT IN A NEW 'SHORT ENGINE", CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, CAM FOLLOWER,AND TURBOCHARGER. I'VE HAD MY OIL CHANGED AS OFTEN AS I SHOULD, NOW TELL ME, HOW IS THIS NEEDING ALL OF THAT MY FAULT?? I STILL OWE 2.5 YEARS ON CAR. THIS IS A LANDFILL PROBLEM RIGHT HERE AND NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY BMW.

Engine
Filed May 23, 201973,000 milesNC

I HAVE GOT THE VEHICLE AROUND DECEMBER AND I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS THENE I START EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. I CONTACTED THE DEALER IMMEDIATELY THEY TOLD ME THEY HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR BEFORE WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE. THE CAR PURCHASE WAS A GUY THAT WORKED AT THE DEALERSHIP. AFTER I STARTED CALLING FOR QUESTIONS THE GUY ENDED UP DISAPPEARING AND NOBODY WOULD HELP ME. THEY ALSO FALSE ADVERTISE THE VEHICLE SAYING IT WAS A 528 X DR, GAVE ME THE INCORRECT MILEAGE AND I WAS SUPPOSED TO GIVE ME A WARRANTY BUT I DIDN'T RECEIVE ANY HELP . SO I CONTACTED THE BMW DEALERSHIP GOT IT TOWED THERE AND THEY TOLD ME I NEED A NEW ENGINE. I WILL BE DRIVING IN THE CAR WOULD JUST SHUT OFF SOMETIMES THEN THE DASHBOARD TELLS ME DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION. SO I HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY CRANK THE CAR AND IN ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES IT WOULD START. ONE DAY ON THE WAY TO WORK I WAS DRIVING IN THE WHOLE CAR JUST SHUT OFF IT WAS SAYING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION TRY CRACK THE CAR WOULDN'T CRANK . LET IT SHUT FOR A WHILE ONE DAY I SPRAYED SOME STARTING FLUID IN A AIR FLOW SENSOR IT CRUNK BUT STILL HAS A HARD KNOCK AND NOISE IT SAYS LOW OR PRESSURE AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTIONS.

Engine
Filed May 15, 2019107,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR SHOWED UP, THEN I LOST ALL POWER AND HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I EVENTUALLY GOT IT TOWED TO BMW OF VISTA, CA. THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE IT HAD LOCKED UP. FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I WASN'T DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE NOT WAS IT LOW ON OIL. THEY QUOTED ME AT $13,500 FOR A NEW ENGINE WHEN SEEMINGLY IT WASN'T ME NEGLECTING THE VEHICLE. IT SEEMS THAT BMW SHOULD FIX SOMETHING LIKE THAT IF IT JUST HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE. MY CAR CURRENTLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 107000 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF.

Engine
Filed May 13, 2019102,000 milesPA

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. BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING YOU CAN NOT PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. THIS CAUSED DIFFICULTY IN GETTING THE CAR TOWED FROM THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER. THE BMW N20 ENGINE HAS A KNOWN FLAW WITH THE OIL AND TIMING CHAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED FROM THE CHAIN AND THE ENGINE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A VALUE OF $18,000. THE VEHICLE HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT. BMW NA STATES THAT THE CAN NOT ASSIST IN COST SINCE IT IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ALREADY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS FAULT ONCE. ALL MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN COMPLETED BASED ON THE SERVICE INTERVALS. THE CHAIN SERVICE CHECK IS NOT UNTIL 150,000 MILES. IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A ONCE REPUTABLE CAR MANUFACTURER WOULD LET THEIR CUSTOMERS STRANDED ON THE ROAD AND THEN AGAIN IN THE SERVICE CENTER WITH A REPAIR BILL WORTH MORE THAN THE VEHICLE ITSELF. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE RESOLUTION OF THE CURRENT CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN THIS MATTER AS MY CAR SITS UNUSABLE.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Mar 20, 201976,952 milesIL

A VEHICLE(SUV) ENDED MY CAR IN THE REAR IN A PRETTY GOOD SPEED WHEN I WAS IN THE SLOW TRAFFIC ALMOST STATIONARY(5 MPH). CRASH IMPACT WAS HIGH. HAD TO CALL IN AN AMBULANCE AS MY FRIEND SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT WAS HURT BADLY. AS WE REALIZE AFTER THE CRASH, ENGINE GOT STOPPED & AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DUE TO FAULT IN AIRBAG. ENGINE DID NOT START LATER & THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FACILITY IN PROSPECTS HEIGHTS. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY HIGHWAY WHEN DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LANE. VERY LIGHT SNOW SHOWERS AT THAT TIME AROUND 6PM ON 02/26.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 10, 201984,000 milesIL

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. AFTER INVESTIGATING COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE CLOCK SPRING JUST FOR NO REASON BREAKS CONNECTION WHICH MAKE THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT LIGHT COM ON AND YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF ANY FUNCTIONS ON STEERING WHEEL. FUNCTIONS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL,RADIO CONTROL...ETC. CONNECTIONS INSIDE A STEERING WHEEL SHOULDN'T BE SNAPPING OFF IF THEY WERE DESIGNED CORRECTLY IN A 2013 VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THIS MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH AIRBAG RECALL AS WELL. IN THAT THESE PART WERE EITHER NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY OR THEY WERE JUST FAULTY.

Complaints 1-50 of 73, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2011
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201659440Routine
201565150Routine
201457350Routine
2013 — this page73410Routine
201290430Routine
2011118410Routine
201065240Routine
200923220Routine
20081182160Routine
20071100Routine
20012000Routine
200042140Routine
199946000Routine
199833010Routine
199741010Routine

Compare every 528i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 13, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.