2013 BMW 328I Engine Problems

2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their facility. The failure is a known issue with a class action case, but BMW took no responsibility, and falsified information stating the vehicle showed no signs of an issue when I brought my vehicle in for inspection. Eighteen months before failure, steam came from the engine compartment on a humid day, later connected to the water pump electrical connector recall. Following this, the vehicle ran consistently hotter than normal and lost noticeable power. Twelve months before failure, an intermittent oil pressure warning began triggering under load at highway speeds, particularly on inclines above 70mph. I brought the vehicle to Sandia BMW in Albuquerque, NM and reported all symptoms when I was contacted by them for the recall. The service advisor falsely claimed elevated operating temperature was optimal, suspected a faulty sensor, and returned the vehicle without offering further diagnosis or making me aware of the impending issue, all classic signs of the engine faults. Eight weeks later, the oil pressure light activated on a highway, followed immediately by a drivetrain malfunction warning, a violent grinding sound, and complete loss of power. The vehicle was towed and has not restarted since. I contacted BMW of North America's recall line. A case was opened and an advocate stated BMW would accept no responsibility because the class action was closed and I'mpast 70K miles. I raised the dealership's direct culpability. The advocate stated a dealership representative would contact me. No call was ever received. This failure is consistent with BMW Service Bulletin SI B11 03 17. A engine safety recall is warranted regardless of age to protect the public.

NHTSA ID

11723979

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

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. The contact then stated that the vehicle lost power and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump and electrical plug connector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested reimbursement for the cost of the repair that was performed prior to the safety recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the reimbursement claim was denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the manufacturer also denied the reimbursement claim. The approximate failure mileage was 89,565.

NHTSA ID

11704595

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

Mileage

89,565 mi

See attached document for complaint. I am writing in reference to the recall on my 2013 BMW-328xi. The vin number is. The recall is for the water pump electrical connector. My water pump failed May 2024. I went to an independent repair service center that specializes in BMW repair, which in turn was the closest service center to where the vehicle broke down. I paid out of pocket for the repair. Now there is a recall on this part, I would appreciate reimbursement for the charges. I am enclosing a copy of the invoice.

NHTSA ID

11699384

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to have the water pump replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer after the repaired that the valve cover gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

NHTSA ID

11675730

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

Mileage

123,000 mi

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11673873

Incident

May 31, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11670802

Incident

Jun 9, 2025

MY 2013 BMW 328 NON TURBO experienced an all of a sudden warning that the temperature was high even though the temp gauge did not show. Car was pulled over and towed to repair shop. Broken VANOS bolts were discovered and car made a load noise when run.

NHTSA ID

11668570

Incident

Jun 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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.

NHTSA ID

11660726

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328i. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11656683

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11653726

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11653715

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11652325

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and water pump connector. The contact was advised to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was 201,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11651328

Incident

Mar 28, 2025

Mileage

201,000 mi

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my [Your BMW Model & Year]. My vehicle was recalled due to an issue with the engine coolant pump, which could lead to a short circuit and, in rare cases, a fire. •The recall was issued over a month ago, but BMW has not provided a solution or a repair date. •On March 26th, 2025, I visited an authorized BMW service center for an oil change and to address the recall, but they informed me that the necessary parts were not available and gave no timeline for the repair. •For the past three weeks, white smoke has been coming from the hood, and there is a noticeable burning smell. •I have a video documenting this issue. •My vehicle is in active use, and the problem is getting worse daily, increasing the risk of engine failure or fire. BMW’s delay in addressing this recall is putting my safety and the safety of others at risk. I request immediate action to ensure that BMW prioritizes this repair and prevents further damage to my vehicle. I would appreciate your urgent attention to this matter. Please let me know how I can proceed with this complaint. Best regards, Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vin Number : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11650665

Incident

Aug 30, 1999

The vehicle's manufacturer (BMW) has failed to remedy a potentially lethal safety recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID

11649665

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started running rough with the temperature gauge rising. The stabilizer warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that a message related to the fuel was displayed. The vehicle was under warranty and was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the stabilizer warning light illuminated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that after several minutes the vehicle was restarted and taken to the local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11647604

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

Mileage

129,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11647066

Incident

Aug 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was smoke and vapors emerging from underneath the hood and the engine became hot. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The oil level was extremely low. The contact added oil, but the oil dissipated. 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 approximate failure mileage was 57,592. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11646760

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Mileage

57,592 mi

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated there was smoke entering the vehicle through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that smoke was coming from under the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11646550

Incident

Mar 5, 2024

Mileage

110,000 mi

Car has been recalled since August for a fire risk and there is no ETA on any repairs

NHTSA ID

11645370

Incident

Aug 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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.

NHTSA ID

11642053

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 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 stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood into the cabin of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 206,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11640918

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

Mileage

206,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact was notified 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 made aware of the issue. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11640352

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet 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 not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11639146

Incident

Jan 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. 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 contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-60 MPH, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact would pull over and allow the engine to cool down before resuming to drive. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine coolant pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11637798

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

Mileage

170,000 mi