2013 BMW 528XI Problems

I am submitting this report to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of a safety‑related defect involving the BMW N20/N26 engine timing chain assembly. My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at highway speed due to a timing chain malfunction. This failure occurred without warning and created an immediate safety hazard for my [XXX] son, who was driving at the time. Loss of engine power at speed eliminated the ability to accelerate, maintain speed, or safely maneuver, exposing him and surrounding motorists to significant risk. This issue is not an isolated incident. BMW has issued internal service bulletins acknowledging premature timing chain wear and failure in N20/N26 engines. Independent technicians, consumer forums, and numerous owners have documented identical failures, often occurring well before the expected service life of the timing chain. The nature of the defect—catastrophic engine failure without warning—presents a clear safety concern rather than normal mechanical wear. BMW has declined to provide assistance, stating that “there is nothing we can do,” despite the well‑documented history of this defect and its safety implications. The failure of a known defective component at highway speed is foreseeable, preventable, and materially compromises vehicle safety. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this recurring timing chain defect in BMW N20/N26 engines, including: The frequency of sudden engine failures Whether BMW’s internal documentation reflects awareness of a systemic safety issue Whether the defect warrants a recall or other corrective action to prevent further incidents This failure placed a young driver in a dangerous situation and could easily result in collisions, injuries, or fatalities. I am submitting this report to help ensure that other drivers are not exposed to the same risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden overheating and breakdown on the road. DME (Engine Control Unit) – This was supposedly updated during the recall, but it failed to detect existing problems. Before the recall, I was never warned about issues with the turbo or oil leaks. Immediately after the recall update, the car started misfiring and showing drivetrain malfunction. The recall did not prevent or detect the failures as promised. Valve Cover Gasket (Oil Leak) – After the recall, a severe valve cover oil leak appeared, causing lean air/fuel mixture, misfires, and risk of fire. Oil leaking onto engine components is a known safety hazard. The dealer admitted the gasket leak existed but refused to cover it. Turbocharger / Wastegate – The DME flagged turbo wastegate actuator problems after the recall. The turbo cannot be ordered separately from the actuator, leading to very expensive repairs. Before the recall update, this issue was not visible, so I believe the recall software either failed to detect earlier or triggered worse conditions. Because of these combined failures, the car became unsafe to drive: misfires caused loss of power, overheating warnings increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, and the oil leak created a fire hazard. An independent mechanic later confirmed the water pump failure and valve cover gasket leak, which I had to repair at my own expense. I believe the recall defect (coolant pump connector / DME) caused or contributed to the damage of the water pump, gasket, and turbocharger. BMW and the dealer refused to rep

My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden overheating and breakdown on the road. DME (Engine Control Unit) – This was supposedly updated during the recall, but it failed to detect existing problems. Before the recall, I was never warned about issues with the turbo or oil leaks. Immediately after the recall update, the car started misfiring and showing drivetrain malfunction. The recall did not prevent or detect the failures as promised. Valve Cover Gasket (Oil Leak) – After the recall, a severe valve cover oil leak appeared, causing lean air/fuel mixture, misfires, and risk of fire. Oil leaking onto engine components is a known safety hazard. The dealer admitted the gasket leak existed but refused to cover it. Turbocharger / Wastegate – The DME flagged turbo wastegate actuator problems after the recall. The turbo cannot be ordered separately from the actuator, leading to very expensive repairs. Before the recall update, this issue was not visible, so I believe the recall software either failed to detect earlier or triggered worse conditions. Because of these combined failures, the car became unsafe to drive: misfires caused loss of power, overheating warnings increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, and the oil leak created a fire hazard. An independent mechanic later confirmed the water pump failure and valve cover gasket leak, which I had to repair at my own expense. I believe the recall defect (coolant pump connector / DME) caused or contributed to the damage of the water pump, gasket, and turbocharger. BMW and the dealer refused to rep

Both of my headlights had moisture. I replaced the driverside first because you could literally see water sitting in the headlamp. Then I replaced the passengerside a year later because it was doing the same thing that the driver side started doing. I have not had any accidents nor has there been any damage to the front of the car. It appears that this is a known problem. My adaptive part is still not working, but the headlights are working. I have replaced my timinig chain and I keep getting a drivetrain malfunction warning. I am not getting a real answer as to why this is occuring.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 BMW 528XI. The vehicle was a dealer sale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Drivetrain Malfunction - Drive Moderately" and "Contact the Service Center" were displayed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer refused to honor the warranty and refused to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. Upon searching the vehicle history report on the State Police website, the contact discovered two mileage discrepancies with the vehicle. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 117,217; however, the website indicated a mileage of 117,531 on June 18, 2025, and a mileage of 117,530 on June 24, 2025.

My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden overheating and breakdown on the road. DME (Engine Control Unit) – This was supposedly updated during the recall, but it failed to detect existing problems. Before the recall, I was never warned about issues with the turbo or oil leaks. Immediately after the recall update, the car started misfiring and showing drivetrain malfunction. The recall did not prevent or detect the failures as promised. Valve Cover Gasket (Oil Leak) – After the recall, a severe valve cover oil leak appeared, causing lean air/fuel mixture, misfires, and risk of fire. Oil leaking onto engine components is a known safety hazard. The dealer admitted the gasket leak existed but refused to cover it. Turbocharger / Wastegate – The DME flagged turbo wastegate actuator problems after the recall. The turbo cannot be ordered separately from the actuator, leading to very expensive repairs. Before the recall update, this issue was not visible, so I believe the recall software either failed to detect earlier or triggered worse conditions. Because of these combined failures, the car became unsafe to drive: misfires caused loss of power, overheating warnings increased risk of sudden engine shutdown, and the oil leak created a fire hazard. An independent mechanic later confirmed the water pump failure and valve cover gasket leak, which I had to repair at my own expense. I believe the recall defect (coolant pump connector / DME) caused or contributed to the damage of the water pump, gasket, and turbocharger. BMW and the dealer refused to rep

Both of my headlights had moisture. I replaced the driverside first because you could literally see water sitting in the headlamp. Then I replaced the passengerside a year later because it was doing the same thing that the driver side started doing. I have not had any accidents nor has there been any damage to the front of the car. It appears that this is a known problem. My adaptive part is still not working, but the headlights are working. I have replaced my timinig chain and I keep getting a drivetrain malfunction warning. I am not getting a real answer as to why this is occuring.

the head lights are frequently burn out although there is no break in the light covers. It is unpredictable and unsafe especially because alot of my driving is at night.

MY WIFE WAS TURNING HEAR STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A "CLICK" AND THEN SHE GOT SOME LIGHTS ON HER DASHBOARD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE "CLOCK SPRING" FAILED. FROM READING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE WITH 2013 BMW 5 SERIES. IT IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE WHEN IT FAILS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NO LONGER OPERABLE (HORN, AIRBAG OR ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL).

MY CARE HAS 30000 MILES; WARRANTY EXPIRED IN NOV 2016. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAVE MAINTAINED THE CAR VERY WELL. I GOT A WARNING SIGN THAT READ 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE SZL (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR) AND THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IN READING SEVERAL THREADS I THINK THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED BY BMW. I AM UNCLEAR AS TO WHY A RESTRAINT SYSTEM ISSUE DOESN'T FALL UNDER SAFETY WHICH WOULD ALLOW FOR COVERAGE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.

DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. VEHICLE IS ONLY AT 66K MILES.

ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF REST (30MINS-1HR) AND A COUPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED DRIVES(2+ HOURS) CAR STALLS OUT THE FIRST 6 TIMES CAME UP WITH POWER TRAIN AND FUEL MODULE CODES TOOK TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUE APPEARED FIX TILL IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN NO LONGER THROWING CODES

MY CARE HAS 30000 MILES; WARRANTY EXPIRED IN NOV 2016. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAVE MAINTAINED THE CAR VERY WELL. I GOT A WARNING SIGN THAT READ 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID THE SZL (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR) AND THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. IN READING SEVERAL THREADS I THINK THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED BY BMW. I AM UNCLEAR AS TO WHY A RESTRAINT SYSTEM ISSUE DOESN'T FALL UNDER SAFETY WHICH WOULD ALLOW FOR COVERAGE UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.

MY WIFE WAS TURNING HEAR STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A "CLICK" AND THEN SHE GOT SOME LIGHTS ON HER DASHBOARD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE "CLOCK SPRING" FAILED. FROM READING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE WITH 2013 BMW 5 SERIES. IT IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE WHEN IT FAILS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NO LONGER OPERABLE (HORN, AIRBAG OR ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL).

THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED WHILE I WAS DRIVING TODAY (8/23/2018) ON A CHICAGO-AREA HIGHWAY. I SAW NO LIKELY CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE -- E.G., FLYING DEBRIS. NOR IS THERE ANY DAMAGE TO THE LINER THAT SITS UNDERNEATH THE GLASS. THE FIRST THING THAT COMES UP WHEN GOOGLING THE ISSUE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILED JAN 2018 AGAINST BMW. CONSUMER REPORTS HAS SEVERAL ARTICLES DESCRIBING INCREASED INCIDENCE OF EXPLODING SUNROOFS SINCE CARMAKERS HAVE INCREASED THE SIZE OF SUNROOFS IN THE LAST 5-7 YRS.

MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT HAS A DETAIL LIGHT READING "DRIVER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION: ALSO THE LOCK ON THE PASSENGER WILL NOT UNLOCK. THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN.

MY WIFE WAS TURNING HEAR STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A "CLICK" AND THEN SHE GOT SOME LIGHTS ON HER DASHBOARD. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE "CLOCK SPRING" FAILED. FROM READING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE WITH 2013 BMW 5 SERIES. IT IS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW BECAUSE WHEN IT FAILS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NO LONGER OPERABLE (HORN, AIRBAG OR ANY OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL).