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Engine coolingPart report

2013 BMW 328I Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
44about this part
Share
17%of 257 total for the year
Median mileage
106,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 BMW 328I, 17% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Drivetrain malfunction light came on stating to drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Consult service center. The codes was cda904 no message (status trailer 0x2e4) receiver engine ecu transmitter trailer. 130f20 exhaust camshaft offset angel to crankshaft outside tolerance; 120408 boost pressure control, cut off pressure rise block after paying $180.00 for diagnostic I was told today that I need to replace the timing chain/ guild. Replace oil pump chain module and replace the valve cover. The timing chain guide is broken. …”

NHTSA complaint #11270915, filed 2019-10, 88,000 miles

“Roughly two months after taking possession of my new Bmw 328I, I was driving on the freeway when my car suddenly and without warning lost all braking ability. The brake pedal was hard as a rock. Fortunately, I avoided an accident by coasting off of the freeway and into a hotel parking lot. My car was taken by tow truck to a service department at Bmw, where it remains to this day. My service advisor initially informed me that only the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. A week later, however, I am told that the intake camshaft must also be replaced because it is badly damaged.”

NHTSA complaint #10525548, filed 2013-07, 1,000 miles

“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 complaint #11699384, filed 2025-11

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11646550, filed 2025-03, 110,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11646760, filed 2025-03, 57,592 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20161323%
20154234%
20142919%
20134417%
20121612%
201117530%
20104026%
20092111%
20083314%
2007359%
200054%
199911%
199828%
1997312%
1996619%

Other parts of the 2013 BMW 328I

Engine
92 complaints
Electrical system
61 complaints
Air bags
39 complaints
Brakes
31 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints
Fuel system
20 complaints
Other or unknown
19 complaints
Seat belts
10 complaints
Steering
8 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Electronic stability control
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2013 BMW 328I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology