2013 BMW 328I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 9%of 257 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 BMW 328I, 9% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Worried about Bmw timing chain in the n20 engine. I've heard so many story of engines getting blown and needing to be replaced. My son drives to school and I'm worried he's gonna get stranded. He's only 16 I want him to be in a safe vehicle. Bmw needs to do a recall on this issue many people are having blown engines with the car not even being close to being paid off.”
NHTSA complaint #11256148, filed 2019-09, 80,000 miles“Was driving on the highway in columbus, ohio when an error appeared on my screen for powertrain malfunction, please continue to drive moderately. Smoke came from my exhaust when going over 50 MPH so I pulled over. Turned the car off and back on. Error message went away. Drove 20 MPH home on side road. No smoke appeared. Started my car this morning and over huge smoke clouds (not evaporating) appeared. Called kelly Bmw to make an appointment.”
NHTSA complaint #11361512, filed 2020-09, 109,500 miles“On 2016 I was driving on a very busy parkway in the afternoon at about 45 MPH (which is a legal speed limit) when my car started shuddering, shaking and slowing down and a message came on saying drive train malfunction. I immediately called my husband who told me to pull over and shut off the car for 5 minutes. He managed to calm me down. When I restarted the car, the car could not start I was very scared the car was tow to Bmw and they state it was rhe starter that when bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #11102346, filed 2018-06, 70,000 miles“I started the car and reversed out of my driveway, then proceeded to a very busy intersection without stop light. I accelerated to merge withf traffic and all of the sudden my power was cut dramatically and the car displayed a drive train malfunction error. This prevented me from accelerating at the correct speed and almost created an issue with the vehicles behind me. I then had to pick my child up school and the car continues to behave poorly.”
NHTSA complaint #10537991, filed 2013-08, 90 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10230722Dec 1, 2022After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
- 10204656Sep 1, 2021With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Gelis, et al. v…
- 10203331Sep 1, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the…
- 10179810Aug 1, 2020N20 and N26 Differential Pressure Sensor Fault: 195002 Stored in DME: The Service Engine Soon (MIL) light is on with the following differential pressure sensor fault stored…
- 10177616Jun 1, 2020EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering assist…
- 10176357May 1, 2020EPS STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR MOUNTING BOLTS - LTD WTY EXT TO 10 YRS/120000 MILES: There are front end noises when turning the steering wheel and/or there is limited power steering…
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10174009Apr 1, 2020TICKING NOISE WHILE CORNERING WITHOUT THE BRAKES APPLIED: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 3) replaces SI B34 05 17 dated September 2017. Ticking noise coming from…
- 10146711Jun 1, 2017Howling Noise from the Rear Differential. When coasting from 85 - 70 mph, there is a howling noise from the rear differential. CAUSE Resonance behavior during the running-in…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 14% |
| 2015 | 13 | 10% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 15% |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 27 | 24% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2013 BMW 328I
92 complaintsElectrical system
61 complaintsEngine cooling
44 complaintsAir bags
39 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
6 complaintsExterior 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 31, 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