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2013 BMW 528I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 BMW 528I do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 46.

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How this year compares

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

52 reports with mileage · 21 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

37 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2025
Engine

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 cre…

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11687089

60,000 miles · Jan 2, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling

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 hea…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11633687

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2024
Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI #11621878

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2023
EnginePower Train

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 B…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11530219

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2023
Engine

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 th…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11516194

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2022
EnginePower TrainSteering

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 (B…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11474654

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2021
EngineUnknown Or Other

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 w…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11433977

55,000 miles · Jan 20, 2021
Engine

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11389138

90,000 miles · Dec 14, 2020
EnginePower Train

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 M…

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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,

NHTSA ODI #11383392

83,000 miles · Oct 24, 2020
Engine

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…

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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 BE LANDFILL BOUND. INSTEAD OF ISSUING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, BMW SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR JUST STOPS AND LOCKS UP - NO WAY TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO AT LEAST MOVE IT SO THAT IT IS NOT A HAZARD. SOMEONE OR MANY PEOPLE COULD DIE IF A CAR DOES THIS ON THE HIGHWAY. BMW DO THE RIGHT THING.

NHTSA ODI #11366118

Official recalls

4

24V608000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

Aug 13, 2024

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

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.

Consequence: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

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.

Consequence: 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.

15V188000 · Exterior Lighting

Mar 31, 2015

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 7, 2014

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

Consequence: 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

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.

Consequence: 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.

13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 26, 2013

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

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.

Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking

Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.