2013 BMW 328I: sudden loss of power

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NM

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.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 89,565 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · PA

I was driving and my car began to lose power and Drivetrain Malfunction appeared on the screen. I had to pull over to a side street and turn the car off. I turned it back on but it was very sluggish and moved very slow. Once I parked it I turned it off and tried to start it back up but it wouldn’t turn over. I contacted BMW and they said they couldn’t do anything. I need a new engine and timing chain, fuel pump and oil pan.

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Engine · IL

The turbo charger electric waste gate actuator lever fell off the vehicle from rust. It disconnected at the two locations where it is installed. This caused an immediate loss of power at highway speeds. It is related to this issue where the the clip/link that holds the lever rusts off. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2020 · Engine · 83,000 miles · PA

Last feb, my engine light came on mid-drive, I lost power, engine began making a strange noise high-pitched noise, etc. I get it towed to p&w bmw in n. Oakland (pittsburgh, pa). All that week, 2 or 3 tests & inspections to troubleshoot each costing about $160/ea and I was told there was a recalled part that was replaced free of charge. Later, I learned that the total estimate is about $6300. The timing chain guide broke inside the engine which damaged the timing chain, guides, oil pump and oil pump module. I'm sticker shocked primarily bc it's a bmw with 84k miles (2013 328i xdrive) and I keep the oil changes on point. Upon receiving a summary from the service tech via text, I see the recall is on a turbocharger oil supply line (car has a turbo engine). I google it and in abt 10mins, I learn that when it fails, the timing chain guide fails inside the engine which damages the .... (see above). In addition, there are complaints galore with a class action lawsuit in tow over this issue as hundreds have come forward over having to fork to out anywhere from $4500-$15000 to replace engines (or engine parts) with less than 90k miles on them (in most cases I've read and I've read about 50) since 2012 (source: https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/826357-bmw-class-action-seeks-fix-engine-chain-defect/comment-page-2). A federal judge made a partial ruling as early as oct 2018 as I'm sure you are aware. I spoke to the manager and this is all news to him.

Filed Dec 3, 2017 · Engine · 49,451 miles · NV

I purchased my vehicle with $7000 down and the first week the "drivetrain malfunction" warning came on as I was entering the freeway. They said it had to do with the turbo. It has been less than 2 years and my car has been in the shop 7 times for a "drivetrain malfunction". I have had to pull over in the middle of traffic most of the time off the freeway. And, again today (12/3/2017) I was entering the freeway and also hit a semi when my car lost power due to the drivetrain malfunction.

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Airbags, Engine · 6,000 miles · SC

2013 bmw 328i x-drive, driving @ 40 MPH the drivetrain malfunction light came on, car went into reduced power mode (no higher than 20 MPH) making a very dangerous situation in traffic. Luckily I could pull over to a safe area. I called bmw roadside assistance. When tow truck arrived, no warning light! Dealer could not replicate error, but now have a air bag warning coming on intermittently... Back to dealer I guess. This is a common, potentially dangerous and frustrating issue for 328 owners.

Filed Oct 2, 2013 · Brakes · 200 miles · CA

Why would this information be on the internet, while the federal safety agency has not released any recall information at all? This is not the only information about a "brake" recall, while the federal safety agency's odi has initiated a brake "investigation." various bmw internet forums have indicated a "recall" in detail...but the federal safety agency's web site indicates nothing. What's going on? Recall: 176,000 bmws for power braking failure the 3-series, 5-series, x1, x3 and z4 models with 4-cylinder engines are affected. By exhaust notes 11 hours ago bmw is recalling 176,000 cars worldwide to fix power brake failures, according to wire reports and filings with the federal safety agency. On 2012-2014 bmw models with the company's new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine -- including the z4 sdrive28i, 320i and 328i, 528i, x1 sdrive28i and xdrive28i, and the x3 xdrive28i -- the engine vacuum pump can lose pressurized oil meant to drive the power brake mechanism. Due to a poor fit of the intake camshaft's seal disk, oil may be blocked from leaving the engine to lubricate the vacuum pump, which could then cause the vacuum pump to fail and the loss of power-assist braking. While the brakes would still work, stopping distances would increase due to increased driver force needed on the brake pedal. A total of 76,190 cars are affected in the u.s. The diesel-powered 328d is not affected. More.