2013 BMW 328I transmission problems

Filed Jul 28, 2026 · Airbags, Transmission · 174,775 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passenger’s side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate above 25 MPH and the vehicle was shaking erratically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,775.

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 16, 2024 · Engine, Seats · GA

UNKNOWN/ my car came up with an engine code . Trouble accelerating, tends to runs hot ( drive train malfunction

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · MN

Engine Timing Chain and Oil pump drive chain modules failed. I found this from BMW website that Defect Code: SI B11 03 17: For this vehicle the timing chain and the oil pump drive chain modules (N20, N26 engines) limited Warranty for in defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 7 years / 70000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New vehicle limited warranty for passenger cars and light trucks. for eligible vehicles that are beyond this 7/70 coverage, please refer to SI B11 02 21 for additional coverage that may also apply. I filed a case directly with BMW of NA - they told me get it towed to BMW dealership and get it diagnosed, I followed the instructions and got it diagnosed. BMW dealership confirmed the main cause was the Timing chain broke and engine seized. but BMW declined to do anything about it. please see the link by BMW below: [XXX] $ INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 22, 2024 · Transmission · FL

CRASHNo FIRENo INJURIES0 DEATHS0 Driving to work and the engine oil pressure warning came up and the car began to decelerate and once completely stopped the power train malfunction warning popped up was told it’s the timing chain which has been common problem with this model

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 Apr 22, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Timing chain guides broke while driving, so timing chain jumped a tooth and now car will not start because incorrect timing Car has only 92,000 miles

Filed Mar 20, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

I checked the car history report for this car, it said that it had all of the scheduled maintenance. I have not driven this car hard, I used the best gas I could. I had this car for only 4 months - I took it in to Carmax to get checked out about 2 weeks after I got it back in October. They ran tests, and told me everything was fine that "it could've been a loose fuel cap". 3 months later, well before even an oil change was required - my car gave me the same error message only now it would turn off everytime I put it in drive. If this happened on the road I definitely could've been killed. This car showed 0 signs of any type of malfunction and did not give me any indication that anything was wrong. Fast forward to taking it to the Mins Auto (BMW recommended) they informed me that this car did not in fact seem it had regular oil changes contrasting what was in the carafe report. the timing chain seems to be the culprit and now I'm stuck with a $10,000 bill on a car before it's first oil change, on top of the dealership (carmax) not being helpful at all - when I did everything right with this car. When MinsAuto ran tests they found so many errors - I don't understand, neither can they - understand how Carmax could miss any of these. I was also told by them that because this happens EXTREMELY frequently on these 3-series models, they are pretty familiar with the process and it takes exactly 24 hours to remove the engine, the pistons and take these things apart. so I think this should be investigated and taken seriously. Thank you

Filed Aug 1, 2022 · Transmission · 172,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

Filed Mar 15, 2022 · Transmission · IL

the transfer case crack while driving at a 35 mph street thank god it didn't happen in the highway how do I know I herd a grinding noise and stop look under car and oil was driping got home jack it up and Sure enough I saw a hole in the transfer case