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.
BMW 328I grinding brakes problems
21 of the 2,584 owner complaints about the BMW 328I describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 21
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 98,000
By model year
- 20141
- 20132
- 20121
- 20115
- 20102
- 20091
- 20074
- 20004
- 19981
Often reported together
Check engine light 4Stalling 2Oil consumption 1Loss of power 1Fire or smoke 1Knocking 1Engine failure 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud grinding and metallic sound coming from the engine. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated to approximately 10-15 MPH. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine VANOS bolts had fractured, and there were metal shavings in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with three detached VANOS bolts. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH the vehicle began to make an abnormal grinding noise from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the "check engine" light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who advised the contact that the vehicle had a recall associated to the VIN for the engine. The independent mechanic advised that the vehicle was under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called a local dealer and was advised that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Recently there is a grind/rubbing noise coming from the engine compartment on my vehicle, Ive recieved a SAFETY RECALL notice from BMW in regards to the VANOS bolts coming loose. Notice states that remedy is unavailable, recently visited my local BMW dealership in Milford DE, and was simply told that they cant help. The recall clearly states the possibility of crashing or vehicle not turning on after shutting off. I've also gone ahead and purchased an endoscope and can clearly see that some bolts are loose in my engine, meaning that is only a matter of time before it gets really bad. A remedy is needed now, if the VANOS bolts are not available, simply replace the sprockets assembly( these are available and include the bolts on them). Solution needed ASAP, please help!
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud squeaky sound. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
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
The car is burning oil badly and making an annoying squeaking noise due to a valve cover gasket failure. I took the car to the BMW dealership for diagnosis and I’ve been told it’s a common problem with ALL BMW once they reach 50k miles and up. The mechanic said it’s because the part is made with a cheap plastic and it’s get worn easily by the heat . It’s cost up to 2000 dollars to fix, BMW should have a recall to resolve the issue.
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, he heard an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine before the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle and continued driving his residence. The contact stated upon checking the engine, he noticed that the vanos bolts had fractured and were missing from the engine. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
It seems that the Bolts holding the Vanos unit intact have come loose or sheared and cause a loud high pitch squealing along with a higher volume in oil loss and this has also cause a seal of some sort or go bad and excess oil burning. Also, the car has a loud tick in the engine now. My vin number is not accepted u der the recall list but my cars make model and year for the credentials along with the problems that the engine continues to have. I would Appreciate it if the company adds this car and it’s vin to the list of recall so i can Have it properly fixed
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 14V627000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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 [email protected].
Recall number 13V454000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. It is possible that the retaining clip that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm was not properly installed during production. It is possible for the clip to detach from the pin on the brake pedal arm allowing the pushrod to disconnect from the arm.
- Risk
- If this occurs, braking is not possible.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the clip for tight installation and replace the clip if it is loose.
Recall number 99V100000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW 328I grinding brakes
Which BMW 328I years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (5 complaints), 2000 (4 complaints) and 2007 (4 complaints).
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