2013 BMW 528XI: engine failure

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · IL

I am submitting this report to notify the federal safety agency of a safety‑related defect involving the BMW N20/N26 engine timing chain assembly. My vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at highway speed due to a timing chain malfunction. This failure occurred without warning and created an immediate safety hazard for my [XXX] son, who was driving at the time. Loss of engine power at speed eliminated the ability to accelerate, maintain speed, or safely maneuver, exposing him and surrounding motorists to significant risk. This issue is not an isolated incident. BMW has issued internal service bulletins acknowledging premature timing chain wear and failure in N20/N26 engines. Independent technicians, consumer forums, and numerous owners have documented identical failures, often occurring well before the expected service life of the timing chain. The nature of the defect—catastrophic engine failure without warning—presents a clear safety concern rather than normal mechanical wear. BMW has declined to provide assistance, stating that “there is nothing we can do,” despite the well‑documented history of this defect and its safety implications. The failure of a known defective component at highway speed is foreseeable, preventable, and materially compromises vehicle safety. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this recurring timing chain defect in BMW N20/N26 engines, including: The frequency of sudden engine failures Whether BMW’s internal documentation reflects awareness of a systemic safety issue Whether the defect warrants a recall or other corrective action to prevent further incidents This failure placed a young driver in a dangerous situation and could easily result in collisions, injuries, or fatalities. I am submitting this report to help ensure that other drivers are not exposed to the same risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Engine · UT

Engine failure due to faulty timing chain or oil pump while driving

Filed Sep 2, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · PA

BMW 528i xdrive purchased new in 2013. Currently has 103k miles. While driving on hi-way at 65 mph, received "low oil pressure" alarm on instrument panel. Pulled on hi-way, engine shut-down. Initial diagnosis by local mechanic is timing chain failure. Have read COUNTLESS blogs about this being a recurring problem with the plastic timing chain degrading, 90% leading to complete engine failure - repair of which far exceeds value of car. Went to BMW dealership which didn't even bother to read the CLASS ACTION reports I presented. They had done some service work a year or so ago with no mention that this is a rather common issue. Said they would repair at my cost and that's all they can do. Ridiculous the lack of OWNERSHIP and responsibility that BMW is taking. Hopefully if enough people report BMW's behavior, an oversight agency will have enough stroke to force BMW to deal with this.

Filed Aug 12, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NY

The engine timing chain failed due to faulty plastic guide around the timing chain which gets brittle and brakes in the engine causing catastrophic engine failure. Our safety and the safety of others on the Parkway was put at HIGH RISK because the car goes into some safe mode and puts itself into PARK!! This three lane parkway has no shoulder to pull over on at all! So we were blocking the entire lane during rush hour traffic in NYC!! This problem was confirmed by the BMW dealership where the car is now, and they are fully aware of this issue with certain model BMWs produced between 2012 thru 2015. The vehicle was inspected by BMW Certified Mechanics at their service station. The warning light came on a min before the car shut itself down on this very DANGEROUS stretch of highway!!

Filed Dec 4, 2021 · Engine · MD

Driving on highway got Low Oil Pressure light followed by Drivetrain Malfunction. Engine failed, managed to pull over on shoulder because road was deserted. Could have been rear ended or crashed into another vehicle if any cars were on road. Also dangerous to be stranded on the shoulder of a deserted dark highway at night. Towed to BMW Dealer and they diagnosed premature Oil Pump failure causing Timing Chain assembly to break. Said I needed an engine replacement now. This car was inspected by a mechanic who also performed an oil service change just 385 miles prior to this event. Since vehicle has over 100,000 miles, BMW NA is offering no financial assistance at all. Manufacturer placed me in an extremely dangerous and possibly fatal situation due to design flaws and defects in materials.

Filed Feb 3, 2021 · Engine · 71,000 miles · NC

I was driving on the highway twice and the engine failed the same way both times it went from 55mph to 20 begin to jerk prompted me to pull over and stopped about 10 seconds after

Filed May 29, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 77,130 miles · NY

Bmw engine n20b20 known timing chain issue. The car in question is 2013 bmw 528i xdrive, 4 cyl. Turbo engine, automatic, all wheel drive, sedan. I was at work and started driving home, got out on the highway, hit 65 MPH and immediately notified by the instrument display that there is powertrain issue and to pull over and call service. I had to tow the car home and then again to the service since it would not start. I had 77130 miles on the car at the moment. I got call from the service this morning 05/29/2020 where they stated: car had 3 quarts of oil instead of 5 which caused mechanical damage and wear. Plastic lead for the timing chain broke and chain is loose. Camshaft I believe is broken. They also stated that the fix is engine replacement $11,000.00. I asked is there any other solutions beside whole engine replacement they said no except for getting used engine instead of new. Now I have one more bmw (2007 328i, n52 6 cyl. Engine, 6 speed manual, rear wheel drive - still in great shape, never left me on the side of the road 176000 miles and counting), I am enthusiast, I take great care about my cars. Always full synthetic oil every 5000 miles, always mann filter(s), always bmw spec ll-01 for us, always castrol made in belgium. All the parts genuine, best tires. With all that care I know the weakness - oil thirsty engines. The car that's in problem got it's oil checked that morning or day before and showed up max. Those new engines have electrical oil reader (no stick anymore) so I have to rely on that. I am heavily disappointed in bmw and how they are handling this issue. They should offer remedy and full reimbursement or recall for this well known problem.

Filed May 1, 2020 · Engine · 70,000 miles · PA

My car stopped running while I was on the road (crossing over rt 29 in malvern, pa). A message on the screen in my car said drivetrain malfunction. After the mechanic looked at it he said the timing chain broke and the whole engine needs to be replaced. This car doesn't even have 100k miles on it.

Filed Jan 21, 2020 · Engine · 74,000 miles · TN

Was driving from memphis to pcb last friday when I lost power in the middle of the highway near birmingham. First the 'oil pressure low' warning light came on, immediately followed by the 'drivetrain' warning light. Pulled over and got towed to the dealer in b'ham, where they told me that the engine was blown and a new engine would be roughly 15-17k. They didn't visually inspect the timing chain...just a hunch by their lead mechanic based on the ticking he heard when attempting to get the engine to start. They offered to do a deeper dive into the issue for an additional $1000, which I declined. I'm having the car towed back to memphis, where I will look into finding a second-hand engine for replacement. I will be tracking the lawsuit. My car (2013 528i xdrive) only had 74k miles, and I owe what they quoted me for a new engine, so that's not a consideration. I have been religious with maintenance, with all work done at the dealer.

Filed Oct 31, 2018 · Engine · 88,000 miles · NJ

Timing chain failure causing catastrophic engine failure. Car displayed "low oil pressure" warning immediately followed by "drivetrain malfunction" error and shut down on 4 lane highway unable to move. Dangerous situation and could have been killed if a car hit me as it was dark outside in early morning hours. Car had 88k miles and is always dealer serviced as per manufacturer specifications. The car was also in the shop 1 week prior for a vehicle check and no issues were identified, told the timing chain sub assembly for oil pump failed and metal shards found in engine,