2013 BMW 528XI engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

31 owners have reported engine problems with the 2013 BMW 528XI, 78% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 78,565 mi.

Engine complaints
31
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
78,565 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine25
Engine and engine cooling6

Engine complaints across BMW 528XI years

52008232012312013
Engine complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k1060k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 24, 2026TNTowedElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that due to an unrelated failure with the steering column, the vehicle was towed to a dealer for service. The contact stated that the tow truck driver disconnected the battery prior to the vehicle being towed to the dealer. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the vehicle was towed to an…
    NHTSA complaint #11759052 · source
  2. Filed Jul 29, 2026ILEngine
    I am submitting this report to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11753542 · source
  3. Filed Sep 8, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    My 2013 BMW 528i was serviced under recall 24V-608 (Coolant Pump Electrical Connector / DME). After the recall was marked complete, the car developed several serious failures: Coolant Pump / Connector (Recall Item) – The dealer refused to replace the coolant pump even though the recall notice from the government includes both the pump and connector. Shortly after, the water pump failed completely, causing “High Temperature” warnings and putting me at risk of sudden…
    NHTSA complaint #11685652 · source
  4. Filed May 20, 2025MOElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11662067 · source
  5. Filed Apr 28, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.…
    NHTSA complaint #11657270 · source
  6. Filed Apr 25, 2025VAEngine
    The timing chain became stretched so that the valve timing with the pistons had been altered so that a valve face almost hit the top of a piston(one more tooth on the intake camshaft gear would have caused an impact between the piston top and a valve face causing the motor to stall and cease operation thereby causing the vehicle to lose power and possibly control). A timing chain should not stretch so as to cause a strike between a valve face and the top of a piston. Either…
    NHTSA complaint #11656692 · source
  7. Filed Apr 22, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 contact had not…
    NHTSA complaint #11656086 · source
  8. Filed Mar 27, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11651116 · source
  9. Filed Jan 22, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    -Drivetrain warning message was displayed, indicated to drive moderately, and moments later car sputtered and ceased to operate. Mechanic inspected and reported the timing chain failed and is to blame. Also, the engine may be impacted due to fraying parts that may have entered engine values over the course of time. Vehicle may be available for inspection for a short period of time (sold car to mechanic for very nominal amount). -My teenage daughter was driving the car when…
    NHTSA complaint #11637700 · source
  10. Filed Jan 21, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not…
    NHTSA complaint #11637329 · source
  11. Filed Jul 12, 2024191,000 miMITowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528XI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and was towed to a local dealer. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failure with the timing chain. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the contact had not received the…
    NHTSA complaint #11601563 · source
  12. Filed Sep 2, 2023PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11542241 · source

Other 2013 BMW 528XI problem areas

  • Transmission & Drivetrain (12)
  • Electrical System (9)
  • Lighting (5)
  • Other / Unknown (3)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)

Back to all 2013 BMW 528XI problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology