Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 BMW 528i engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 BMW 528i have filed 34 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 107,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 528i | 55 |
| 2012 528i | 29 |
| 2013 528i (this page) | 34 |
| 2014 528i | 25 |
| 2015 528i | 40 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 34 engine complaints filed for the 2013 BMW 528i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 34 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Component specific limited warranty extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Sensor(s) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle original in-service date.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin outlines the procedure for checking the engine timing chains for wear, and should be completed in conjunction with SI B11 06 14, "N63 Customer Care Package." The N63CCP and N63 Engine Check the Timing Chain are NOT mandatory Technical Campaigns or Recalls. They should be completed only based on parts availability, workshop capacity, and the customer's schedule.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For the above-referenced vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules to: 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure is timing chain collapse and guide deterioration. Owners describe sudden loss of power during normal highway driving—some at 65–75 mph—followed by transmission shifting to neutral, low oil pressure warnings, drivetrain malfunction alerts, and complete engine shutdown. Diagnostic codes and direct inspection reveal broken timing chain guides, stretched chains, tensioner plastic fragments blocking the oil pump, and metal shavings in the oil. Several owners at or near 70,000 miles faced engine seizure requiring full replacement ($9,900–$17,000). BMW extended timing chain warranty to 70,000 miles / 7 years, but owners report warranty denials at 70,150 miles and 83,000 miles due to mileage overage.
Engine overheating and water pump failures occur independently, often tied to NHTSA recall 24V608000 aimed at coolant pump connector damage from PCV system drip. Multiple owners report white smoke, overheating warnings, and stalling shortly after or during the recall wait period; replacement parts remain unavailable.
One narrative documents an engine fire at 120,000 miles preceded by pungent odor.
Additional hazards include push-button start engines running unattended after driver exit (one case: 3 hours in a garage), head gasket failure at 60,000 miles, fuel pump failure at 96,000 miles, and intermittent start and drivetrain malfunction issues lasting years without root cause identification by dealerships. Owners consistently report that dealerships initially downplay or misdiagnose timing chain issues, only confirming catastrophic damage after diagnostic testing.
Same BMW 528i engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain and Guide Failure
Timing chain, timing chain tensioner, timing chain guides, and timing chain drive oil pump fail, causing catastrophic engine damage. Chain becomes stretched, guides separate, tensioner plastics plug the oil pump, and pieces snap. Engine loses compression, seizes, or stops revving. Failures occur during normal driving and result in total engine replacement. Owners report the problem as well-known by BMW.
When: Between 65k and 130k miles; several failures occur near or just past the 70k-mile extended warranty threshold (70,150 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil pressure warning light; Drivetrain malfunction warning light; Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine stops revving or fails to accelerate; Transmission shifts to neutral automatically; Engine shuts down completely and will not restart; Car coasts or loses speed on uphill grades; Metal shavings found in engine oil; Hard cranking or extended no-start episodes (intermittent)
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure codes, F133B04, F133E10, FC 1C0102, 1C2002, 1C0301, 130F11, 130E11, 131401, 130308, 130304, 130108, 131501
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; owners cite costs ranging from $9,900 to $17,000. BMW extended warranty covers timing chain and oil pump to 70,000 miles / 7 years. Diagnostics to confirm the issue cost $3,000–$3,100 and do not include repair. Some owners offered partial coverage (50% up to $10,000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW extended warranty to 7 years / 70,000 miles for timing chain and oil pump chain drive. Owners report warranty denials beyond the 70k-mile cap even at mileages like 70,150 miles or 83k miles. BMW does not acknowledge the defect broadly; service advisors initially misdiagnosed the issue (e.g., suggesting routine maintenance). One owner reports BMW did not disclose the known issue during the vehicle's service history.
Engine Overheating and Coolant Pump Failure
Engine overheats, often with white smoke from the engine compartment. Water pump fails. Low coolant warnings appear despite coolant level being normal. Failures occur shortly after recall service (24V608000 DME reprogram). Electrical connector of the engine coolant pump becomes damaged; PCV system liquid drips onto the connector.
When: After recall work (24V608000) or at 87k–127k miles; one failure occurred within 30 minutes of leaving dealer after recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light; Red 'engine overheating – stop immediately' message; Low coolant warning light; White smoke from engine compartment; Smoke-like smell with no warning light; Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: Engine overheating codes (specific codes not listed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump and plug connector replacement required. Parts not available (confirmed via VIN tool in multiple cases). No repair costs cited by owners because repairs could not be completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) issued. Parts remain unavailable as of complaint dates. Dealers acknowledge part unavailability and long delays. One dealer denied proper recall completion documentation and deflected blame to unrelated issues (thermostat, oil leak) without proving the recall was performed correctly.
Engine Fire
Engine catches fire while driving. Pungent odor precedes fire. Transmission kicks out of gear, parking brake warning illuminates, and vehicle loses power and shuts down. Flames shoot from engine compartment when hood is opened. Damage severe.
When: At approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pungent odor in vehicle; Transmission kicks out of gear; Parking brake warning light illuminates; Vehicle loses power and shuts down; Engine compartment fire; Flames visible when hood opened
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle damaged and towed to owner's farm; not repaired or inspected by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW representative stated the failure was 'unusual' and promised a specialist would call within 24 hours. No further follow-up documented in narrative.
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump fails, causing stalling. Vehicle stalls at highway speed (75 mph). Fuel pump replaced, but failure recurred. On second failure, owner was informed water pump also failed.
When: Around 96,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at highway speed; Check engine warning light illuminated; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced initially; water pump replacement also required but parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V608000 recall notification received, but parts not available. Manufacturer aware of failure.
Drivetrain Malfunction and Loss of Power (Non-Timing-Chain)
Drivetrain malfunction warning appears, vehicle enters limp mode or loses power. Some cases traced to air pump (vacuum control), others to timing chain, others undiagnosed. Vehicle shuts down unexpectedly while driving or fails to start after parking.
When: Across mileage range 65k–111k; intermittent start failures occur at 3–4 month intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Drivetrain malfunction warning light; Vehicle enters limp mode; Loss of power while driving; Vehicle deceleration; Vehicle vibration; Engine stops revving; Intermittent failure to start after parking (resolved after 1+ hours); Engine stalls while driving; Error message 'drive slowly' or 'maximum drivetrain output not available'
Codes mentioned: Drivetrain malfunction codes (specific codes not itemized in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Air pump replacement ($1,200) did not resolve drivetrain malfunction warning. Timing chain identified as imminent failure in one case. Some owners report dealership unable to identify the problem despite testing. Oil and code clearing temporary fix in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covers certain drivetrain components. One dealership refused full diagnostic without upfront customer payment ($3,000+). BMW offers partial coverage or full engine replacement as solution.
Push-Button Start Engine Left Running After Exit
Push-button start engine remains running after driver exits vehicle with transmission in Park and locks the car. Engine runs unattended for extended periods (one case: 3 hours in a garage). No automatic shutoff mechanism after driver departure.
When: Occurred at least twice to same owner; fiancé experienced same issue
Symptoms owners cite: Engine continues running after driver exits vehicle; No warning light or alert; Engine runs unattended after car is locked; Hazard: carbon monoxide buildup in enclosed spaces (garage)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; issue is a design/software deficiency.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager acknowledged having encountered this issue previously but provided no solution or recall.
Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket fails, causing smoke from engine to enter cabin via vents. Engine warning light illuminates.
When: At approximately 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from engine and entering cabin through vents; Check engine warning light illuminated; Unknown additional warning messages
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic determined head gasket replacement needed. Owner received recall notification (24V608000) but parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V608000 notification received; parts unavailable. Recall repair not completed.
Electrical System Failure (Post-Recall)
After recall 24V608000 notification, headlights fail to illuminate in rain or while washing vehicle. Turn indicators fail to operate. Electrical warning light illuminates intermittently.
When: At approximately 119,000 miles; timing coincides with recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights fail to illuminate during rain or car wash; Turn indicators fail to operate; Electrical failure warning light illuminated; Intermittent failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; parts unavailable per VIN tool.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V608000 notification received; parts unavailable.
Engine Screeching and Performance Degradation
Screeching sound from engine compartment accompanies check engine light and rough idle. Vehicle drives rough. Owner had previously received recall notification (23V707000).
When: At approximately 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Screeching sound from engine compartment; Check engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle driving rough; Performance issues
Repairs/costs cited: No repair data provided; parts unavailable per VIN tool.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V707000 recall notification received; parts unavailable.
Turbo Feed Oil Line Defect
Defective turbo feed oil line causes engine smoking. Owner was not notified of the defect or the replacement part being issued. Car has been smoking for over 2 years without owner awareness.
When: Discovered after 2+ years of smoking; vehicle manufactured December 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Engine smoking; No warning lights reported
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost or status provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW denied warranty coverage (10-year / 120,000-mile warranty), citing manufacture date and first service date discrepancies. BMW stated owner does not qualify for the extended warranty.
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
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 contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road,…
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the engine overheated and there was white smoke coming from…
I was driving my vehicle on the highway and a drive train malfunction indicator was displayed on the screen. The car immediately lost all power and I was forced to pull over on the side of the road. I towed my vehicle to the closest certified repair shop. After the repair ran their diagnostic test, they informed me that I needed a new engine because it had seized. They also quoted me at $9,900…
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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. While driving approximately 55 MPH, a pungent odor was perceived in the vehicle. Approximately twenty seconds later, the transmission kicked out of gear and the parking brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle lost power and shut down. The contact was alerted by another driver that the vehicle was on fire. The contact opened the hood and flames shot…
The electrical connector of the engine coolanta pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump.
I was driving my 2013 BMW 528i in april 2019 with ~65k miles at the time. The drive train malfunction indicator came on and the car was driving sluggish. Per bmws request I drove it to BMW service center. Fault codes f133b04 and f133e10. They performed calibration, tested and sent me on my way and no more warning displayed. June 2020 low oil pressure indicator came on. I took it in for service…
Drivetrain malfunction error message appeared and car went into limp mode. Replaced air pump to control engine vacuum, made car driveable, cost $1200. Did not stop drivetrain malfunction error message from coming on. Took car in for routine service and had them look at the issue. Timing chain is about to go out. Car is not running properly, and there is no way to know when the timing chain will…
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that the headlights failed to illuminate while it…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and the "drive train malfunction" and "drive slowly" warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and later towed to open road BMW (732-201-6579, located at 731 us-1, edison, nj 08817) where it was diagnosed that the drive train needed to be replaced. The dealer…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 BMW 528i?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 BMW 528i?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 34 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 83,000 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 107,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 83,000; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/BMW/528i.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.