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 528xi engine problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 23 engine complaints filed for the 2013 BMW 528xi, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 43% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
The engine?s intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 BMW 528xi/528i models report sudden, catastrophic engine failures at mileages ranging from 74,000 to 191,000 miles. Most commonly, the failure begins with a "Low Oil Pressure" warning light, immediately followed by a "Drivetrain Malfunction" message, after which the engine stalls without warning or ability to restart.
Owners consistently describe the root cause as timing chain failure—either the chain stretching excessively, jumping off track, or breaking outright. Several narratives specifically mention N20 engine timing chain guide failure and oil pump chain module failure. One owner reported the timing chain stretched enough that a valve face nearly struck a piston top. Another documented metal shards found in the engine oil filter, indicating internal engine damage.
The failures happen during normal driving at highway speeds (55–75 mph), at traffic lights, or in neighborhoods. Owners report having religiously maintained their vehicles at dealerships per manufacturer specifications, with many serviced within weeks prior to catastrophic failure. Several note that a class-action lawsuit against BMW regarding N20 timing chain guide defects was settled covertly with no public customer notification.
Four recent complaints reference NHTSA Campaign 24V608000, citing delayed or unavailable replacement parts for the recall repair. These owners have not yet experienced engine failure but are waiting for parts.
Same BMW 528xi engine reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Timing Chain Failure (Stretch/Break/Jump)
Timing chain stretches, breaks, or jumps off track, disrupting valve timing and causing catastrophic engine damage. One case documented valve face nearly striking piston top. Multiple narratives cite premature failure despite proper maintenance.
When: 74,000 to 191,000 miles; most failures 74–123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low Oil Pressure warning light; Drivetrain Malfunction warning; Engine stalling without warning; Engine unable to restart; Ticking sound on attempted restart; Sudden loss of power while driving
Codes mentioned: Low Oil Pressure, Drivetrain Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; owners cite $12,000–$17,000 for new or remanufactured engine. Metal shards found in oil filter in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: BMW covertly settled class-action lawsuit regarding N20 timing chain guide defect (per complaint #2). NHTSA Campaign 24V608000 issued for Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System. Recall parts unavailable as of complaint filing dates. Some owners offered extended warranty coverage; others denied assistance above 100,000 miles.
Oil Pump Failure (Chain Module/Assembly)
Oil pump chain module or assembly fails prematurely, losing ability to circulate engine oil, leading to catastrophic engine seizure and internal damage.
When: 88,000 to 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low Oil Pressure warning light; Drivetrain Malfunction warning; Engine stalling; Engine seizure; Metal shards in engine oil
Codes mentioned: Low Oil Pressure, Drivetrain Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; cost $12,000–$15,000+. One owner notes oil service performed 385 miles before failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA Hotline. Extended warranty mentioned in one case but not applied above 100,000 miles. No financial assistance provided in multiple instances.
Timing Chain Tensioner Inadequacy
Automatic tensioner fails to maintain proper chain tension as chain wears, allowing excessive slack that alters valve timing relative to piston position.
When: Age/mileage not specified in complaint #7
Symptoms owners cite: Valve timing drift relative to piston position; Risk of valve-to-piston contact
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 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…
Engine failure due to faulty timing chain or oil pump while driving
I am having the same drivetrain issues that other earlier model BMW's between 2011 to 2015 that was recalled. My oil pump chain module and timing chain module needs replacing. Vehicle was stationary for about a month off and on. I started my car and drivetrain malfunction appeared on dash. I've driven car for 3,000 miles since purchasing and it just came on.
See attached document for complaint.
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…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 BMW 528xi. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the message "drive train malfunction" displayed as the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (reeves BMW tampa, 109 east fowler ave, tampa, fl) where it was diagnosed that the engine timing chain was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was also notified and did not assist. The…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 BMW 528xi?
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 528xi?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 74,000 and 117,000 miles, with the median around 87,750. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,000; a quarter make it past 117,000. 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/528xi.
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.