bmw 328i 2013 Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES

after purchasing this car new, the power brakes completely failed on may 23. i had the car towed to bmw where they replaced the brakes vacuum pump. the car was returned to me where the problem happened again, the day it was returned, exactly the same way as before. when you push on the brake, the peddle is really hard and barely responds. it is very difficult to stop the car.

Reported in: WHITINSVILLE MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B5G53DN

SERVICE BRAKES

i purchased a new 2013 bmw 328i in late may. within a week of ownership the brakes failed. the car was towed to the dealership and was there for three days. then less than a month later, last week, the brakes failed again. i almost got in a bad accident and in fact did scrape the curb. i was told the original problem was a vacuum pump, similar to other reports on this site related to that model of car.

Reported in: ATLANTA GA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBA3C1C55DF

ENGINE

while slowly coming to a stop, the brake pedal became hard yet the car would not stop and seemed to glide for 10-15 feet before finally stopping at which point the engine revved to 6000 rpm, but did not accelerate. the pedal became so hard that i could not press any harder, yet was still slowly moving. turned the car off and restarted the car and drove to the dealer. the dealer could not find anything wrong. on 7/15/2013 the exact same thing happened again as i was pressing the brake pedal i could feel the car continuing to move forward and the brake pedal became very hard yet still did not stop the car. as soon as the car finally stopped the engine revved to 3500 rpm, at which time i shut it off. car is back at the dealer and bmwna has been notified of both episodes.

Reported in: PRAIRIE GROVE IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C52DF

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

while slowly coming to a stop, the brake pedal became hard yet the car would not stop and seemed to glide for 10-15 feet before finally stopping at which point the engine revved to 6000 rpm, but did not accelerate. the pedal became so hard that i could not press any harder, yet was still slowly moving. turned the car off and restarted the car and drove to the dealer. the dealer could not find anything wrong. on 7/15/2013 the exact same thing happened again as i was pressing the brake pedal i could feel the car continuing to move forward and the brake pedal became very hard yet still did not stop the car. as soon as the car finally stopped the engine revved to 3500 rpm, at which time i shut it off. car is back at the dealer and bmwna has been notified of both episodes.

Reported in: PRAIRIE GROVE IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C52DF

SERVICE BRAKES

while slowly coming to a stop, the brake pedal became hard yet the car would not stop and seemed to glide for 10-15 feet before finally stopping at which point the engine revved to 6000 rpm, but did not accelerate. the pedal became so hard that i could not press any harder, yet was still slowly moving. turned the car off and restarted the car and drove to the dealer. the dealer could not find anything wrong. on 7/15/2013 the exact same thing happened again as i was pressing the brake pedal i could feel the car continuing to move forward and the brake pedal became very hard yet still did not stop the car. as soon as the car finally stopped the engine revved to 3500 rpm, at which time i shut it off. car is back at the dealer and bmwna has been notified of both episodes.

Reported in: PRAIRIE GROVE IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C52DF

SERVICE BRAKES

roughly two months after taking possession of my new bmw 328i, i was driving on the freeway when my car suddenly and without warning lost all braking ability. the brake pedal was hard as a rock. fortunately, i avoided an accident by coasting off of the freeway and into a hotel parking lot. my car was taken by tow truck to a service department at bmw, where it remains to this day. my service advisor initially informed me that only the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. a week later, however, i am told that the intake camshaft must also be replaced because it is badly damaged.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3C1C57DF

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

roughly two months after taking possession of my new bmw 328i, i was driving on the freeway when my car suddenly and without warning lost all braking ability. the brake pedal was hard as a rock. fortunately, i avoided an accident by coasting off of the freeway and into a hotel parking lot. my car was taken by tow truck to a service department at bmw, where it remains to this day. my service advisor initially informed me that only the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. a week later, however, i am told that the intake camshaft must also be replaced because it is badly damaged.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3C1C57DF

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

the bmw 328 2013 has a tech design flaw which will lead to a possible fatal accident. the screen which shows telephone numbers or radio or navigation directions is placed in such a position that the driver cannot read the script on the secondary and tertiary words when the vehicle is traveling in sunlight we live in florida and where the sun is bright and if you are driving and want to make a phone call without holding a cell phone you can have an accident since you cannot see the words or icons that are flashed on the screen. the screen washes out the same as an iphone when it is in the sunlight the placement of the screen in the 2013 bmw 328 is a hazard and if not changed to a shaded position on the dash will lead to many unforeseen accidents there should be a recall on this model to have this corrected.

Reported in: BAL HARBOUR FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3A5C59DF

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

the bmw 328 2013 has a tech design flaw which will lead to a possible fatal accident. the screen which shows telephone numbers or radio or navigation directions is placed in such a position that the driver cannot read the script on the secondary and tertiary words when the vehicle is traveling in sunlight we live in florida and where the sun is bright and if you are driving and want to make a phone call without holding a cell phone you can have an accident since you cannot see the words or icons that are flashed on the screen. the screen washes out the same as an iphone when it is in the sunlight the placement of the screen in the 2013 bmw 328 is a hazard and if not changed to a shaded position on the dash will lead to many unforeseen accidents there should be a recall on this model to have this corrected.

Reported in: BAL HARBOUR FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3A5C59DF

POWER TRAIN

i started the car and reversed out of my driveway, then proceeded to a very busy intersection without stop light. i accelerated to merge withf traffic and all of the sudden my power was cut dramatically and the car displayed a drive train malfunction error. this prevented me from accelerating at the correct speed and almost created an issue with the vehicles behind me. i then had to pick my child up school and the car continues to behave poorly. *tt

Reported in: UNION CITY CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES

i was moving very slowly, less than 5mph, in a line of cars waiting to pull into a parking lot. all of a sudden, brake pedal became rock hard. i could not stop the car from rolling. i had to shift into park to avoid hitting the car ahead of me. restarted the car, brakes felt normal. this has not happened since. i informed the service department at the dealer, but they said they can't re-create the problem, therefore they cannot do anything about it. i read news reports that this is being investigated by your organization and decided to report the incident which took place on 7/15/13.

Reported in: BROOKLYN NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C59DF

SERVICE BRAKES

bought a new bmw xi 328 on april 30. on june 16, with 1700 miles on car brakes failed. while slowing for a traffic light the brakes seemed to engage but failed to stop the car--like they were working but didn't. car went through a light and i quickly hit park to stop it in the intersection. once no cars were around i pulled to the side and tested them. they stopped on a few tests so thought it was me. and as i drove, slowly, the brakes stopped several more times, and then they failed again and i averted hitting another car by pressing park button again. i had the car towed to bmw and they determined it was the vacuum pump and other brake issues. no warning light went on the dash to alert me. they said there was a service alert on this issue by bmw. bmw said parts not available for several weeks and two days later offered to exchange the vehicle for a new one. brakes seemed "spongy" from the start but had always worked until they didn't. fortunately no one was hurt. i took them up on their offer and new (exchanged) car brakes feel ok. i didn't report because nhtsa rep told me not necessary because bmw was doing the right thing. but read in la times that this is a bigger issue and wanted to go on record that there was a problem. bmw did the right thing but worry that this issue could crop up with others, and even in my new car.

Reported in: MILFORD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B5C52DF

SERVICE BRAKES

i have experiences braking problems in my bmw 328i since i purchased it in august of 2012. specifically the car will lose braking pressure at low speeds as i am coming to a stop. the problem is intermittent and my car dealer has been unable to replicate and diagnose the issue. in detail: i will be coming to a stop, perhaps 2 or 3 mph using constant brake pressure to stop the car. occasionally there will be a loss of brake pressure and the car will keep moving forward several feet unless i apply hard pressure to the brake peddle. this occurs with some regularity and has not caused and accident. i now compensate for it, but it seems to be a very strange issue to have.

Reported in: EXTON PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES

purchased the new bmw 328i 2013 in may, 2013. after roughly 3 months having the car, i was in a parking lot, pulling into a spot at a low speed. for no reasons, the brake suddenly and totally failed on me. i could not stop the car before the car run over the curb and the front end of the car collided with the concrete block. i was luck that i was not on highway or street when this brake malfunction occurred. i called bmw sos assist and requested towing the car to a local bmw service department. the bmw service advisor told me to send the car to the collision center for a regular body work, but i showed them all the brake malfunction incidents reported online for the same model and year car and insisted they contact bmw na and check the entire brake system. the car has been in bmw position now for two weeks waiting for bmw na field engineer. bmw did not provide a loaner to me.

Reported in: CYPRESS TX || Crash: Y || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES

while driving southbound on a two lane road, i went to apply my brakes as an intersection was ahead. when i pushed my brake pedal in, it returned no pressure and felt like my brakes were out. i pushed the brake pedal all the way to the floor, while using the e-brake as back-up and came to a stop. i did not think the vehicle would come to a stop before entering the intersection. i returned the vehicle to a safe location and notified roadside assistance for a tow the next morning. the vehicle has been at the dealership since last monday.

Reported in: AVON IN || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B5C50DF

SERVICE BRAKES

why would this information be on the internet, while nhtsa has not released any recall information at all? this is not the only information about a "brake" recall, while nhtsa's odi has initiated a brake "investigation." various bmw internet forums have indicated a "recall" in detail...but nhtsa's web site indicates nothing. what's going on? recall: 176,000 bmws for power braking failure the 3-series, 5-series, x1, x3 and z4 models with 4-cylinder engines are affected. by exhaust notes 11 hours ago bmw is recalling 176,000 cars worldwide to fix power brake failures, according to wire reports and filings with the national highway traffic safety administration. on 2012-2014 bmw models with the company's new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine -- including the z4 sdrive28i, 320i and 328i, 528i, x1 sdrive28i and xdrive28i, and the x3 xdrive28i -- the engine vacuum pump can lose pressurized oil meant to drive the power brake mechanism. due to a poor fit of the intake camshaft's seal disk, oil may be blocked from leaving the engine to lubricate the vacuum pump, which could then cause the vacuum pump to fail and the loss of power-assist braking. while the brakes would still work, stopping distances would increase due to increased driver force needed on the brake pedal. a total of 76,190 cars are affected in the u.s. the diesel-powered 328d is not affected. more.

Reported in: TORRANCE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: N/A

POWER TRAIN

drivetrain malfuction warning light. the car is less then 2 months old under mostly local driving condition in eco or comfort mode.

Reported in: ROWLAND HTS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3C1C59DF

AIR BAGS

2013 bmw 328i x-drive, driving @ 40 mph the drivetrain malfunction light came on, car went into reduced power mode (no higher than 20 mph) making a very dangerous situation in traffic. luckily i could pull over to a safe area. i called bmw roadside assistance. when tow truck arrived, no warning light! dealer could not replicate error, but now have a air bag warning coming on intermittently... back to dealer i guess. this is a common, potentially dangerous and frustrating issue for 328 owners.

Reported in: SUMTER SC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C57DF

ENGINE

2013 bmw 328i x-drive, driving @ 40 mph the drivetrain malfunction light came on, car went into reduced power mode (no higher than 20 mph) making a very dangerous situation in traffic. luckily i could pull over to a safe area. i called bmw roadside assistance. when tow truck arrived, no warning light! dealer could not replicate error, but now have a air bag warning coming on intermittently... back to dealer i guess. this is a common, potentially dangerous and frustrating issue for 328 owners.

Reported in: SUMTER SC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3B3C57DF

POWER TRAIN

i had a powertrain malfunction light come up the first weekend after i leased the car, with barely 250 miles on the odometer! repairs were done at a bmw authorized service center, the car now has 6000 miles, and the issue is back! this is the 2nd time within the last 6 months this car has had powertrain warnings pop up. its christmas day, and i have a brand new car (barely 6months old that is), yet i cannot drive it. there should be no reason for a brand new luxury car to breakdown twice for the same reasons within 6 months. i got lucky the car did not shutdown on me and i was close to home so i could limp back home and have it towed. i have heard of others having the same issue and their car shutting down in the middle of the freeway. bmw is selling a sub standard, untested product, that is potentially unsafe. this needs to be investigated.

Reported in: PHOENIX AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3C1C51DF

SERVICE BRAKES

intermittant loss of brake assist resulting in rear end collision.

Reported in: WEST LINN OR || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBA3B3C52DF

SERVICE BRAKES

while parking car accelerated - would not stop. went through parking lot, over railroad ties and went across street - brakes would not work, air bags did not deploy. only thing that stopped the car was the gate that it crashed into - 2 days prior to this, car shut off while at a red light - totally shut down, next day (day before accident) radio panel froze - could not change channel or anything - almost like electric system froze.

Reported in: BELLEVILLE NJ || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBA3B3C52DF

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2013 bmw 328i. the contact was having problems with the braking system. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but was not repaired. the contact was later driving approximately 5 mph when the vehicle failed to stop and the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. a police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. the manufacturer was not notified. the approximate failure mileage was 6000.

Reported in: JACKSONVILLE FL || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBA3A5G59DN

SERVICE BRAKES

stop-and-go traffic on highway, lost braking power, couldn't stop and rear-ended car in front.

Reported in: RESONT VA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBA3B3C59DF

VISIBILITY/WIPER

the car was stopped at a red light and went is to sleep mode. it was a very heavy and steady rain. when i took my foot of the brake the car started up again but the windshield wipers were in mid stroke across the glass. they froze. i attempted to turn them off and on again. i pulled over into a parking lot and turned the car off, attempted to manually reset/move the wipers and they would not move. after sitting for two hours waiting for a tow truck the wipers started to move again.

Reported in: BOWIE MD || Crash: N || VIN #: wba3b5c55df

ENGINE

the car has been taken back 3x in the past 3 months for the same issue the car turns off by itself when stopped. bmw dealership could not find any mechanical problems or reasons for engine shutting off.. they shut off the feature and the car continues to shut off... on the morning of july 3, 2014, as i was coming to a red light the brake pedals got very hard and i had to push the pedals all the way to the floor for the car to stop completely. the car is currently in the shop being checked out. i called bmw to find out what can be done, i dont feel safe in this car anymore.

Reported in: MIAMI FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3A5C54DF

SERVICE BRAKES

the car has been taken back 3x in the past 3 months for the same issue the car turns off by itself when stopped. bmw dealership could not find any mechanical problems or reasons for engine shutting off.. they shut off the feature and the car continues to shut off... on the morning of july 3, 2014, as i was coming to a red light the brake pedals got very hard and i had to push the pedals all the way to the floor for the car to stop completely. the car is currently in the shop being checked out. i called bmw to find out what can be done, i dont feel safe in this car anymore.

Reported in: MIAMI FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBA3A5C54DF

SERVICE BRAKES

on august 18, 2014, my 2013 bmw 328i with automatic transmission, suddenly and unintentionally accerated as i slowly pulled into a parking spot at work. it happened as i prepared to stop. ( my foot was on the brake.) it failed to stop or slow down in response to brake pressure. pumping the brakes was totally ineffective however it did eventually stop approx. 6ft over the curb. the car moved so quickly and so suddenly the driver pulling in behind me for an instant didnt know where i had gone. that this happened in a parking spot and not on the road at a stop light or a children crossing is a miracle. this automobile was purchased new and has approx 8000 miles.

Reported in: SCOTTSDALE AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: