Is the 2013 Bmw 128I reliable?

The 2013 Bmw 128I has 46 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Bmw 128I?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (24 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Bmw 128I?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV). Contact any Bmw dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Bmw 128I?

The 2013 Bmw 128I gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Bmw 128I?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Bmw 128I is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Bmw 128I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Bmw 128I has 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 46. The most common issue is air bags problems (52% of all complaints), specifically: i began the process of buying a new bmw in december 2015. now that i can devote time to the process, i called bmw westchester, ny and told i can not order my new bmw due to the 2013 bmw having a recall. there is no remedy for faulty airbags at this time. therefore i am stuck with a bmw that is now. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 1 crash report 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

24 complaints

52%

• I BEGAN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A NEW BMW IN DECEMBER 2015. NOW THAT I CAN DEVOTE TIME TO THE PROCESS, I CALLED BMW WESTCHESTER, NY AND TOLD I CAN NOT ORDER MY NEW BMW DUE TO THE 2013 BMW HAVING A RECALL. THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS AT THIS TIME. THEREFORE I AM STUCK WITH A BMW THAT IS NOW
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MAD
• TAKATA RECALL...I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE TIME FRAME OF THIS RECALL. IT'S TAKING FAR TO LONG. I THINK AT SOME POINT THE MANUFACTURE MUST OWN UP TO THE SUPPLIERS THEY CHOOSE FOR THEIR VEHICLES AND SOLVE THE ISSUE IN OTHER WAYS. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR, AND IT'S FAIR THAT I HAVE TO WAIT THIS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I BEGAN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A NEW BMW IN DECEMBER 2015. NOW THAT I CAN DEVOTE TIME TO THE PROCESS, I CALLED BMW WESTCHESTER, NY AND TOLD I CAN NOT ORDER MY NEW BMW DUE TO THE 2013 BMW HAVING A RECALL. THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS AT THIS TIME. THEREFORE I AM STUCK WITH A BMW THAT IS NOW”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Bmw 128I

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 31K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Later than typicalmedian 35K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE15/01/2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Bmw 128I

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Bmw 128I

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw 128I Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

10K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

4 yr / 50K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2013 128I, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 46 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: I BEGAN THE PROCESS OF BUYING A NEW BMW IN DECEMBER 2015. NOW THAT I CAN DEVOTE TIME TO THE PROCESS, I CALLED BMW WESTCHESTER, NY AND TOLD I CAN NOT ORDER MY NEW BMW DUE TO THE 2013 BMW HAVING A RECALL. THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR FAULTY AIRBAGS AT THIS TIME. THEREFORE I AM STUCK WITH A BMW THAT IS NOW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER AN UNKNOWN OBJECT AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: I PURCHASE VEHICLE FROM BMW MAY 3,2013,WITH 40 MILES SHOWING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO JUMP START VEHICLE TO GET IT STARTED AND OFF OF SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I ASKED ABOUT THAT AND WAS TOLD IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. AFTER TEST DRIVE AND PURCHASE I DROVE VEHICLE HOME 220 MILE. FOR THE NEXT WEEK EVERY TIME I TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: I PURCHASE VEHICLE FROM BMW MAY 3,2013,WITH 40 MILES SHOWING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO JUMP START VEHICLE TO GET IT STARTED AND OFF OF SHOW ROOM FLOOR. I ASKED ABOUT THAT AND WAS TOLD IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. AFTER TEST DRIVE AND PURCHASE I DROVE VEHICLE HOME 220 MILE. FOR THE NEXT WEEK EVERY TIME I TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)