Model year guide

2013 BMW 128i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 BMW 128i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2013 BMW 128i at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints39
Combined21–22 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2013 BMW 128i recalls 3

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 52…

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-…

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #20V017000 · 15/01/2020

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 an…

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.

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module NHTSA Campaign #16V071000 · 05/02/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDriv…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2013 BMW 128i common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2013 BMW 128i MPG & running costs

Combined21–22 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,825
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd
Passenger volume86 cu ft
Cargo volume10 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,125 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2013 BMW 128i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,125
Fuel only$19,125
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2013 BMW 128i trims & engines on record

Trims
SA
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 241 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 230 hp

2013 BMW 128i vehicles on record

2013 BMW 128iWBAUP9C5XBVL89807 2013 BMW 128i SAWBA3A5G5XDNP22350

Other BMW 128i model years

2012 2011 2009 2008

2013 BMW 128i — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW 128i have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 BMW 128i. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 BMW 128i?

Across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, engine, engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW 128i get?

The 2013 BMW 128i has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (2 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.