Model year guide

2013 BMW 320i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2013 BMW 320i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

2013 BMW 320i — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2013 BMW 320i at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints9
Combined27–28 mpg

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

2013 BMW 320i recalls 3

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #14V627000 · 07/10/2014

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coup…

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #15V520000 · 17/08/2015

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, …

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at [email protected].

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum NHTSA Campaign #13V454000 · 26/09/2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Source: U.S. NHTSA. 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 320i common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
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.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2013 BMW 320i MPG & running costs

Combined27–28 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway35 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,000
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S8) or Manual 6-spd
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Passenger volume96 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,000 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 320i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,000
Fuel only$15,000
Per mile$0.20

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 320i trims & engines on record

Trims
SA
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 181 hp

2013 BMW 320i vehicles on record

Other BMW 320i model years

2013 BMW 320i — frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 BMW 320i have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2013 BMW 320i. 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 320i?

Across all 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, air bags, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW 320i get?

The 2013 BMW 320i has U.S. EPA estimates of 27–28 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.