MotorDeets

2013 BMW 135I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 BMW 135I: 2 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
0mention a crash
23best combined mpg
2013 BMW 135I
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles

What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.

Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles

What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags7
Engine2
Transmission & drivetrain2
Speed control / throttle2
Other / unknown2
Steering1

What owners describe

The 2013 BMW 135I has 12 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 7 135I model years for complaints (well below the 22 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 26,106 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (19 complaints, 6 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive202823Premium
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Rear-Wheel Drive182520Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 BMW 135I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 BMW 135I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 BMW 135I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 BMW 135I manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 BMW 135I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2013 BMW 135I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 BMW 135I problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (7), engine (2), transmission & drivetrain (2).

What gas mileage does the 2013 BMW 135I get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 BMW 135I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 135I years

2007200820092010201120122013