Most common 2013 BMW 135i problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 135i complaints by model year
Best 135i years: 2013, 2010. Years to avoid: 2008. Compare all years →
2013 BMW 135i recalls (2)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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,…
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2013 BMW 135i:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2013 BMW 135i owners say
Air bags
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 BMW 135i. 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 local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact that parts would be available in June of 2017, yet the contact was still awaiting parts. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall in March 2016 I received a letter informing me of a defective front air bag. The letter mentioned the parts were not available but I would be notified when they would become available. I have had my vehicle serviced several time since. The last was June 26, 2017. Each time I am informed the parts are not available. I understand the safety risk of this recall could result in serious injury or death. I am deeply concerned. Its been over a year. What should I do?
2013 BMW 135i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | RWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 BMW 135i a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 135i rates average: 39% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 135i at the same age. It is one of the best 135i years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 BMW 135i?
The air bags — 7 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 BMW 135i have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2013 BMW 135i, the most recent from January 15, 2020 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 135i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2008. See the full BMW 135i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 BMW 135i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 26,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.