2013 BMW 328i Has Rough Idle

Common Causes of Rough Idling in Your 2013 BMW 328i and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by

Aisha

Written by RepairPal Car Genius

Updated January 14, 2025

21% chance it's the

Spark Plugs

15% chance it's the

Ignition Coil

64% chance it's

Something else

The most common reasons a 2013 BMW 328i has rough idle are a vacuum leak, an issue with the spark plugs, or a problem with the ignition coil.

Spark Plugs: A worn or fouled spark plug can cause misfires, rough idling, and decreased fuel efficiency due to incomplete combustion.
Ignition Coil: A faulty ignition coil can cause misfires, rough idling, and difficulty starting the engine due to inadequate spark delivery to the spark plugs.

Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

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RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2013 BMW 328i engine and performance issues. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.

How much does it cost to fix a 2013 BMW 328i has rough idle?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

Here are a few common symptoms of worn-out brake pads:

Low brake pad warning light is on: Not all vehicles are equipped with this system, but if yours is, this dashboard indicator light will likely be the first signal it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Brakes start to squeal regularly: This is often one of the first signs of worn brake pads and is caused by a metallic piece built into brake pads for this exact purpose. This part contacts the brake rotor to make a squealing or whining noise when the pads are low.
Brakes make loud grinding noise: If not addressed early enough, your brake pads may get so worn that the metal backing plate of the pad grinds against the metal rotor.
Brake pads look thin: You may be able to visually check your brake pad thickness to determine if they need replacement.

Most often, a brake system inspection will just be a routine portion of manufacturer specified maintenance, and will be performed at mileage intervals. In those cases, there will likely be no symptoms. However, when a brake system makes a funny noise, causes vibration, is hard to use, will not slow the vehicle, prevents the vehicle from driving, makes the vehicle pull to one side, or leaks brake fluid, the vehicle will need a visit dedicated to the inspection of the brake system.

How urgent is it to address the rough idle in my 2013 BMW 328i?

Addressing a rough idle in your 2013 BMW 328i is crucial for maintaining both safety and performance. Ignoring this symptom can lead to more severe engine problems, such as stalling or decreased power, which not only affects your driving experience but also poses safety risks on the road. A rough idle often signals underlying issues, such as dirty fuel injectors or a malfunctioning idle control valve, which can escalate if left untreated. By taking immediate action, you can prevent further damage to your engine and ensure that your vehicle operates smoothly. Consulting a qualified mechanic or BMW specialist is advisable to accurately diagnose the problem and implement necessary repairs. Proactively addressing a rough idle not only enhances the reliability of your BMW but also helps you avoid potentially costly repairs down the line, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.

What are the common causes of a rough idle in a 2013 BMW 328i?

When diagnosing a rough idle in your 2013 BMW 328i, it's crucial to consider several common problems that could be at play. One of the primary culprits is dirty or faulty spark plugs, which can cause misfiring and lead to an uneven engine performance. Additionally, vacuum leaks can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, resulting in instability during idling. Another significant factor is the mass airflow sensor (MAF); if this sensor is malfunctioning, it can miscalculate the air intake, further exacerbating the rough idle. Fuel system issues, such as a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel filter, can also hinder proper fuel delivery, contributing to the problem. Furthermore, a faulty oxygen sensor may affect the air-fuel mixture, while a dirty or malfunctioning throttle body can disrupt airflow, both of which can lead to rough idling. Lastly, engine misfires, often stemming from ignition component failures or fuel delivery issues, can significantly impact engine smoothness. By understanding these potential causes, DIY enthusiasts can effectively troubleshoot and address the rough idle, ensuring their BMW runs smoothly.

Related 2013 BMW 328i Problems

Read about related problems experienced by other BMW 328i drivers like you.

BMW 328i engine shuts off while idling with sudden jerking during driving, undiagnosed issue

Some BMW 328i owners report experiencing engine shutdowns while idling and sudden jerking during driving, which may be attributed to several underlying issues. These owners often notice engine misfires, indicating potential problems with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs or coils. Additionally, symptoms related to a faulty Idle Control Valve (ICV) may include rough idling and stalling, which can often be resolved by cleaning or replacing the ICV. Some owners have experienced engine shutdowns due to belt seizure, resulting in a loss of power, though the engine may restart smoothly without rough idling. Issues with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and error codes such as P0101 can also lead to engine shutdowns, alongside other sensor-related errors. Electrical system problems are another concern, with some owners reporting that their vehicle shuts off while driving and fails to restart, potentially due to alternator or battery issues. Other factors, including vacuum leaks, fuel pump/filter problems, or low-quality fuel, may also contribute to these symptoms. For sudden stalling while driving, proper diagnosis by a qualified mechanic is essential to identify the exact cause and ensure prompt resolution.

1 model year affected

Avg Mileage: 1178,000

2 others reported problem

1 comment

Jaguar XKR rough idling issue with trouble codes indicating random multiple misfire in one bank

Some Jaguar XKR owners report experiencing rough idling issues accompanied by trouble codes indicating random multiple misfires, such as P0300, P0302, and P0304, which are linked to specific cylinders like cylinder 2 and cylinder 4. These owners often identify potential causes including vacuum leaks, spark plug problems, or ignition coil failures. Additionally, some report symptoms of fuel starvation, prompting checks of fuel pressures for accurate diagnosis. Issues with the supercharger bypass valve have also been noted as a contributing factor to rough idling. Furthermore, maintaining the correct air-to-fuel ratio is crucial, as any discrepancies can exacerbate misfires and idling issues. To resolve these problems, owners may need to reset fault codes, check fuel pressure, inspect the supercharger bypass valve, and ensure optimal air-to-fuel ratios.

1 model year affected

See More 2013 BMW 328i Problems

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