2013 BMW 135i Complete Service & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 BMW 135i is powered by the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine and is available as a Coupe (E82) or Convertible (E88) .
• BMW employs a Condition Based Service (CBS) system that uses sensors and algorithms to calculate individualized service intervals based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed mileage for every item .
• The original 4-year/50,000-mile BMW Ultimate Service free maintenance program has long since expired for this model year .
• BMW recommends spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles for the N55 engine .
• Brake fluid requires replacement every two years as a fixed time-based interval .
• The N55 engine uses NGK SILZKBR8D8S spark plugs (laser iridium, heat range 8) .
• For manual transmissions, BMW specifies fluids conforming to MTF-LT-3 or SAF-XLS/SAF-XJ specifications .

Understanding the BMW Maintenance System

The 2013 BMW 135i utilizes the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, which represents a sophisticated approach to maintenance monitoring. Sensors and special algorithms take the different driving conditions of your BMW into account to determine current and future service requirements .

What CBS Monitors

On the Control Display or instrument cluster, you can view remaining times or distances for :

• Engine oil service
• Front brake pads
• Rear brake pads
• Brake fluid
• Vehicle check
• Legally mandated inspections depending on local regulations

Service Data in the Remote Control

Your vehicle continuously stores service-requirement information in the remote control while you are driving . Your BMW Service Advisor can read this data from the remote control unit and propose an optimized maintenance approach. Whenever you take your car in for servicing, you should hand your BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit that you last used .

Important: Make sure that the date is always set correctly; otherwise, the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS is not assured .

The maintenance requirements for your vehicle are determined dynamically by the CBS system. The most current maintenance recommendations are available from your authorized BMW center.

Factory Maintenance Schedule

The following represents verified OEM maintenance information for the 2013 BMW 135i based on BMW technical documentation and specialist sources.

Engine Oil Service

The CBS system determines engine oil change intervals based on driving conditions rather than a fixed mileage schedule. BMW suggests oil changes between 10,000 and 15,000 miles depending on driving habits .

Oil Specifications: The N55 engine requires BMW-approved synthetic oils meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications. BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is recommended for this engine .

Owner Guidance: Independent specialists recommend changing the oil after no more than 10,000 miles, with a 5,000-mile interval preferred for aggressive or city driving . This conservative approach is particularly advisable for turbocharged engines like the N55, which place greater thermal stress on engine oil.

Spark Plug Service

For the N55 engine in the 2013 135i, BMW recommends replacing spark plugs at 60,000 miles .

Spark Plug Specifications: The N55 engine uses NGK SILZKBR8D8S laser iridium spark plugs with a heat range of 8 . These are six times harder than platinum and designed specifically for OEM applications.

Owner Guidance: For modified vehicles or those with higher boost levels, specialists recommend replacing spark plugs every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, or even sooner if the car is used hard or on track . Replacing ignition coils in synchronization with spark plugs is also recommended to lower the likelihood of common ignition system issues .

Ignition Coils

Specialists recommend replacing ignition coils as preventive maintenance when performing spark plug service . For vehicles with aftermarket calibrations or higher performance demands, some sources recommend replacing spark plugs and coil packs every 30,000 miles to sustain peak performance .

Brake Fluid Service

BMW mandates that brake fluid be replaced every two years . This is a fixed time-based interval critical for maintaining braking performance and preventing internal corrosion in the hydraulic system.

Air Filter Replacement

BMW recommends replacing the engine air filter every 30,000 miles, with more frequent inspection if driving in dusty conditions .

Coolant Service

BMW recommends replacing the coolant every 4 years or 60,000 miles . Always use BMW-approved coolant to prevent corrosion and maintain cooling efficiency.

Vehicle Check and Inspection

BMW specifies comprehensive Inspection I and Inspection II services as part of the maintenance schedule. BMW recommends Inspection II at 40,000 miles and at each 40,000-mile interval thereafter . These inspections include:

• Brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and correct positioning
• Underbody components including transmission, rear axle, fuel lines, and exhaust system
• Steering components for clearance, leaks, damage, and wear
• Road test with checks of brakes, steering, shock absorbers, and transmission
• Coolant level and concentration check

Transmission Information

The 2013 BMW 135i uses different fluid specifications depending on transmission type.

Manual Transmission

For manual transmission vehicles, BMW specifies fluids conforming to MTF-LT-3 or SAF-XLS / SAF-XJ specifications, with a typical viscosity of 75W-90 . For 2011-2013 model years, comparable specifications include API GL-3 and GL-4 .

Owner Guidance: The manual transmission is one of the most neglected service areas on a car. The fluid assists in lubrication and heat dissipation, and even though it is in a closed environment, the fluid can become old and contaminated. It should be checked for level and changed as per the vehicle's service manual . Specialists recommend replacing manual transmission fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 miles .

Automatic Transmission

BMW does not specify a change interval for automatic transmission fluid, considering it a lifetime fill .

Owner Guidance: Many independent transmission specialists recommend replacing automatic transmission fluid every 40,000 to 60,000 miles . This service should include a fluid drain and refill using the correct BMW-spec fluid and replacement of the transmission pan (which houses the integrated filter).

Common Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Carbon Buildup (N55 Engine)

The N55 engine, like other direct-injection BMW engines, is prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves. Specialists note that carbon cleaning may be needed as early as 25,000 miles, though all cases differ in severity . The walnut blasting method is the recommended cleaning procedure . Symptoms of excessive carbon buildup include rough idle, reduced power, and decreased fuel economy.

Serpentine Belt and Pulleys

Specialists recommend inspecting the serpentine belt every 30,000 miles for wear or cracks and replacing as needed .

Oxygen Sensors

The oxygen sensors deteriorate on a mileage basis and should be replaced to maximize fuel economy and minimize exhaust pollution.

Valve Cover and Oil Separator

The OEM air-oil separator can clog and build up pressure over time, causing valve covers to leak .

Recommended Maintenance Planning

For 2013 BMW 135i vehicles, consider the following service items based on factory and specialist recommendations:

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil on my 2013 BMW 135i?

The CBS system determines intervals based on driving conditions, typically 10,000–15,000 miles. Specialists recommend changing the oil every 5,000 miles for aggressive or city driving, and no more than 10,000 miles under normal conditions .

What engine oil should I use in my 2013 BMW 135i?

BMW recommends BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil meeting Longlife-01 specifications. Approved viscosity grades include SAE 5W-30 and 5W-40 .

When should I replace the spark plugs on my 2013 BMW 135i?

BMW recommends replacing spark plugs at 60,000 miles for the N55 engine . For modified vehicles or those driven aggressively, specialists recommend replacement every 30,000–40,000 miles .

What spark plugs does the 2013 BMW 135i use?

The N55 engine uses NGK SILZKBR8D8S laser iridium spark plugs with a heat range of 8 .

How often should I change the brake fluid?

Brake fluid must be replaced every two years, per BMW's factory maintenance requirements .

Does the 2013 BMW 135i require transmission fluid service?

BMW considers automatic transmission fluid a lifetime fill with no specified interval. For manual transmissions, BMW specifies fluids conforming to MTF-LT-3 or SAF-XLS/XJ specifications . Many specialists recommend service every 40,000–60,000 miles for both transmission types .

When should the coolant be changed on the 2013 BMW 135i?

BMW recommends replacing coolant every 4 years or 60,000 miles . Always use BMW-approved coolant.

What is Inspection II and when should it be performed?

Inspection II is a comprehensive vehicle inspection recommended by BMW at 40,000 miles and at each 40,000-mile interval thereafter .

What are common issues with the 2013 BMW 135i?

Common issues include carbon buildup on intake valves (may need cleaning as early as 25,000 miles), valve cover oil leaks from clogged air-oil separators, and ignition system wear. Regular preventive maintenance is important for longevity .

What was the original warranty on the 2013 BMW 135i?

The 2013 BMW 135i came with BMW Ultimate Service, providing 48 months or 50,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance, along with 48-month unlimited-mile roadside assistance . This program has long since expired for this model year.