2013 BMW 328i Convertible Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals

The 2013 BMW 328i Convertible (E93) represents the final year of the E90-generation 3 Series Convertible and is powered by the N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, producing 230 horsepower. The original factory maintenance program for this vehicle has long since expired, making owner-funded maintenance the current owner's responsibility. This guide combines the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system's logic with independent specialist recommendations to help you maintain your E93 properly.

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 BMW 328i Convertible is powered by the N52 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, using the manufacturer's recommended oil capacity of 6.5 liters.
• BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system uses sensors and algorithms to calculate individualized service intervals based on your actual driving conditions, rather than a fixed schedule.
• Service requirements are stored in the remote control key and can be read by your BMW service center to determine the specific maintenance needed for your vehicle.
• Brake fluid is a time-dependent service requiring replacement every two years, using DOT 4 specification fluid.
• Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles and always replacing the filter when changing the oil.
• Spark plugs should be inspected and replaced as part of a regular tune-up, with the engine using 6 spark plugs.

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2013 BMW 328i Convertible is equipped with the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Unlike conventional systems that rely on a rigid fixed schedule, this intelligent system uses sensors and special algorithms that take the driving conditions of your BMW into account to determine current and future service requirements.

What CBS Monitors

The system tracks various maintenance items and provides remaining time or distance information for:

• Engine oil service
• Brake pads: separately for front and rear
• 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 center will read out this data and suggest the right array of service procedures for your vehicle. Therefore, hand your service specialist the remote control with which the vehicle was driven most recently.

Storage Periods

Storage periods during which the vehicle battery was disconnected are not taken into account by the CBS system. If this occurs, have a service center update the time-dependent maintenance procedures, such as checking brake fluid and, if necessary, changing the engine oil and the microfilter/activated-charcoal filter.

Service and Warranty Documentation

For additional information on service requirements, consult the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models. Make sure to have regular maintenance procedures recorded in the vehicle's Service and Warranty Information Booklet; these entries are proof of regular maintenance.

Engine Oil Service

Oil Specifications and Capacity

The 2013 328i Convertible requires BMW-approved synthetic oil. The N52 engine has an oil capacity of 6.5 liters.

Approved Specifications:

• BMW LL-01 (recommended specification)
• ACEA A3/B4
• API SN/CF

Recommended Brands:

• Total lubricants meet BMW LL-01 standards and are specifically suited for BMW applications
• Castrol and Mobil 1 are also widely used for BMW oil changes

Oil Change Interval

Factory Guidance: The CBS system determines oil change intervals based on driving conditions and fuel consumption.

Specialist Guidance: Motor oil is the single most important element in keeping your engine healthy and helping it to enjoy a long life. Pelican Parts recommends changing your synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles and always replacing the filter when changing the oil. Different engines and climates require specific oil viscosities; refer to your owner's manual for the type and viscosity of oil required for your car.

Adding Oil: If adding oil between changes, use BMW-approved oil and check the level using the electronic oil monitor accessible through the Control Display.

Brake Fluid Service

Recommended Interval

BMW recommends brake fluid replacement every two years as a time-dependent service. This interval is critical for maintaining braking performance and preventing internal corrosion in the hydraulic system.

Fluid Specifications

The 2013 328i Convertible uses brake fluid meeting DOT 4 specifications. Bosch brake fluid meets DOT 5.1, DOT 4, and DOT 3 specifications. Hawk Performance DOT 4 premium specification brake fluid is also suitable for use in BMW hydraulic brake systems.

Service Rationale: Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid specially formulated to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures of your braking system. Brake fluid should be changed every time you service your brakes. Different brake systems require different brake fluid formulations; check your owner's manual for your vehicle's particular brake fluid specifications.

Spark Plug Service

Recommended Interval

Spark plugs are critical for engine performance and should be kept fresh to keep your car in top shape. The N52 engine uses 6 spark plugs. For the 2013 model year, the engine uses specific OEM spark plugs from leading suppliers.

Component Options:

• NGK OEM spark plugs are available for the 2011-2013 328i Convertible
• Denso spark plugs are also available for this vehicle

Service Rationale: Spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine's combustion chamber. New spark plugs are a must for any good engine tune-up. Check for abnormal pitting or charred plug ends, and check each plug against the others—any strange variations are a sure indicator that something is wrong with a particular cylinder.

Wheel Bearing Maintenance

Specialist Recommendation: Wheel bearing grease lubricates the bearings that support the weight and heat generated by the spinning of the wheels. Pelican Parts recommends cleaning and repacking wheel bearings once a year. This preventive maintenance can extend the life of your wheel bearings and prevent premature failure.

Annual Preventive Maintenance

Based on independent specialist guidance for the 2013 328i Convertible:

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil on my 2013 BMW 328i Convertible?

The CBS system determines the interval based on driving conditions. Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles and always replacing the filter when changing your oil. The N52 engine has an oil capacity of 6.5 liters and requires BMW LL-01 approved synthetic oil.

What type of engine oil does the 2013 BMW 328i Convertible use?

The N52 engine requires BMW-approved synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications. Approved oils should also meet ACEA A3/B4 and API SN/CF standards. Total, Castrol, and other quality synthetic oils are suitable options.

How does the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system work?

CBS uses sensors and special algorithms that take the driving conditions of your vehicle into account to determine maintenance requirements. Service data is stored in the remote control key and can be read by your BMW service center. The system monitors engine oil, brake pads, brake fluid, and vehicle check requirements.

When should the brake fluid be replaced?

BMW recommends brake fluid replacement every two years as a time-dependent service. The 2013 328i Convertible uses DOT 4 brake fluid. If the brake fluid appears brown or black, it should be replaced immediately.

When should the spark plugs be replaced?

Spark plugs should be inspected and replaced as part of a regular tune-up to keep your car in top shape. The N52 engine uses 6 spark plugs. Check for abnormal pitting or charred plug ends, and check each plug against the others.

How often should wheel bearings be serviced?

Pelican Parts recommends cleaning and repacking wheel bearings once a year. Wheel bearing grease lubricates the bearings that support the weight and heat generated by the spinning of the wheels.

What was the original warranty coverage?

The 2013 BMW 328i Convertible came with a standard 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty. BMW Ultimate Care offered free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles of ownership. These programs have long since expired for this model year.

Where can I find detailed service information?

The Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models provides detailed maintenance intervals and procedures for your specific vehicle. The BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) Service Manual from Bentley Publishers is a comprehensive source of service information covering the 2013 328i Convertible. Your BMW service center can read the service data from your remote control key to determine the specific maintenance required for your vehicle.