2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i: Complete Service & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• The 2013 X1 xDrive28i is part of the first-generation E84 lineup, powered by the N20 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-4 engine featuring xDrive all-wheel drive .
• BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system uses sensors and algorithms to determine maintenance needs based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed mileage intervals .
• Factory-recommended spark plug replacement is due at 60,000 miles, with oxygen sensor replacement at 120,000 miles and 150,000 miles .
• BMW recommends BMW Longlife-approved synthetic oil for the N20 engine, with an oil capacity of approximately 5.5 liters .
• The original BMW Maintenance Program covered factory-recommended maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles from the in-service date .
• The N20 engine has known cylinder head cover gasket oil leak issues addressed by a technical service bulletin, with repair covered under warranty .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS)

The 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i does not follow a traditional fixed-mileage maintenance schedule. Instead, it is equipped with a Condition Based Service (CBS) system .

How the CBS system works:

• Sensors and special algorithms take into account the driving conditions of your vehicle to determine maintenance requirements
• The system makes it possible to adapt the amount of maintenance to your individual driving profile
• Service requirements and legally required deadlines can be displayed on the Control Display
• Service data is continuously stored in the remote control, allowing a service center to read this data and suggest the right array of service procedures

If the vehicle battery has been disconnected during storage periods, BMW recommends having a service center update time-dependent maintenance procedures such as brake fluid and engine oil checks .

Factory Maintenance Schedule Overview

The following service guidance is derived from OEM documentation and factory-recommended intervals for the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i.

Engine Oil Service

Interval: Determined by CBS system (general baseline ~10,000 miles)

The foundational oil service for the X1 xDrive28i includes a synthetic oil and filter change. The N20 2.0L engine has an oil capacity of approximately 5.5 liters .

Oil Specifications:

BMW recommends synthetic motor oil meeting BMW Longlife specifications for the N20 engine . BMW 0W-20 synthetic oil is commonly specified for this engine . Always refer to the owner's manual for the specific oil viscosity and approval requirements for your vehicle.

Brake Fluid Flush

Interval: After 3 years for the first service, then every 2 years thereafter

BMW brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air over time. Regular replacement ensures firm stopping power and prevents corrosion in the brake lines.

60,000 Miles: Spark Plug Replacement

At approximately 60,000 miles, BMW recommends replacing the spark plugs . The N20 engine requires 4 spark plugs for a complete replacement.

120,000 Miles: Extended Service

At this mileage milestone, BMW recommends :

• Spark Plug Replacement (second replacement)
• Oxygen (O2) Sensor Replacement

150,000 Miles: Extended Service

At this mileage milestone, BMW recommends :

• Oxygen (O2) Sensor Replacement

Vehicle Specifications

The 2013 X1 xDrive28i features the following specifications relevant to maintenance :

• Engine: N20 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-4
• Horsepower: 241 hp
• Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive
• Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 5.5 liters
• Recommended Fuel: Premium unleaded

BMW Maintenance Program & Warranty Coverage

The 2013 BMW X1 was covered by the BMW Maintenance Program from the original in-service date :

• 4 years/50,000-mile BMW Maintenance Program: Covers factory-recommended maintenance at no cost
• 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• 4-year/unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance

N20 Engine-Specific Considerations

The 2013 X1 xDrive28i features the N20 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. This engine has several important considerations for long-term ownership.

Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leaks

BMW has issued a technical service bulletin addressing oil leaks from the cylinder head cover on N20 and N26 engines . The cause is a leaking cylinder head cover gasket due to loose retaining bolt(s) .

Procedure for addressing this issue :

1. Verify the oil leak is coming from the cylinder head cover area
2. Check that all cylinder head cover bolts are tight using the specified sequence
3. Retighten each bolt to 6 Nm
4. If loose bolts are identified, replace the cylinder head cover gasket

This repair is covered under the terms of the BMW New Car/SAV Limited Warranty or the BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program .

Owner Guidance: Conservative Real-World Recommendations

While the CBS system provides the official maintenance schedule, independent specialists recommend a more proactive approach to maintenance for the N20 engine.

Oil Change Intervals

Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for optimal engine protection . A 5,000-mile oil service interval is also preferred for aggressive driving or city driving conditions . This is especially beneficial for:

• Aggressive driving
• Frequent short trips
• City driving conditions

Additional Maintenance Considerations

• Transmission Fluid: While BMW may describe the automatic transmission fluid as a lifetime fill, many independent specialists recommend servicing between 60,000 and 80,000 miles.
• Coolant System: Regular coolant flushes help prevent overheating and protect the engine from corrosion.
• Brake System Inspection: During routine service, technicians should inspect brake pads and rotors for wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the Condition Based Service (CBS) system work on the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i?

The CBS system uses sensors and algorithms to monitor engine oil quality, brake pad wear, brake fluid condition, and other components. It determines maintenance requirements based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed intervals. Service alerts appear on the Control Display when maintenance is due .

2. What type of oil does the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i require?

BMW recommends synthetic motor oil meeting BMW Longlife specifications for the N20 engine . BMW 0W-20 synthetic oil is commonly specified . Always refer to the owner's manual for the specific oil viscosity and approval requirements for your vehicle.

3. How often does the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i need an oil change?

The CBS system determines oil change timing based on driving conditions, with a general baseline of approximately 10,000 miles. Many independent specialists recommend a 5,000-mile interval for optimal engine protection .

4. What is the engine oil capacity of the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i?

The N20 2.0L engine requires approximately 5.5 liters of synthetic oil for a complete oil change with filter .

5. When should spark plugs be replaced on the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i?

Spark plugs are recommended for replacement at approximately 60,000 miles according to BMW's factory schedule . The engine requires 4 spark plugs for a complete replacement.

6. How often should brake fluid be flushed?

BMW recommends brake fluid replacement after 3 years for the first service, then every 2 years thereafter .

7. When should oxygen sensors be replaced on the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i?

BMW's factory schedule recommends oxygen sensor replacement at 120,000 miles and again at 150,000 miles .

8. What is the cylinder head cover oil leak issue?

BMW has issued a technical service bulletin for N20 and N26 engines addressing oil leaks from the cylinder head cover caused by loose retaining bolts . The repair involves retightening bolts to 6 Nm and replacing the gasket if necessary, and is covered under warranty .

9. What was covered under the BMW Maintenance Program?

The BMW Maintenance Program covered factory-recommended scheduled maintenance for the first 4 years or 50,000 miles, including oil changes, brake fluid, filters, spark plugs, and vehicle checks at no cost .

10. What was the factory warranty on the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i?

The vehicle included a 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and 4 years of Unlimited-Mileage Roadside Assistance from the original in-service date .

11. Is the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i all-wheel drive?

Yes, the xDrive28i designation indicates all-wheel drive.