Service book on 2013 328i vert can't find

dolvey · 09-05-2025, 04:37 PM

I just bought a 2013 328i convertible. In looking for a service manual I can find many on 328i's, but none that match my drive train. It appears to have a N51 or N52 6 cylinder. I have yet to determine how to tell the difference. I have owned many BMW's in the past( 2 M5's, an M6, long ago a 320i then a 328i convertible), but I am no longer up on the body and engine numbers. I bought this at auction (1 owner, good maintenance records) 60K miles. Black on Black, looks great, good compression, no codes, to use as a daily driver while I renew my 2003 X50 996 Porsche Turbo that has been my daily driver for 22 years (replacing all renewables, rubber as in hoses seals, etc.) renew the paint, suspension, brakes, new leather, turbo alteration. I work out of my shop behind my house, have always done my own maintenance, have the computers, but would like a service manual as is the case with all of my cars. I just can't find one on this vehicle. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Grease23 · 09-06-2025, 04:16 PM

There should be a sticker on the inside of the hood, near the front latch. If it says "SULEV" then you have the N51. (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) If that was a required engine in your state, you might have a long list of parts which are still under warranty.

On manuals, the 2013 E93 is kind of an odd duck as it retained the normally aspirated straight six when other models were going through changes. If you buy what should be the right Bentley manual as advertised it will be wrong. You need the one for 2006-2011. On the much cheaper Haynes manual, the one for 2006-2014 will do.

I have the same car purchased with roughly the same mileage. Things that may need attention:

1. The so-called Micky Mouse flange;

2. OFHG (oil filter housing gasket) it leaks and contaminates the oil. Easy fix but you'll be dealing with aluminum one-time use bolts.

3. Valve cover gasket. These seems to leak 100% of the time, if repaired with a decent gasket you're done with it.

4. Oil pan gasket (same as above).

5. Some people replace the water pumps (a bit of a PIA to do) and thermostats but at your low mileage and late production that probably isn't necessary.

These cars have a lot things that are quirks if you haven't been with BMWs very long. There is some educating you can obtain on the forum. The number of DIY videos out there is impressive too.

I've been very happy with mine and other than the above it hasn't given me a bit of trouble. I use the specified 0-40 Mobil 1 European oil that is sold at Walmart.

09-05-2025, 04:37 PM	#1
dolvey Registered 4 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i convertible Join Date: Sep 2025 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Service book on 2013 328i vert can't find I just bought a 2013 328i convertible. In looking for a service manual I can find many on 328i's, but none that match my drive train. It appears to have a N51 or N52 6 cylinder. I have yet to determine how to tell the difference. I have owned many BMW's in the past( 2 M5's, an M6, long ago a 320i then a 328i convertible), but I am no longer up on the body and engine numbers. I bought this at auction (1 owner, good maintenance records) 60K miles. Black on Black, looks great, good compression, no codes, to use as a daily driver while I renew my 2003 X50 996 Porsche Turbo that has been my daily driver for 22 years (replacing all renewables, rubber as in hoses seals, etc.) renew the paint, suspension, brakes, new leather, turbo alteration. I work out of my shop behind my house, have always done my own maintenance, have the computers, but would like a service manual as is the case with all of my cars. I just can't find one on this vehicle. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
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09-06-2025, 04:16 PM	#2
Grease23 Private First Class 161 Rep 131 Posts Drives: BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	There should be a sticker on the inside of the hood, near the front latch. If it says "SULEV" then you have the N51. (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) If that was a required engine in your state, you might have a long list of parts which are still under warranty. On manuals, the 2013 E93 is kind of an odd duck as it retained the normally aspirated straight six when other models were going through changes. If you buy what should be the right Bentley manual as advertised it will be wrong. You need the one for 2006-2011. On the much cheaper Haynes manual, the one for 2006-2014 will do. I have the same car purchased with roughly the same mileage. Things that may need attention: 1. The so-called Micky Mouse flange; 2. OFHG (oil filter housing gasket) it leaks and contaminates the oil. Easy fix but you'll be dealing with aluminum one-time use bolts. 3. Valve cover gasket. These seems to leak 100% of the time, if repaired with a decent gasket you're done with it. 4. Oil pan gasket (same as above). 5. Some people replace the water pumps (a bit of a PIA to do) and thermostats but at your low mileage and late production that probably isn't necessary. These cars have a lot things that are quirks if you haven't been with BMWs very long. There is some educating you can obtain on the forum. The number of DIY videos out there is impressive too. I've been very happy with mine and other than the above it hasn't given me a bit of trouble. I use the specified 0-40 Mobil 1 European oil that is sold at Walmart.
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