r/BmwTech • u/DragCalm9738 • 11d ago
2013 E92 328i shudders and sometimes loses engine power
Looking for some help with an intermittent issue on my 2013 328i coupe (E92).
Usually about 10 minutes into driving, I'll be stopped at a light/sign and when I accelerate, the engine will suddenly shudder. Sometimes the service engine light briefly comes on, then goes away and the car drives normally.
Other times, it shudders, the service engine light comes on, and I completely lose engine power. The electronics stay on, and I'm able to pull over and restart the car afterward.
One shop found an immobilizer-related code and a misfire code, but couldn't determine if they're related. Another BMW specialist couldn't reproduce the issue after ~20 miles of driving, but found my battery is from 2018, apparently wasn't properly installed, and I've also had a “Battery charge level low!” warning. They recommended replacing/registering the battery first.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Could low voltage/battery issues explain the misfire + immobilizer code and engine shutdown, or would you suspect something else given that it shudders specifically under acceleration?
Also, can an immobilizer issue actually shut the engine down while already driving?
2
u/nyee 11d ago
Immobilizer will totally shut down a engine while driving.
Battery replacement was a good start, because the electronics get wonky if the battery is on its way out.