Owners have filed 29 complaints
about the 1997 BMW 328I with NHTSA between 1998 and 2017.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 6
Against the median year of the BMW 328I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 89
17.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 BMW 328I
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
724.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50 mi
Body & Structure
413.8%
Tires
310.3%
Airbags
310.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Engine & Cooling
310.3%
Median failure at 69,042 miles
Seat Belts
26.9%
Median failure at 159,800 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
26.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 78,000 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
13.4%
Seats
13.4%
Wheels
13.4%
Steering
13.4%
Median failure at 178,835 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
120.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
120.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
150,000+ miles
240.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 1998peak 3Apr 2017
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Menlo Park, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER SEEING YET ANOTHER REAR END COLLISION, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION I HAVE HAD IN MIND FOR A LONG TIME. I BELIEVE WE CAN REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF SUCH ACCIDENTS, BY FLASHING THE STOP SIGNALS WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE ON AND THE CAR IS STOPPED ( REQUIRES A SPEED SENSOR, OF COURSE). MANUAL FLASHING ELECTRONICS EXISTS IN EVERY MODERN CAR, BUT IS NOT NORMALLY USED WHEN STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10980991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE LOCKING DEVICE ON A 1997 BMW 328I INTERMITTENTLY MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR OCCUPANTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF IT IS LOCKED WHILE OCCUPIED. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK, WHICH CREATES A HIGH DANGER AND SEVERITY OF RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO CONSUMERS AND/OR USERS OF THE VEHICLE IF AN OCCUPANT STAYS IN A VEHICLE THAT IS LOCKED. DESPITE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SAFETY RISK, BMW FAILED TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT AND ADVISE OR WARN PURCHASERS OR POTENTIAL USERS, INCLUDING THE PURCHASERS, OWNERS AND/OR USERS OF THE SUBJECT 1997 BMW 328I, BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE WARNINGS AND/OR NOTICES OF THE SEVERE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IF AN OCCUPANT STAYS IN A VEHICLE THAT IS LOCKED. ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 11, 2013, A HOT AND SUNNY DAY, A FEMALE YOUTH WHO WAS AN OCCUPANT OF A 1997 BMW 328I, BECAME TRAPPED IN THE SUBJECT 1997 BMW 328I THAT WAS LOCKED. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE YOUTH TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AND SHE ULTIMATELY SUCCUMBED TO HEAT STROKE AND DIED WHILE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10567287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesElgin, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1997 BMW 328I LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. DRIVING 40MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. SNOWING BUT STRAIGHT LEVEL CONCRETE ROAD. APPROACHING ASPHALT CURVE ENTERING SMALL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE, I TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE. IT DIDN'T DISENGAGE SO HIT IT HARDER. CRUISE STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND THREW CAR INTO A SKID. TRIED STEERING COLUMN LEVER, NO EFFECT. CRUISE NOW ACCELERATED STRONGLY, SPUN CAR 180, CAR SLID INTO DITCH AT UNDER 30MPH AND FLIPPED OVER. CAR DRIVEN BACK 600 MILES TO HOME BUT TOTAL LOSS FROM CRUSHED IN ROOF. BMW HAS POSSESSION OF THE CAR PENDING PRODUCT SPECIALIST REVIEW. CRUISE HAD STARTED ACTING ERRATIC ON 4-5 OCCASIONS EARLIER THAT WEEK BEING RELUCTANT TO DISENGAGE WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS. AFTER ACCIDENT 3 WITNESSED THAT BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO LIGHT WITHOUT EXCESSIVE PETAL PRESSURE. MANY BMW OWNER REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM ON INTERNET FROM BRITAIN. BMW SERVICE ADVISOR STATED IT WAS PROBABLY THE SWITCH STARTING TO FAIL. BMW DEALER NOW HAS CAR AND BMW CORPORATE APPEARS TO HAVE ISSUED GAG ORDER TO DEALER EMPLOYEES.
NHTSA complaint #10252318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, SDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10029905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Menlo Park, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AFTER SEEING YET ANOTHER REAR END COLLISION, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION I HAVE HAD IN MIND FOR A LONG TIME. I BELIEVE WE CAN REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF SUCH ACCIDENTS, BY FLASHING THE STOP SIGNALS WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE ON AND THE CAR IS STOPPED ( REQUIRES A SPEED SENSOR, OF COURSE). MANUAL FLASHING ELECTRONICS EXISTS IN EVERY MODERN CAR, BUT IS NOT NORMALLY USED WHEN STOPPED ON THE ROADWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10980991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA1 killed
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE LOCKING DEVICE ON A 1997 BMW 328I INTERMITTENTLY MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR OCCUPANTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF IT IS LOCKED WHILE OCCUPIED. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK, WHICH CREATES A HIGH DANGER AND SEVERITY OF RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO CONSUMERS AND/OR USERS OF THE VEHICLE IF AN OCCUPANT STAYS IN A VEHICLE THAT IS LOCKED. DESPITE KNOWLEDGE OF THIS SAFETY RISK, BMW FAILED TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT AND ADVISE OR WARN PURCHASERS OR POTENTIAL USERS, INCLUDING THE PURCHASERS, OWNERS AND/OR USERS OF THE SUBJECT 1997 BMW 328I, BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE WARNINGS AND/OR NOTICES OF THE SEVERE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH IF AN OCCUPANT STAYS IN A VEHICLE THAT IS LOCKED. ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 11, 2013, A HOT AND SUNNY DAY, A FEMALE YOUTH WHO WAS AN OCCUPANT OF A 1997 BMW 328I, BECAME TRAPPED IN THE SUBJECT 1997 BMW 328I THAT WAS LOCKED. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE YOUTH TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, AND SHE ULTIMATELY SUCCUMBED TO HEAT STROKE AND DIED WHILE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10567287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,835 milesPortland, TX
STEERING
1997 BMW 328IS WITH 179K MILES. AFTER DRIVING FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES (HIGHWAY OR CITY), MY STEERING WHEEL WILL BIND OR GET TIGHT IN A TURN. AFTER MUSCLING THROUGH THE TURN SO I DON'T CRASH, THE STEERING WHEEL "POPS" AND RETURNS TO NORMAL OPERATION. THIS HAS BEGAN TO HAPPEN DAILY AND I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AS WELL AS ANYONE IN THE CAR WITH ME!
NHTSA complaint #10411759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I WAS TOLD TODAY THAT MY CAR IS NOT SAFE AS THE FRONT SWAY BAR MOUNTS HAVE RUSTED THROUGH.
NHTSA complaint #10267149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesElgin, ILCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1997 BMW 328I LESS THAN 80,000 MILES. DRIVING 40MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON. SNOWING BUT STRAIGHT LEVEL CONCRETE ROAD. APPROACHING ASPHALT CURVE ENTERING SMALL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE, I TAPPED BRAKE TO DISENGAGE CRUISE. IT DIDN'T DISENGAGE SO HIT IT HARDER. CRUISE STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND THREW CAR INTO A SKID. TRIED STEERING COLUMN LEVER, NO EFFECT. CRUISE NOW ACCELERATED STRONGLY, SPUN CAR 180, CAR SLID INTO DITCH AT UNDER 30MPH AND FLIPPED OVER. CAR DRIVEN BACK 600 MILES TO HOME BUT TOTAL LOSS FROM CRUSHED IN ROOF. BMW HAS POSSESSION OF THE CAR PENDING PRODUCT SPECIALIST REVIEW. CRUISE HAD STARTED ACTING ERRATIC ON 4-5 OCCASIONS EARLIER THAT WEEK BEING RELUCTANT TO DISENGAGE WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS. AFTER ACCIDENT 3 WITNESSED THAT BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO LIGHT WITHOUT EXCESSIVE PETAL PRESSURE. MANY BMW OWNER REPORTS OF SAME PROBLEM ON INTERNET FROM BRITAIN. BMW SERVICE ADVISOR STATED IT WAS PROBABLY THE SWITCH STARTING TO FAIL. BMW DEALER NOW HAS CAR AND BMW CORPORATE APPEARS TO HAVE ISSUED GAG ORDER TO DEALER EMPLOYEES.
NHTSA complaint #10252318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,800 milesSacramento, CA
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. DUE TO HIS BODY STATURE, THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO LEAN THE SEAT BACK IN ORDER TO USE THE SEAT BELT EFFECTIVELY. HE CONSULTED THREE DEALERS FOR SEAT BELT EXTENDERS, BUT NONE HAD THEM AVAILABLE OR WERE NOT BEING SOLD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE SEAT BELT EXTENDERS FOR THAT MODEL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 159,882 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 159,800.
NHTSA complaint #10234021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,042 milesAlameda, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
PLASTIC RADIATOR BROKE AT UPPER HOSE CONNECTION, CAUSING SUDDEN TOTAL LOSS OF COOLANT AND ENGINE STOPPING IN HEAVY FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THIS LED TO A VERY DANGEROUS RESCUE BY CALTRANS TRUCK AFTER AN HOUR OF EXPOSURE TO HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC.
NHTSA complaint #10129327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesChesterfield, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
SUDDEN FAILURE OF IGNITION COIL RESULTING IN A SHAKING/VIBRATING VEHICLE. WHILE ACCELLERTING IN CITY TRAFFIC THE CAR CAN LUNGE AND JERK WHILE ACCELLERATING, RESULTING IN UNPREDICTABLE ACCELLERATION. IN CITY TRAFFIC THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THE IGNITION COILS FOR BMW 3 SERIES CARS AND IT APPEARS THEY FAIL A LOT, YET THERE IS NO RECALL CAMPAIGN! AFTER INVESTIGATING FURTHER IT APPEARS BMW HAS SOME RECALL CAMPAIGNS FOR SOME OF THE NEWER CARS. THEY SUGGEST REPLACING ALL IGNITION COILS WITH A NEW BOSCH MODEL. MY CAR HAS BREMI MODEL COILS (PART NO. F3000-86682) AND THERE IS NO BOSCH SUBSTITUTE ACCORDING TO THE BMW DEALER (PLAZA MOTORS IN ST. LOUIS, MO). I FOUND AN EPA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE BREMI COILS FOR ANOTHER MODEL BMW AT THIS WEB SITE: REFERENCE: HTTP://WWW.EPA.GOV/OTAQ/CERT/RECALL/420B04018.PDF EPA# 2061 IT DESCRIBES AN INTERNAL FAILURE AS FOLLOWS: "BECAUSE OF PRODUCTION PROCESS FAILURES, THE IGNITION COIL OF ONE SUPPLIER (BREMI)MAY HAVE AN INTERNAL INSULATION BREAK-DOWN IN THE PRIMARY ELECTRIC 2121 CIRCUIT, THE SECONDARYELECTRIC CIRCUIT AND/OR A DISRUPTIVE DISCHARGE. REMEDY: BMW HAS DECIDED TO IMPLEMENT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COILS WITH A NEW IMPROVED VERSION." THE SAME EXACT THING IS HAPPENING TO BMW 3 SERIES CARS. A REVIEW OF BMW FORUMS ON THE INTERNET EXPLAINS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY BY THE DAY. I WOULD LIKE THIS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL CAMPAIGN INITIATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS HURT!
NHTSA complaint #10121723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, SDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT ON THE RIGHT SIDE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10029905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, MS
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TURNED ENGINE OFF, AND WENT INTO STORE, AND HEARD AN EXPLOSION. CONSUMER STATED DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. *AK THE DEALER SAID THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT IN TURN DEPLOYING THE AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #8018964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Penbrook Pines, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WHILE DRIVER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE, SOMETHING UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATED THE ALARM SYSTEM, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, HORN ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #899377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Penbrook Pines, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
WHILE DRIVER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE, SOMETHING UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATED THE ALARM SYSTEM, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, HORN ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #899377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Penbrook Pines, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
WHILE DRIVER WAS SITTING IN VEHICLE, SOMETHING UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATED THE ALARM SYSTEM, DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE, HORN ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #899377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lathrup, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, AND RADIATOR TO BLOW. *AK THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND TRIM UNDER THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SEAT WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #897012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lathrup, MI
SEATS
THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, AND RADIATOR TO BLOW. *AK THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND TRIM UNDER THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SEAT WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #897012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lathrup, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THERMOSTAT MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT, AND RADIATOR TO BLOW. *AK THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND TRIM UNDER THE REAR OF THE DRIVER SEAT WAS LOOSE.
NHTSA complaint #897012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, VA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE HOUSING PORTION DOES NOT HOLD LATCH PLATE IN BUCKLE HOUSING MECHANISM. LATCH PLATE POPS OUT OF BUCKLE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED BUCKLE. *AK CONSUMER HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THE FAILED HOUSING. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #885972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Villa Park, CA
TIRES
IT HAPPENED AT 3:50 PM, PACIFIC STANDARD TIME, JANURAY 26, 2001, FREEWAY 91 HEADING EAST, PASSED FREEYWAY 710, AT THE EXIT OF ATLANTIC. I WAS LUCKY TO PULL OVER AND MY COLLEAGUE WAS FOLLOWED ME AT THE INCIDENT HAPPENED. SHE WITNESSED EVERY THING. THE METRO (MTA) TOW TRUCK PASSED BY 15 MINUTES LATER AND CHANGED THE SPARE TIRE FOR ME. A PIECE OF TIRE WAS FLYING AWAY AND CAUSED THE MUFFLER AND THE LEFT SIDE REAR BUMPER SEVERE DAMAGE. I HAVE TAKEN A ROLL OF PICTURES AFTERWARDS. I WILL SEND YOU A DETAILED TIRE'S SPEC. TOMORROW. *AK( DOT NUMBER: )
NHTSA complaint #740028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Villa Park, CA
TIRES
ODI #740028. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK (DOT NUMBER: ACTM2Y7166 TIRESIZE: 205/60R15)
NHTSA complaint #740068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dana Point, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. CAN ONLY BE STOPPED BY TURNING OFF IGNITION. BRAKES WOULD ONLY SLOW IT DOWN, BUT NOT STOP IT. HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES, AND WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. BEEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, WILL NOT REPAIR IT. MANUFACTURER AGREED WITH DEALERSHIP, AND POLICY WAS TO RETURN VEHICLE IF NOT REPAIRABLE.
NHTSA complaint #878388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vernon, CA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. DEALER WILL BE NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #876653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELK Grove, CA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
TIRE FAILED ON FREEWAY ON HOT DAY. PERMETER AND 2/3 OF SIDEWALL SEPARATED FROM BEADS. NO EVIDENCE OF PUNCTURE IN TIRE FRAGMENTS. TIRES HAVE UTQGS OF 400, TRACT. A, TEMP. A, BUT THERE IS NO RECORD OF OF ANY TIRE OF THIS MAKE HAVING EVER BEEN TESTED AT NHTSA FACILITIES.
NHTSA complaint #726342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cerritos, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PLASTIC FACE PLATE ON THE BOTTOM OF DOOR FRAME GOT CAUGHT ON CONSUMER'S SHOE AND BROKE. MJS
NHTSA complaint #605997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEL MAR, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #608590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
THERMOSTAT STUCK.
NHTSA complaint #606965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.