Owners have filed 34 complaints
about the 1998 BMW 328I with NHTSA between 1998 and 2022.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 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 — 7
Against the median year of the BMW 328I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% 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 1998 BMW 328I
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
514.7%
Median failure at 167,000 miles
Brakes
411.8%
Median failure at 186,000 miles
Airbags
411.8%
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 66,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
38.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
38.8%
Transmission & Drivetrain
38.8%
Median failure at 143,000 miles
Suspension
25.9%
Engine & Cooling
25.9%
Median failure at 54,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
12.9%
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.9%
Median failure at 59,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
12.9%
Median failure at 165,000 miles
Seats
12.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
12.9%
Lights
12.9%
Median failure at 165,000 miles
Body & Structure
12.9%
Median failure at 165,000 miles
Steering
12.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
330.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
110.0%
150,000+ miles
660.0%
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 4Mar 2022
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ST. Augustine, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
THE SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY OUT THE AIR BAG DOOR COVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A CURB ON RAINY NIGHT, INSTEAD THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED DOWN THE DOOR AND BLEW OFF THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL. INJURES WERE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF THE DOOR TRIM WHICH FLEW OFF AND HIT THE PASSENGER IN THE RIBS. PHOTOS ATTACHED. A FIELD ENGINEER TOOK PHOTOS AND THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED IN A TRAINING SESSION BEING HELD THERE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10039864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesHanover, MACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
1998 BMW 328I - CRASHED GOING 35-40 MPH WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10020646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
VEHICLE SUSTAINED A DIRECT HIT IN SIDE, BETWEEN BOTH FRONT PASSENGER'S AND REAR PASSENGER'S DOORS, AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BMW HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #875897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
WINDOW HAS AN AUTOMATIC UPWARD TOLL FEATURE WHICH GOES UP WITH ONE TOUCH ON THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON. BUT IT DID NOT STOP WHEN A FINGER GOT CAUGHT IN THE WINDOW AND WAS CUT OFF. THIS FEATURE IS ON ALL 4 WINDOWS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #840168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stamford, CTCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH AND HAD A SIDE COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #833817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Stanwood, WA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. Electrical problems surplus with this car. Everything from the radio, heater, transmission and taillights works intermittently.
NHTSA complaint #11455158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanwood, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. Electrical problems surplus with this car. Everything from the radio, heater, transmission and taillights works intermittently.
NHTSA complaint #11455158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanwood, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. Electrical problems surplus with this car. Everything from the radio, heater, transmission and taillights works intermittently.
NHTSA complaint #11455158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesLithia, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE BRAKE LIGHT CONNECTION IS BAD ON THE LEFT SIDE WHICH RESULTS IN THE BREAK LIGHT NOT TO WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10786008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPlano, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS WARNING "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" KEEPS BEING DISPLAYED ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL. I CLEAN THE TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS DID ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AFTERWARDS, THE WARNING GOES AWAY. THEN THE NEXT TIME I GET IN THE CAR A DAY LATER THE CONTROL SAYS "1 BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" THEN THE NEXT DAY SAYS "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE".
NHTSA complaint #10537145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPlano, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRUNK OPENED UP. NOW THE TRUNK IS SHUT AND WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10537146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPlano, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BRAKE LIGHTS WARNING "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" KEEPS BEING DISPLAYED ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL. I CLEAN THE TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS DID ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AFTERWARDS, THE WARNING GOES AWAY. THEN THE NEXT TIME I GET IN THE CAR A DAY LATER THE CONTROL SAYS "1 BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" THEN THE NEXT DAY SAYS "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE".
NHTSA complaint #10537145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPlano, IL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
BRAKE LIGHTS WARNING "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" KEEPS BEING DISPLAYED ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL. I CLEAN THE TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS DID ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AFTERWARDS, THE WARNING GOES AWAY. THEN THE NEXT TIME I GET IN THE CAR A DAY LATER THE CONTROL SAYS "1 BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" THEN THE NEXT DAY SAYS "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE".
NHTSA complaint #10537145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 186,000 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LIGHTS WARNING "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" KEEPS BEING DISPLAYED ACROSS THE CONTROL PANEL. I CLEAN THE TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKES LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS DID ILLUMINATE PROPERLY AFTERWARDS, THE WARNING GOES AWAY. THEN THE NEXT TIME I GET IN THE CAR A DAY LATER THE CONTROL SAYS "1 BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE" THEN THE NEXT DAY SAYS "BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE".
NHTSA complaint #10495249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,500 milesMedway, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NAR 03-31-2003 MR ENGINE GASKET FAILED WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER THE ENGINE.
NHTSA complaint #10014766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesDaytona Beach, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE TRUNK OPENED UP. *AK THE LATCH CONTINUED SLIPPING AND THE TRUNK WOULD NOT LOCK.
NHTSA complaint #10055670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesNewbury Park, CA
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY 1998 BMW 328I FAILED DUE TO BURNT FLUID AND OXIDATION. BMW PRODUCT LITERATURE CLEAR STATES THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTAINS A "LIFETIME FILL" OF FLUID AND DOES NOT REQUIRE CHANGING. IN ADDITION, BMW DOES NOT INCLUDE A TRANSMISSION SERVICE IN ANY REGULARLY RECOMMENDED SERVICES AND NEVER RECOMMENDS THAT ONE BE PERFORMED. INTERSTING THOUGH, BMW RECOMMENDS THE USE OF DEXRON III/MERCON FLUID FOR THE TRANSMISSION. PRODUCT LITERATURE PUT OUT BY THE MANUFACTURERS OF THESE FLUIDS CLEARLY STATE THAT ALTHOUGH THE FLUID SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN NORMAL FLUID, IT STILL MUST BE CHANGED REGULARLY. EVERY ARTICLE REGARDING TRANSMISSIONS CLEARLY STATES THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD BE SERVICED AND THE FLUID CHANGED REGULARALY. BMW REFUSES TO STAND BEHIND ITS "LIFETIME FILL" CLAIM.
NHTSA complaint #10049606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. Augustine, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
THE SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY OUT THE AIR BAG DOOR COVER, WHEN THE VEHICLE HIT A CURB ON RAINY NIGHT, INSTEAD THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED DOWN THE DOOR AND BLEW OFF THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL. INJURES WERE CAUSED AS A RESULT OF THE DOOR TRIM WHICH FLEW OFF AND HIT THE PASSENGER IN THE RIBS. PHOTOS ATTACHED. A FIELD ENGINEER TOOK PHOTOS AND THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED IN A TRAINING SESSION BEING HELD THERE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10039864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesHanover, MACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
1998 BMW 328I - CRASHED GOING 35-40 MPH WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10020646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pikesville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE REMOTE DOOR LOCK FUNCTION IS INOPERATIVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 2-3 TIMES, UNABLE TO REPAIR. PH
NHTSA complaint #10005904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4 TIMES ALL OF THE 4 TIMES SAME PROBLEM, FUEL EXPENSION TANK PROBLEM. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM REPAIR EACH TIME IT HAPPENS. EVERY SIGNLE TIME, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT I HAD A BAD PART INSTALLED NOT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ITSELF. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE CIRUIT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON 6 TIMES WHILE I WAS IN ATLANTA,GEORGIA LAST YEAR. UPON RETURN TO ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, BERT SMITH BMW FIXED IT. NOW, LAST WEEK THE BRAKE CIRCUIT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, I AM IN MIAMI, FL AND PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR TO LAUDERDALE IMPORT. LDT./BWM AND THE CAR IS NOT LONGER UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY LIKE THE FIRST TIME. PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR BECAUS OF MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #746172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 4 TIMES ALL OF THE 4 TIMES SAME PROBLEM, FUEL EXPENSION TANK PROBLEM. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM REPAIR EACH TIME IT HAPPENS. EVERY SIGNLE TIME, THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT I HAD A BAD PART INSTALLED NOT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR ITSELF. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE CIRUIT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON 6 TIMES WHILE I WAS IN ATLANTA,GEORGIA LAST YEAR. UPON RETURN TO ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, BERT SMITH BMW FIXED IT. NOW, LAST WEEK THE BRAKE CIRCUIT WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, I AM IN MIAMI, FL AND PLAN TO TAKE THE CAR TO LAUDERDALE IMPORT. LDT./BWM AND THE CAR IS NOT LONGER UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY LIKE THE FIRST TIME. PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING WITH THE CAR BECAUS OF MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. THANKS.
NHTSA complaint #746172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
VEHICLE SUSTAINED A DIRECT HIT IN SIDE, BETWEEN BOTH FRONT PASSENGER'S AND REAR PASSENGER'S DOORS, AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BMW HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA complaint #875897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CA
POWER TRAIN
FUEL SENSORS FAILED. GAS GAUGE SHOWED FUEL BUT CAR RAN OUT OF GAS AT FREEWAY SPEED IN RUSHHOUR TRAFFIC. FUES SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES. THUS, I DRIVE MY CAR BY THE TRIP ODOMETER AND NOT THE FUEL GAUGE.BMW STATES PROBLEM IS DUE TO GAS IS CALIFORNIA. BMW STATES NOT A MANUFACTURERS' DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #726125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poway, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
FUEL SENSORS FAILED. GAS GAUGE SHOWED FUEL BUT CAR RAN OUT OF GAS AT FREEWAY SPEED IN RUSHHOUR TRAFFIC. FUES SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES. THUS, I DRIVE MY CAR BY THE TRIP ODOMETER AND NOT THE FUEL GAUGE.BMW STATES PROBLEM IS DUE TO GAS IS CALIFORNIA. BMW STATES NOT A MANUFACTURERS' DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #726125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
DEALER PICKED UP CAR FOR OIL CHANGE AND PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT WITHOUT REQUEST OR AUTHORIZATION. SINCE THEN CAR PULLS TO RIGHT. AFTER.
NHTSA complaint #723470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, CA
SEATS
SEATS ARE SQUEAKING AND RATTLING. YH
NHTSA complaint #607399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, CA
STEERING
4 WHEEL STEERING WHEEL AND ALIGNMENT IS OFF CENTER. YH
NHTSA complaint #607399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castaic, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
GAS INDICATOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #607289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
DIFFERENTIAL SEAL FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #606796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.