FaultScore

2016 BMW 328I engine problems

28 of the 96 complaints about the 2016 BMW 328I are about the engine — 29% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 75,000 miles.

F

28

Complaints

3

Crashes

3

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Engine 15 53.6%
Engine AND Engine Cooling 13 46.4%

Engine & Cooling across every BMW 328I year

2007 101 9.4%
2008 88 8.2%
2009 68 6.4%
2010 87 8.1%
2011 367 34.3%
2012 71 6.6%
2013 137 12.8%
2014 58 5.4%
2015 65 6.1%
2016 28 2.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Medina, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11686515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Barnegat, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11685911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clifton, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11679405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Fountain Inn, SC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stated that a passenger who was occupying the front passenger's side seat and became aware of the abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11660445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chino Hills, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .

NHTSA complaint #11655241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Olney, MD Crash 1 injured

ENGINE

Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further compromising the vehicle’s functionality and safety. My belt slips because of the leak and it has been severely deteriorated because of even after replacing it. The dealership has consistently advised me to repair this issue at my expense, quoting costs exceeding the value of the car. Only recently did I learn about the recall addressing this defect. The dealership has failed to provide timely solutions, leaving me without a drivable vehicle. Safety Concerns: These persistent issues pose serious safety risks. The drivetrain malfunction and overheating increase the likelihood of sudden breakdowns while driving, endangering myself and other road users. Pulling off unexpectedly also creates hazardous situations on highways or busy roads. Request for Action: I request that BMW resolve this recall promptly. If repairs cannot be completed within a reasonable timeframe, I demand compensation for my inability to use the vehicle, including reimbursement for expenses incurred during this period. Alternatively, BMW should provide me with a rental vehicle or replace my car with another comparable model free of defects. Failure to do so will prompt me to seek legal arbitration to recover damages and ensure accountability. Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11652992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Thousand Oaks, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11650543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jamestown, RI

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11647307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Francisco, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11633178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

State College, PA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11626202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 133,000 miles North Chesterfield, VA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly, with the message “Engine Hot – Stop Driving” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the highway and waited for an hour for the engine to cool down, before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There were no fault codes retrieved, and the contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11624799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pine Lake, GA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11622359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

ENGINE

Subject: Urgent: Ongoing Recall Issue Dear NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my concern regarding the ongoing recall for my vehicle, which has remained unresolved for over three months. Despite the recall being officially opened, I have not received any updates or a timeline for the necessary repairs, and I am feeling increasingly unsafe driving my car in its current condition. I would greatly appreciate it if you could investigate why the repairs are taking so long and provide me with any information regarding the status of the recall. Additionally, if there are any temporary measures I can take to ensure my safety while I wait for the repairs, please let me know. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA complaint #11620923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Margate, FL

ENGINE

White smoke began to ooze from under the hood, as well as through my ac vents.

NHTSA complaint #11621088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Castle Pines, CO

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11617580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Fe Springs, CA

ENGINE

car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it’s a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn’t have any recalls dealer doesn’t want to do anything. We noticed that many other cars of same year have the same problem.

NHTSA complaint #11554684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL

ENGINE

In July 2023, my 2016 BMW 328i sedan with N26 engine began emitting a large plume of smoke for 15-30 seconds from the exhaust after a cold startup. I identified the following recalls which described the same situation as mine (SI B11 11 16 and SI B11 17 16) but was informed by the local BMW dealership my VIN was ineligible for both. In early October 2023, I brought my car to a local repair shop, where the mechanic confirmed the issue to be the oil feed line and replaced it with part # 11-42-8-678-840, removing original part # 11-42-8-626-652. The aforementioned recalls specify the smoke from the exhaust is caused by faulty oil feed lines or carbonization of the turbocharger sealing ring, both of which may be resolved by installing part # 11-42-8-678-840 that includes a check valve to prevent this issue moving forward. While my car was experiencing the same problem and required the same part # to resolve, it was classified as ineligible due to the very limited scope of the recalls, namely the production and model years of eligible cars (2011-2013). While my car was manufactured in January of 2016, it still received an inadequate oil feed line that did not contain the check valve. This is problematic as no recall was issued for my car thereafter once BMW identified this issue as early as October of 2016. I have since spoken with the parts manager at my local dealership as well as a case manager with BMW of North America and was informed no further assistance could be provided. I feel my car should have been included in a recall to replace the oil feed line was it did not receive one with a check valve upon production.

NHTSA complaint #11553023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 180,000 miles Sanford, NC Fire 1 injured

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

NHTSA complaint #11549243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL Fire

ENGINE

known what failed the entire car was on fire= if there was no one near by it could have consumed more cars/buildings it has been inspected by BMW of north america and Geico the car was overheating the night before and had a check engine light. it was taken to the shop immediately and the fire started within less than 24 hours of the initial symptoms occurring.

NHTSA complaint #11538820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Chula Vista, CA

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that an abnormal, coolant odor would emit throughout her vehicle without warning while driving at various speeds. As the failure persisted, a heavy, white smoke began to emit from the tailpipe with the check engine warning light on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11489761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Chula Vista, CA

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that an abnormal, coolant odor would emit throughout her vehicle without warning while driving at various speeds. As the failure persisted, a heavy, white smoke began to emit from the tailpipe with the check engine warning light on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11489761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boca Raton, FL

ENGINE

When I drive and come to a stop, the car shifts into nuetral. This has happened several times. I have to put the car in Park and restart it. We have checked the codes and have replaced the battery. The car only has 51k miles on it and is not driven more than 2-4 days a week.

NHTSA complaint #11485534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Fire

ENGINE

I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily in front of a car shop as soon as i can get out of the car a worker from the shop ran outside yelling your car is on fire! We lift the hood and he had a water hose on the side of the shop he then sprayed the area of the fire and it was put out.I have kept regular routine maintenance on the car no prior signs of car malfunctioning or service engine light on no warning at all this was unexpected.This occurred February 8th 2022 I had the vehicle towed to my local Firestone auto care and they said the ignition coils were melted and something strange happened and to check with bmw because it was too catastrophic for them to fix since then I have had the vehicle at my home parked and after calling bmw they said there were no known recalls at the time…

NHTSA complaint #11455943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

ENGINE

Car is smoking when starting upon looking up this is a common issue with my 2016 bmw 328i m sport. From what I have been reading bmw knows of the issue and made a change to the part but are making customers come out of pocket to buy the updated part and pay for the repair.

NHTSA complaint #11441775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles Mishawaka, IN Crash

ENGINE

ON MARCH 22, 2021, I WAS PARKING MY 2016 BMW GRAN TURISMO 328X AT A PARKING GARAGE. II HAD COMPLETED THE INITIAL TURN-IN, WHEN THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ACCELERATOR HAD BEEN PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR WENT FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR TO ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE LENGTH OF A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER HEAD ON, WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN, STEERING WHEEL AND LEG AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CAR WAS FULLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALER WITH BRAND NEW TIRES. IT HAD ABOUT 78K MILES ON IT. THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING DID NOT GO OFF NOR DID THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING OCCUR. I ASKED THE REPAIR FACILITY TO CHECK OUT WHY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, BUT WAS TOLD THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED ANYWAY. I DID NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR 'ACCIDENTALLY'. I HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF DRIVERS TRAINING AND EVASIVE MANUVERING BECAUSE OF MY JOB AND DO NOT MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THAT. I AM GRATEFUL THAT NO ONE OTHER THAN I WAS HURT AND THAT THERE WAS THE CONCRETE BARRIER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT MADE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AS THERE WAS MORE THAN 15K DAMAGE. USAA HAS THE CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11405636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 18,000 miles Oakland, CA Crash 1 injured

ENGINE

THIS HAPPENED TWO SEPARATE TIMES ABOUT 2 WEEKS APART.. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. FOOT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY ENGINE STARTED REVVING AND CAR LEAPED FORWARD. BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. THE SECOND TIME, (AUGUST 31, 2020) THE CAR REARED-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO THAT DRIVER. NEITHER CAR WAS HARMED.

NHTSA complaint #11353027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,400 miles Rochester, MI

ENGINE

WHILE DRIVING HOME TODAY 11/16/2016 - I WAS IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WITH THE SPEED LIMIT OF 25 AND THE POWER CUT OUT ON THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO GET HOME. I CALLED BMW ROADSIDE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP

NHTSA complaint #10926557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 11,000 miles Aurora, CO

ENGINE

THIS VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. THE ENTIRE CAR SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. YOU COULD NOT PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL EITHER TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ON A 6 LANE ROAD STARTING TO GO FROM THE INTERSECTION. I KNOW THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANOTHER PERSON WITH AN X3 AS WELL. BMW IS CLAIMING THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN. I WAS DRIVING A RALPH SCHOMP BMW LOANER AT THE TIME BECAUSE MY 2017 X3 WAS IN THE SHOP. I HAVE THE OTHER PERSON'S INFORMATION SHOULD YOU NEED IT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. THE OTHER PERSON THIS HAPPENED TO WAS ON A HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. IT IS UNKNOWN TO ME WHAT CAUSED THIS, BUT THE VEHICLE FLASHED LIGHTS AND TOLD ME TO TURN OFF THE CAR. WHEN I DID, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. I AM CONCERNED THAT BMW IS HIDING THIS PROBLEM SINCE I KNOW THE SAME DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THIS ISSUE BEFORE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. PEOPLE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10910122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 BMW 328I problems

← Full 2016 BMW 328I report