1996 BMW 328I: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
31
owner complaints
0
fire reports
88,605
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 88,605 mi)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (20%)
Common problems
Computed from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)20% · 6 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)13% · 4 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 3 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 3 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)10% · 3 complaints
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 bmw 328i. He stated that the horn did not work and noticed that the wires were cut in the steering column and under the hood. He stated that he purchased the clockspring, but it was not compatible with the steering wheel. The current mileage was 97,120 and the approximate failure mileage was 96720.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2007
“Power lock actuators on vehicle fail repeatedly. Between 2000 and 2003, three power lock actuators failed on vehicle (both rear doors and front passenger door). Sometimes the actuators get stuck in the locked position, sometimes unlocked. Walked away from vehicle with an unlocked door on several occasions before discovering problem. In one case (front pass. Door), door lock was even difficult (but not impossible) to operate manually: this was stuck in the locked position, making entry into the vehicle very difficult.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2003
“Air bag light has come on and has stayed on. After contacting dealer, dealer noted that air bags may not deploy in an accident.*ak *scc”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Interior lock located on all four doors. Will lock ppassenger in inside of doors without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2002
“Vehicle self diagnoistics provides engine check light warning. Diagnoistic code indicates "low emissions efficiency". Dealer read code and reported the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Factory warranty expired at 80,000 miles so it was not covered. Replacement costs estimated at $1330. This failure occured less than 100,000 miles on vehicle. I understand that a recall was performed on 1986 318i models for failed catalytic converter parts. The bmw parts source may be the same for the model 328i which would be why I experienced this failure. This mileage is very low for a cat to fail and is unexceptable for a quality manufactured vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2002
“While driving and shifting gears vehicle fails to shift gears properly. Dealer has determined that clutch had gone bad. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2001
“When driving and upon shifting gears vehicle fails to shift gears properly. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has determined that clutch was deffective. Please provide further details. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2001
“Is there a safety issue or recommendation for recall, or many complaints? I have a 1996 328i conv. With 56,000 miles. I am the second owner as of 8 months ago. Purchased from a local mercedes dealer where it was taken on trade. We had a few oil leaks repaired with the latest being the oil filter housing itself. I was informed by the dealer that the housing is now being manufactured differently. Originally the plugs in the housing were pressed in. Apparently many leaked and now the housing plugs are the screw in type. I had a leak at the plug area and now the entire housing has been recommended for replacement.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2001
“Convertible top is defective and consumer is waiting for dealer to reply, it's been over one month and the consumer has heard nothing. (attorney for client) *slc”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2000
“When the vehicle was put in drive it accelerated backwards with the engine recing at 40 to 50 miles per hour and hit a tree, passenger sustained head injury. Nlm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.8L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact 328I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 BMW 328I reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 BMW 328I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 BMW 328I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,605 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.