1997 BMW 328I: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
25
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest 328I years (#15 of 17 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 25 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5 complaints
Tires3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2017
“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! *tt”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2011
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“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. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2003
“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. *jg”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2002
“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. *jb”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Sep 2001
“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. *et”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2001
“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: )”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1997 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
TransmissionAutomatic
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 1997 BMW 328I reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 BMW 328I. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.