2000 BMW 528I: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 528i. The contact was driving and came to a stop, when smoke was seen coming from the passenger side of the hood. There was a cracking sound then flames was seen coming from under the hood. The contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated attempted to extinguish the flames but could not. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injurie. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 283,000.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 528i. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the high intensity discharge headlights malfunctioned. The contact stated that there was a complete loss of functionality with the headlights. Bmw of dallas (6200 lemmon ave, dallas, texas 75209, (972) 763-5528) was contacted via voicemail regarding the failure. The contact noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger side headlight was on fire. A store employee extinguished the fire. The fire department was not contacted. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2018
“My car was parked in front of my house stationary I was changing the battery when I put the battery in and connected it the airbags blew up destroyed the dash steering wheel and cracked the front windshield this car is off and parked”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“ABS module fail at 127,000 k. This stops my speedometer from working along with my (dcs) traction control, gas gauge and the brake go into emergency mode.. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 528i. While parked, the contact noticed that the exterior light warning indicator was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the tail lights would function erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician stated that the regulation lamp would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2009
“Computer that controls ABS and stability on my bmw after several years fails as it is located in the engine compartment next to exhaust manifold/ cat converters. As a result the ABS/stability system no longer functions. It is known issue on bmw five series 1997-2003. Many computers fail after years of service or high mileage. Brakes still function but without ABS and there is no stability control (called dynamic stability control by bmw). The internal components fail because of heat in engine compartment. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 2009
“The ABS / dsc control module on my 2000 528i bmw failed. When this happens the odometer and speedometer both stop working. I would also think that the ABS safety feature for stopping the car and traction control is compromised. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2008
“The radiator blew for no know reason. This caused damage to the engine and cooling system. Estimate of repairs $16,000. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 bmw 528i. The rear driver side door will not open from inside or outside the vehicle. In addition, both rear doors would not lock. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 87,421.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2008
“Cold start issues. Car wants to stall upon start up. When car finally warms up the idle smoothes out. The gas mileage is dropping due the malfunctioning seals in the double vanos system. Bmw has known about this problem for a long time and they refuse to do anything about it. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 528I 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 2000 BMW 528I reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 BMW 528I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 BMW 528I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 100,378 miles or less.
Does the 2000 BMW 528I have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.