MYRModel Year Report

1996 BMW 328I

▲ Better than typical
1996 BMW 328I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:47:36.211Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 328I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1996: 31 complaints 1996 1997: 25 complaints 1998: 26 complaints 1999: 98 complaints 1999 2000: 112 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2002: 0 complaints 2002 2003: 0 complaints 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 0 complaints 2005 2006: 0 complaints 2007: 397 complaints 2008: 239 complaints 2008 2009: 193 complaints 2010: 155 complaints 2011: 576 complaints 2011 2012: 130 complaints 2013: 257 complaints 2014: 151 complaints 2014 2015: 124 complaints 2016: 56 complaints 2016
1996: 31 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199631
199725
199826
199998
2000112
20014
20020
20030
20040
20050
20060
2007397
2008239
2009193
2010155
2011576
2012130
2013257
2014151
2015124
201656

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19%

19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY ENGINE JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO EXPLANATION. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAYS THAT SINCE MY BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED WHILE BEING REPAIRED, ALL FAULT MEMORY WAS LOST.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990217

POWER TRAIN 19%

19% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE A 328I BMW, AND THE INFORMATION IN THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT YOU NEVER NEED TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID YET ON THE DAY IN QUESTION MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO STALL AND JERK.

NHTSA ODI report, 20030612

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and roof and pillars.

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 30 MPH WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S OR PASSEGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS. VEHICLE HIT ON CENTER RIGHT FRONT ON DRIVERS SIDE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970521

FRONTAL COLLISION, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION, 40MPH, DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961120

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2016 ▲ 1999 ● 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2007 ◆ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 BMW 328I reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 BMW 328I is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 BMW 328I?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 328I have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.