1996 BMW 328I
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.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
None on file
None on file
19% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 31 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 25 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 98 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 399 |
| 2008 | 239 |
| 2009 | 193 |
| 2010 | 155 |
| 2011 | 577 |
| 2012 | 130 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 151 |
| 2015 | 125 |
| 2016 | 57 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
19% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing engine and catalytic convertor.
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, 1999-02-17
Power train
19% · 6 reportsMost 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, 2003-06-12
Electrical system
13% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and switch.
Structure
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing door and roof and pillars.
Air bags
10% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-21
Frontal collision, impact 12:00 position, 40MPH, dual air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-11-20
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.