MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 328I

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW 328I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:29:46.398Z

Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

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.

Only 25 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 328I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1996: 31 complaints 1996 1997: 25 complaints 1997 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
1997: 25 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

Only 25 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 of 25 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and module.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER SEEING YET ANOTHER REAR END COLLISION, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A SUGGESTION I HAVE HAD IN MIND FOR A LONG TIME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20170426

THE LOCKING DEVICE ON A 1997 BMW 328I INTERMITTENTLY MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR OCCUPANTS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF IT IS LOCKED WHILE OCCUPIED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140304

STRUCTURE

4 of 25 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

WATER LEAKS INTO THE VEHICLE FROM ALL DOORS IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980408

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 25 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly.

TIRES

3 of 25 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.

AIR BAGS

3 of 25 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20030722

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

NHTSA ODI report, 20020918

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 2016 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2011 ■ 2007 ◆ 2013

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 BMW 328I reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 328I?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 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.