1998 BMW 328I
Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 26 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
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
5 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-03-04
Also filed under Service brakes and vehicle speed control
Brake lights warning "Brake light failure" Keeps being displayed across the control panel. I clean the tail lights and brakes lights and the lights did illuminate properly afterwards, the warning goes away.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-25
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
The remote door lock function is inoperative. Vehicle was taken to dealer 2-3 times, unable to repair. Ph
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-01-29
Service brakes
4 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake lights warning "Brake light failure" Keeps being displayed across the control panel. I clean the tail lights and brakes lights and the lights did illuminate properly afterwards, the warning goes away.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-30
Air bags
4 of 26 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The side air bag failed to deploy out the air bag door cover, when the vehicle hit a curb on rainy night, instead the air bag deployed down the door and blew off the entire door panel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-12
1998 BMW 328I - crashed going 35-40 MPH with extensive front end damage and no air bags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-28
Vehicle sustained a direct hit in side, between both front passenger's and rear passenger's doors, and side air bags did not deploy. BMW has been contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-12-04
Vehicle speed control
3 of 26 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Power train
3 of 26 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.
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
1998 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 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 1998 BMW 328I?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 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.