1997 BMW 328IC
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire tread came off during highway driving causing damage to the rear bumper. The tire did not deflate. Continental denied claim because the tire was previously repaired for a puncture.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-13
Power train
1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
1997 BMW 328 ci with 114K miles. Driving and at stop light ready to go into 1ST gear to drive off and car moving very slowly. Transmission problem I've been told and will cost $5K-$7.5 to fix depending on if I go to dealer or maaco shop.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-10-24
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 5 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control.
Show complaint excerpts
Emission failed. Yh
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-30
Electrical system
1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
Show complaint excerpts
Ignition switch failed on three occasions. Mjs
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-07-30
Air bags
1 of 5 total reports mentions: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 1997 BMW 328I. While driving at various speeds, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-09-30
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
1997 BMW 328IC — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 BMW 328IC 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 328IC?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 328IC 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.