1998 BMW 528I
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
- 33
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
18% of complaints
Complaints per year
1998: 33 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1997 | 41 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 46 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 118 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 118 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2015 | 63 |
| 2016 | 59 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states while traveling 35 MPH without any indication resulting in a vehicle crash. Upon impact, side air bags deployed, blowing door panel off, and causing injury to passenger's ribs.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-08
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated five years ago. The contact attempted to use a code reader to diagnose the defect, but no code was discovered.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-26
-Takata -ABS module malfunction due to module being fried by excessively engine heat -dsc system failure due to poor wiring and heat from poor placement in engine bay this has caused multiple issues with drive ability and safety I've been...
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-11-30
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc) and service brakes
Steering
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Structure
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing trunk lid and door.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 BMW 528I. While the engine was running, the contact smelled something burning. He discovered that the brake light for the window burned through the housing and fell into the trunk. The bulb landed by the fuel tank.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-11
Also filed under Exterior lighting
Power train
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Speedometer is 3 MPH off on adjustment. Mjs
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-06-18
Vehicle speed control
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
While pulling into garage with foot off gas and on brake, vehicle accelerated unexpectedly into garage wall, placed car into reverse, then shot out of front of garage all without placing foot on gas.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-06-30
Sudden acceleration resulting in a collision. (Qcaw)
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-26
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 528I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 4 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1998 BMW 528I reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 BMW 528I is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1998 BMW 528I?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 528I 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.