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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1997 | 41 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 46 |
| 2000 | 42 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 118 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 117 |
| 2012 | 89 |
| 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.
18% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030708
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, 20191126
-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, 20161130
Also filed under ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and SERVICE BRAKES
12% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
12% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing trunk lid and door.
FIREShow 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, 20071011
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
SPEEDOMETER IS 3 MPH OFF ON ADJUSTMENT. MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 19990618
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.
CRASHShow 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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000630
SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION. (QCAW)
NHTSA ODI report, 19980826
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.