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 | 62 |
| 2016 | 57 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION. (QCAW)
NHTSA ODI report, 19980826
6% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
SPEEDOMETER IS 3 MPH OFF ON ADJUSTMENT. MJS
NHTSA ODI report, 19990618
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 (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 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 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 528I have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.