1999 BMW 528I
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 46
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
None on file
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 46 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.
Service brakes
28% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Show complaint excerpts
I had been driving my 528I (BMW 1999) this past winter when I noticed the power brakes were no longer working.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-06
Air bags
20% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing side/window and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Takata inflators: my nephew was driving on the highway, when the driver side airbags exploded without warning. Both the door airbag and the curtain airbag exploded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-12
Wilmington North Carolina police insurance fraud staged accident attempted murder. Officer [xxx] released a driver in the accident and filed a false accident report with caucasian males. Accident report wilmington North Carolina online.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-30
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 BMW 528I. While making a right turn, the driver's air bag deployed without warning or an impact. The contact sustained eye injuries that required medical attention.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-08
Vehicle speed control
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 BMW 528I. The contact was attempting to park when the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward. She was unable to brake and crashed into tree. The contact was uninjured.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-03-24
This is the 2ND incident. The first time was was about 6 months ago. The car had unexpected acceleration (Run-away vehicle). The first time this happened my entire family was in car as I merged onto highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-23
Power train
9% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
Structure
9% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing door and hinge and attachments.
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
1999 BMW 528I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 7 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 BMW 528I reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 BMW 528I is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 BMW 528I?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 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.