MYRModel Year Report

BMW 528I — years to avoid

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA.

1 model year to avoid, 2 to watch and 3 best bets. Tap a year to see its problem areas, recalls and buy-smart checklist.

Avoid1 year

Caution2 years

Best bets3 years

Complaint history

1980: 2 complaints, Not enough data 1980 1985 1990 1995 1997: 41 complaints, Recommended 1998: 33 complaints, Recommended 1999: 46 complaints, Recommended 2000: 42 complaints, Recommended 2000 2001: 2 complaints, Not enough data 2007: 1 complaint, Not enough data 2008: 118 complaints, Avoid 2008 2009: 23 complaints, Not enough data 2010: 65 complaints, Recommended 2011: 117 complaints, Caution 2012: 90 complaints, Caution 2013: 73 complaints, Recommended 2014: 56 complaints, Recommended 2015: 63 complaints, Recommended 2015 2016: 59 complaints, Recommended 2008 · 118
1980: 2 complaints, Not enough data 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1997: 41 complaints, Recommended 1998: 33 complaints, Recommended 1998 1999: 46 complaints, Recommended 2000: 42 complaints, Recommended 2001: 2 complaints, Not enough data 2001 2004 2007: 1 complaint, Not enough data 2008: 118 complaints, Avoid 2008 2009: 23 complaints, Not enough data 2010: 65 complaints, Recommended 2011: 117 complaints, Caution 2012: 90 complaints, Caution 2013: 73 complaints, Recommended 2013 2014: 56 complaints, Recommended 2015: 63 complaints, Recommended 2016: 59 complaints, Recommended 2016 2008 · 118
1980: 2 complaints, Not enough data 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1997: 41 complaints, Recommended 1998: 33 complaints, Recommended 1998 1999: 46 complaints, Recommended 2000: 42 complaints, Recommended 2000 2001: 2 complaints, Not enough data 2002 2004 2006 2007: 1 complaint, Not enough data 2008: 118 complaints, Avoid 2008 2009: 23 complaints, Not enough data 2010: 65 complaints, Recommended 2010 2011: 117 complaints, Caution 2012: 90 complaints, Caution 2012 2013: 73 complaints, Recommended 2014: 56 complaints, Recommended 2014 2015: 63 complaints, Recommended 2016: 59 complaints, Recommended 2016 2008 · 118
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Recommended
  • Not enough data

Every year, ranked

Newest first. Find your year, then open it for the full report.

YearRankingComplaintsCompared with a typical year
2016 ● Recommended 59 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2015 ● Recommended 63 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2014 ● Recommended 56 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2013 ● Recommended 73 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2012 ◆ Caution 90 This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
2011 ◆ Caution 117 This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
2010 ● Recommended 65 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2009 ○ Not enough data 23 Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2008 ■ Avoid 118 This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2007 ○ Not enough data 1 Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2002–2006 No NHTSA records on file — this model year may not have been sold, or no complaints, recalls or investigations were ever filed against it.
2001 ○ Not enough data 2 Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2000 ▲ Recommended 42 This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
1999 ● Recommended 46 This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
1998 ▲ Recommended 33 This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
1997 ▲ Recommended 41 This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
1981–1996 No NHTSA records on file — this model year may not have been sold, or no complaints, recalls or investigations were ever filed against it.
1980 ○ Not enough data 2 Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
How the rankings work

Each model year’s distinct NHTSA complaint count is compared with the median of the same model’s other eligible years.

  • ▲ Recommended

    At least 30% fewer complaints than the model’s typical year.

  • ● Recommended

    Within 30% of the model’s typical year.

  • ◆ Caution

    30% to 100% more complaints than the typical year.

  • ■ Avoid

    More than double the complaints of the typical year.

  • ○ Not enough data

    Fewer than 30 complaints on file, or too few other years to compare with — too few for a fair verdict.

Recalls

14

recalls on file across every BMW 528I model year.

Open a year above to see that year’s own recalls, investigations, and remedies.

Other BMW models