MotorDeets

BMW 328I problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every 328I from 1996 to 2016: 2,579 owner complaints and 78 recalls across 21 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (577), 2007 (399), 2013 (257). Best fuel economy: 27 mpg combined (2016).

BMW 328I
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical683
Engine625
Airbags551
Engine & cooling467
Other / unknown181
Transmission & drivetrain171
Fuel & propulsion128
Body & structure110

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199603121
199702521
199802620
199979821
2000711221
200134–
200210–
200310–
200410–
200510–
200630–
2007639922
2008523922
2009619322
2010615522
2011757722
2012613027
2013525726
2014815127
2015412527
201615727

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the BMW 328I.

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Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

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FAQ

What is the worst year for the BMW 328I?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2011 (577), 2007 (399), 2013 (257).

How many recalls has the BMW 328I had?

Across 1996–2016, NHTSA lists 78 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).