MotorDeets

1997 BMW 328I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 BMW 328I: 0 recalls, 25 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
25owner complaints
3mention a crash
21best combined mpg
1997 BMW 328I
Photo: Aboutdamnavantime.wiki · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Electrical7
Body & structure4
Engine & cooling3
Tires3
Airbags3
Speed control / throttle2
Seat belts2
Transmission & drivetrain1

What owners describe

The 1997 BMW 328I has 25 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 21 328I model years for complaints (well below the 123 average). Complaints peaked in 2001 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (31 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (26 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.8 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive182621Premium
2.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive172419Premium

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 1997 BMW 328I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 BMW 328I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 BMW 328I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

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

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1997 BMW 328I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

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

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 BMW 328I manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 1997 BMW 328I have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 BMW 328I. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 BMW 328I problems?

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (7), body & structure (4), engine & cooling (3).

What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW 328I get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 BMW 328I repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other 328I years

199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016