2000 BMW 528I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 BMW 528I: 1 recall, 42 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #00V048000 · 2000 · 17,700 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Why it matters: If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are overheating (3), stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (4): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (4).
- Steering (3): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
The 2000 BMW 528I has 42 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 15 528I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 55). Complaints peaked in 2007 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 100,377 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (46 complaints, 0 recalls), 2001 (2 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
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 2000 BMW 528I.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 2000 BMW 528I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2000 BMW 528I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2000 BMW 528I problems?
Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (10), airbags (7), tires (4).
What gas mileage does the 2000 BMW 528I get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2000 BMW 528I 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.