1998 BMW 528IA: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 BMW 528IA: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 20 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #98V143000 · 1998 · 3,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The sealing material of the switch can develop leaks and allow water entry.
Why it matters: This condition can eventually result in an incorrect indication of the transmission gear position, which could also cause the car not to start, or allow it to start in a drive gear, such as 'drive' or 'reverse.'
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission gear position switch.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Wheels (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 BMW 528IA has 2 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 3 528IA model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 3). Neighboring years: 1997 (3 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 | 17 | 26 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
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 1998 BMW 528IA.
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 1998 BMW 528IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 BMW 528IA. 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 1998 BMW 528IA problems?
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (1), wheels (1).
What gas mileage does the 1998 BMW 528IA get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 BMW 528IA 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.