Vehicles / BMW / 328I / 1999

1999 BMW 328I

98 federal complaints (125 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 14 service bulletins
See all 16 model years of the BMW 328I →
Engine
2.8L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
17 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
98
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
42
Power train
13
Body & structure
11
Suspension
10
Brakes
9
Tires
7
Electrical system
7
Seat belts
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 9 complaints01 years old: 4 complaints2 years old: 1 complaints3 years old: 6 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 11 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 2 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 8 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 4 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 16 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 88 of 98 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 6 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 5 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 6 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 7 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 7 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 1 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 48 of 98 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

42 complaint records9 crash reports
"WHEN INVOLVED IN AN HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 35 MPH, FRONTAL, OR SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Power train

13 complaint records
"CONSUMER HAS PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES AND CLUTCH. THOSE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN FIXED BY DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND AT THIS POINT VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Body & structure

11 complaint records1 crash report
"2000 BMW 328I HAS CRACKED AND TORN REAR SUBFRAME UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY FACTORY ORIGINAL WITH ALL SERVICES UP TO DATE. IF LEFT UN-REPAIRED, VEHICLE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V851000DO NOT DRIVEAir BagsBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility.Normally free
21V401000Air BagsBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver...Normally free
19V853000Air BagsBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI)...Normally free
19V852000Air BagsBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata.Normally free
02V223000Air BagsON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.Normally free
99V100000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION.Normally free
99V063000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT...Normally free

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B510819
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemThe basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B340414
Apr 2021
Service BrakesDiagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs.
B651820
Nov 2020
EquipmentSERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
B013118
Apr 2019
Air BagsTAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618
Jan 2019
Air BagsTAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
Show 9 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
B011618
Oct 2018
Electrical SystemFor the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific?
B011718
Oct 2018
Air BagsFor the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific?
B080119
Feb 2018
Air BagsIn an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page.
B121616
Jul 2016
Electrical SystemOXYGEN SENSORS - READINESS CODE MONITOR IS NOT SET. Vehicle may not pass the state inspection (SMOG or I/M) due to oxygen sensors readiness monitor not set/not fitted/not supported. DME software error.
B340414
Sep 2015
Service BrakesDiagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin.
340414
Dec 2014
Service BrakesDiagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs.
651414
Jun 2014
Air BagsSpecial Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request.
120913
Nov 2013
EquipmentState Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic).
117598
Jul 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING 2.5 AND 2.8 LITER SIX CYLINDER ENGINES. *YC

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Do not drive it home until the do-not-drive recall is confirmed repaired.At least one campaign on this vehicle carries a federal do-not-drive advisory. Confirm the repair with the dealer, by VIN, before taking delivery.
  6. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this BMW 328I →