BMW 328 Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 328 model year from 2007–2013 using 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2011, which drew far more complaints than other 328 years at the same age. The best years are 2007 and 2008.

6model years
82complaints
1recalls
2011worst years
2007, 2008best years

Complaints by model year

200720082009201120122013981137710
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 328. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2013101.3×1EngineAverage
20127typical1AirbagAverage
2011374.3×1AirbagAvoid
200911typical1AirbagAverage
20088−60%1AirbagGood
20079−70%1ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median 328 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 328 problems

  • Air bagsworst: 2011
    3138%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2011
    2328%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2011
    1721%
  • Other / not specified
    1113%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2011
    911%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2009
    56%
  • Steeringworst: 2007
    45%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2011
    45%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2011
    34%
  • Seatsworst: 2011
    34%
  • Lightsworst: 2011
    34%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2013
    34%
  • Body & structureworst: 2008
    22%
  • Brakesworst: 2009
    11%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2011
    11%
  • Suspensionworst: 2011
    11%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2011
    11%

Latest BMW 328 recalls

Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

NHTSA recall 16V-071 · Feb 5, 2016 · 840,000 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 328 should you avoid?

2011 — this year has the most complaints relative to other 328 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2011.

What is the best year for the BMW 328?

2007 has the fewest complaints compared with other 328 years at the same age, followed by 2008. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common BMW 328 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the air bags (31), electrical system (23) and engine & cooling (17). Airbag complaints peak in the 2011 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 328 had?

1 recall across 2007–2013. The model year with the most is 2007.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.