Most common 2012 BMW 328 problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328 complaints by model year
Best 328 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2012 BMW 328 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 BMW 328:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2012 BMW 328 owners say
Air bags
I bought my car at around 50K miles, after manufacturer' warranty had expired. It was fine for about a month after my purchase. One day, after driving from the store, my car indicated I needed to fasten my seatbelt. I was fastened in. So I stopped and restarted the car, thinking it was some weird electrical problem. I restarted the car and the same thing happened. I got home and the next time I got into my car to drive it, the display now shows" driver restraint system malfunction: continue wearing safety belt. Consult nearest service center." I took the car to the dealership. The warranty I purchased does not cover seatbelts or airbag sensors. The dealer gave me a cost of replacement: $820.52! I have read that others have had this issue. Yet, there is no recall. Why would it be okay for seatbelts and airbag sensors to stop working just after 50K miles?
Passenger side airbag restraint system malfunction warning illuminated sporadically. I took it to the dealership to have it checked and nothing was found. A week later, the same thing happened. I took it back and was told the passenger side sensor pad needed to be replaced. Now both the driver and passenger airbag/restraint system illuminated while driving or parked. The vehicle doesn't recognize my driver side seat belt being engaged. These warning appear either when the vehicle is in motion or parked.
2012 BMW 328 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 23 / 34 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 33 / 26 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 27 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 BMW 328 a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 328 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 328 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 BMW 328?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the seat belts (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 BMW 328 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 BMW 328, the most recent from February 5, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 328?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011. See the full BMW 328 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 328 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.