Most common 1998 BMW 328i problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328i complaints by model year
Best 328i years: 2006, 2001, 2016. Years to avoid: 2011, 2007, 2013, 2009, 2014. Compare all years →
What 1998 BMW 328i owners say
Electrical system
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. Electrical problems surplus with this car. Everything from the radio, heater, transmission and taillights works intermittently.
Brake lights warning "brake light failure" keeps being displayed across the control panel. I clean the tail lights and brakes lights and the lights did illuminate properly afterwards, the warning goes away. Then the next time I get in the car a day later the control says "1 brake light failure" then the next day says "brake light failure".
Brakes
Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. Electrical problems surplus with this car. Everything from the radio, heater, transmission and taillights works intermittently.
Brake lights warning "brake light failure" keeps being displayed across the control panel. I clean the tail lights and brakes lights and the lights did illuminate properly afterwards, the warning goes away. Then the next time I get in the car a day later the control says "1 brake light failure" then the next day says "brake light failure".
Air bags
The side air bag failed to deploy out the air bag door cover, when the vehicle hit a curb on rainy night, instead the air bag deployed down the door and blew off the entire door panel. Injures were caused as a result of the door trim which flew off and hit the passenger in the ribs. Photos attached. A field engineer took photos and the vehicle was being used in a training session being held there.
1998 BMW 328i - crashed going 35-40 MPH with extensive front end damage and no air bags deployed.
1998 BMW 328i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 BMW 328i a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 328i rates better than average: 66% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 328i 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 1998 BMW 328i?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition. Next are the brakes (4) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 328i have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 BMW 328i. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 328i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2001 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2007, 2013, 2009 and 2014. See the full BMW 328i years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 BMW 328i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 165,000 miles; 0% 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.