Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14 | typical | 2 | Brake | Average |
| 2014 | 17 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 27 | 1.8× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2012 | 1 | −81% | 4 | — | Good |
| 2011 | 67 | 3.4× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2010 | 17 | typical | 3 | Electrical | Average |
| 2009 | 11 | −19% | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2008 | 99 | 2.9× | 3 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2007 | 198 | 6.8× | 4 | Electrical | Avoid |
| 2006 | 5 | −63% | 3 | Brake | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median 328xi year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common BMW 328xi problems
Latest BMW 328xi recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › Wiring
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 328xi should you avoid?
2007, 2011, 2008 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 328xi years at the same age, led by electrical system problems in the 2007.
What is the best year for the BMW 328xi?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other 328xi years at the same age, followed by 2006 and 2009. 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 328xi problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (146), engine & cooling (141) and air bags (81). Electrical complaints peak in the 2007 model year.
How many recalls has the BMW 328xi had?
8 recalls across 2006–2015. The model year with the most is 2007. See all BMW 328xi recalls by year.
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.