BMW 528i Problems by Year

We compared every BMW 528i model year from 1997–2016 using 830 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 14 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2013, which drew far more complaints than other 528i years at the same age. The best years are 2009, 2015 and 2014.

13model years
830complaints
14recalls
2011, 2012worst years
2009, 2015best years

Complaints by model year

19971998199920002008200920102011201220132014201520164133464211823651189073576559
Owner complaints per model year, BMW 528i. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2016591.4×4EngineAverage
201565−49%1EngineGood
201457−30%3EngineAverage
2013731.6×4EngineCaution
2012902.1×4EngineAvoid
20111182.1×4EngineAvoid
201065typical2EngineAverage
200923−63%2EngineGood
20081181.8×2EngineCaution
200042typical1EngineAverage
199946typical—BrakeAverage
199833−35%—AirbagAverage
199741−15%—SuspensionAverage

* Complaints compared with the median 528i year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common BMW 528i problems

Latest BMW 528i recalls

Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles

NHTSA recall 24V-608 · Aug 13, 2024 · 720,796 vehicles

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

NHTSA recall 24V-527 · Jul 11, 2024 · 1,145 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe…

Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

NHTSA recall 17V-683 · Oct 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 16V-914 · Dec 20, 2016 · 3,506 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S,…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA recall 16V-832 · Nov 17, 2016 · 91 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

All 14 BMW 528i recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the BMW 528i should you avoid?

2011, 2012, 2008 and 2013 — these years have the most complaints relative to other 528i years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2011.

What is the best year for the BMW 528i?

2009 has the fewest complaints compared with other 528i years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2014. 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 528i problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (382), electrical system (187) and transmission & drivetrain (106). Engine complaints peak in the 2011 model year.

How many recalls has the BMW 528i had?

14 recalls across 1997–2016. The model year with the most is 2011. See all BMW 528i 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.