Most common 2000 BMW 528i problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 528i complaints by model year
Best 528i years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2011, 2012, 2008, 2013. Compare all years →
2000 BMW 528i recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
What 2000 BMW 528i owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owned a 2000 BMW 528i. The contact stated that shortly after arriving home and with the vehicle parked in his garage, he observed first white smoke and then brown smoke emanating from the engine compartment. While waiting for emergency services, the contact stated that he then observed flames engulfing the engine compartment and heard a loud pop. As a result, the contact reported extensive smoke damage to the interior of the garage. The local fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, and a fire report was filed. A police report was also filed, and no injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic; instead, the contact has stored the vehicle at his home. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 BMW 528i. The contact was driving and came to a stop, when smoke was seen coming from the passenger side of the hood. There was a cracking sound then flames was seen coming from under the hood. The contact and the passenger exited the vehicle. The contact stated attempted to extinguish the flames but could not. The fire department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injurie. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 283,000.
Air bags
My car was parked in front of my house stationary I was changing the battery when I put the battery in and connected it the airbags blew up destroyed the dash steering wheel and cracked the front windshield this car is off and parked
BMW 2000 model 528: driver's side airbag deployment without impact or inertial cause. No bumps, potholes or objects struck the vehicle. I was knocked out for ~ to 8 seconds at 75 MPH.
Wheels & tires
New tires Eagle f1 asymmetric bought and installed in May 2011 ( unknowingly rec'd 2007 production tires ) and then removed my tires for winter tires in November 2011. When reinstalling the summer tires this spring / April 2012, multiple bubbles were apparent on 3 of the tires and the 4th tire had a bubble as well. Was told by an independent Goodyear tire vendor that the bubbles resembled the effects impact damage. Furious and puzzled as to how these bubbles appeared after having sat a winter indoors and no damage was apparent when the tires were removed ( on rims ) at season's end. The tires were dismounted and remounted this spring. The bubbles emerged after reinflating them. How could there be multiple impact bubbles in different spots ( all on outside ) on the same tire and all tires have these bubbles? …
A bubble in the rear passenger tire caused a blow out. Consumer pulled over and changed the tire. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Pirelli p245/451794.
2000 BMW 528i engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 BMW 528i a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 528i rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 528i 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 2000 BMW 528i?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (7) and wheels & tires (4).
How many recalls does the 2000 BMW 528i have?
There is 1 recall for the 2000 BMW 528i, the most recent from February 17, 2000 (switch). 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 528i?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011, 2012, 2008 and 2013. See the full BMW 528i years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 BMW 528i problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 102,000 miles; 7% 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.