1998 BMW 528I
0 recalls, 39 complaints - 23 TSBs
No recalls found for this vehicle.
Complaint Statistics
39 total complaints
2 crashes 2 fires 1 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID | 2 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW | 2 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 1 |
AIR BAGS
Nov 26, 2019
Incident date: Nov 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FIVE YEARS AGO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO USE A CODE READER TO DIAGNOSE THE DEFECT, BUT NO CODE WAS DISCOVERED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEE... Read more
SEATS
Mar 2, 2018
Incident date: Feb 25, 2018
THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT ONLY TILTS FORWARD AND BACKWARD A LITTLE AND THE OTHER SIDE STAYS STATIONARY. ALL OTHER SEAT FUNCTIONS WORK EXCEPT THAT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 30, 2016
Incident date: Nov 28, 2016
-TAKATA -ABS MODULE MALFUNCTION DUE TO MODULE BEING FRIED BY EXCESSIVELY ENGINE HEAT -DSC SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO POOR WIRING AND HEAT FROM POOR PLACEMENT IN ENGINE BAY THIS HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH DRIVE ABILITY AND SAFETY I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR QUITE AWHILE THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN HA... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Nov 30, 2016
Incident date: Nov 28, 2016
-TAKATA -ABS MODULE MALFUNCTION DUE TO MODULE BEING FRIED BY EXCESSIVELY ENGINE HEAT -DSC SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO POOR WIRING AND HEAT FROM POOR PLACEMENT IN ENGINE BAY THIS HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH DRIVE ABILITY AND SAFETY I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR QUITE AWHILE THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN HA... Read more
AIR BAGS
Nov 30, 2016
Incident date: Nov 28, 2016
-TAKATA -ABS MODULE MALFUNCTION DUE TO MODULE BEING FRIED BY EXCESSIVELY ENGINE HEAT -DSC SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO POOR WIRING AND HEAT FROM POOR PLACEMENT IN ENGINE BAY THIS HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH DRIVE ABILITY AND SAFETY I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR QUITE AWHILE THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN HA... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 30, 2016
Incident date: Nov 28, 2016
-TAKATA -ABS MODULE MALFUNCTION DUE TO MODULE BEING FRIED BY EXCESSIVELY ENGINE HEAT -DSC SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO POOR WIRING AND HEAT FROM POOR PLACEMENT IN ENGINE BAY THIS HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH DRIVE ABILITY AND SAFETY I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING FOR QUITE AWHILE THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN HA... Read more
AIR BAGS
Dec 6, 2011
Incident date: Mar 1, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ENGINE START UP, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSORS NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 29, 2010
Incident date: Oct 15, 2010
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT ENTERS THE TRUNK LID THAT SUPPLIES THE LIGHTS FOR THE REAR LICENSE PLATE AND THE TRUNK LID RELEASE HAS FRAYED AT THE EXACT POINT WHERE THE HARNESS ENTERS THE TRUNK LID. THE WIRING COMES IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE SHARP EDGE AT THE OPENING IN THE TRUNK LID, AND SEVERAL OF THE ... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Mar 18, 2010
Incident date: Mar 3, 2010
MY 1998 BMW 5-SERIES 528I STARTED ACCELERATING ON IT'S OWN WHEN I WAS DRIVING, AND I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND ALMOST RAN A FEW RED LIGHTS. WHEN I PARKED MY CAR I HAD TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO TURN IT OFF AND I TRIED STARTING IT AGAIN (WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE) AND IT ACCELERATED W/OUT BE... Read more
POWER TRAIN
Sep 14, 2009
Incident date: Sep 12, 2009
NO REVERSE GEAR. THE REVERSE GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED WORKING. *TR
STEERING
Feb 18, 2009
Incident date: Feb 10, 2007
TWO MAJOR COMPLAINTS: 1. TRANSMISSION OF THE CAR BROKE DOWN COMPLETELY WITHIN 82,000 MILES. I HAD TO SPEND A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. 2. POWER STEERING OF THE CAR HAD EXPERIENCED LEAK SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. STILL AFTER SO MANY YEARS THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Feb 18, 2009
Incident date: Feb 10, 2007
TWO MAJOR COMPLAINTS: 1. TRANSMISSION OF THE CAR BROKE DOWN COMPLETELY WITHIN 82,000 MILES. I HAD TO SPEND A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. 2. POWER STEERING OF THE CAR HAD EXPERIENCED LEAK SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. STILL AFTER SO MANY YEARS THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN PROPERLY... Read more
STEERING
Jan 19, 2009
Incident date: Jan 16, 2009
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY (MARICOPA HWY) MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SPIN AROUND AND IT HAD NO AFFECT ON THE STEERING OF MY BMW, IN OTHER WORDS I COULD NOT OR I HAVE LOST THE STEERING CAPACITY, THE STEERING WHEEL JUST SPINS. *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
May 15, 2008
Incident date: May 20, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WOULD FALL OFF IN HER HAND. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A TOTAL OF EIGHT TIMES AND PREVENTED HER FROM EXITING THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT R... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jan 17, 2008
Incident date: Dec 1, 2007
98 528I, AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. REPAIR MADE BY BMW DEALER AS PER TSB 61-2000. DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS. REPAIR BYPASSED ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION. DEALER AND BMW N/A DECLINED TO COVER REPAIR ALTHOUGH ACKNOWLEDGING DEFECT IN THE WIRING HARNESS. STATED THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN A REC... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Oct 11, 2007
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 528I. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT FOR THE WINDOW BURNED THROUGH THE HOUSING AND FELL INTO THE TRUNK. THE BULB LANDED BY THE FUEL TANK. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE... Read more
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Oct 11, 2007
Incident date: Sep 1, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 BMW 528I. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT FOR THE WINDOW BURNED THROUGH THE HOUSING AND FELL INTO THE TRUNK. THE BULB LANDED BY THE FUEL TANK. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE... Read more
Fire
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Jan 4, 2007
Incident date: Jan 1, 1901
1998 BMW 528I REAR WINDOW EXPLODED OR INTERNAL MOTOR WENT OUT**CC *JB
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Feb 10, 2006
Incident date: Feb 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED HOWEVER, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. UPDATED 03/03/06.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 22, 2005
Incident date: Oct 10, 2005
THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY MOVES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON CONSTANTLY AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
STEERING
Nov 22, 2005
Incident date: Oct 10, 2005
THE STEERING WHEEL INTERMITTENTLY MOVES UP AND DOWN ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON CONSTANTLY AND THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 21, 2005
Incident date: May 4, 2005
DRIVING ON ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 10MPH AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE HOOD. PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED COOLANT SYSTEM AND FOUND THAT THE NECK HAD BROKEN OFF THE RADIATOR(COMMON PROBLEM WITH E39) ALLOWING COOLANT TO SPRAY INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS LUC... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Aug 11, 2004
Incident date: Aug 11, 2004
CONSUMER STATED TAIL LIGHTS WARPED, CAUSING THEM TO BURN OUT PREMATURELY. *AK
STRUCTURE
Mar 30, 2004
Incident date: Mar 1, 1999
THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE INSIDE PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN TO USE THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK BMW CONSIDERED THE PROBLEM TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART/TRIM AND DID NOT HON... Read more
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Mar 29, 2004
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR MODULE MALFUNCTIONED. THE PART WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Oct 14, 2003
Incident date: Oct 14, 2003
AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DEALER STATED HE KNEW WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Aug 11, 2003
Incident date: Aug 5, 2003
AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED AND A POWERSTEERING HOSE REPLACED, THE VEHICLE WAS LOOSING A LOT OF FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (7 GALLONS IN 10 MILES). IT TURNED OUT TO BE A FUEL LINE CONNECTION ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT WAS NOT FULLY CONNECTED AND SPRAYED FUEL OUT. ... Read more
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Jul 8, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH WITHOUT ANY INDICATION RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. UPON IMPACT, SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BLOWING DOOR PANEL OFF, AND CAUSING INJURY TO PASSENGER'S RIBS. *AK
Crash
1 injured
WHEELS
Feb 25, 2003
Incident date: Feb 22, 2003
BMW 528I SPORT WHEELS BEND AND WARP EASILY CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHIMMY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. WHEEL REPAIR SPECIALIST AND BMW DEALERSHIPS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ALUMINUM IS TOO THIN AND IS PRONE TO WARP. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Jul 8, 2002
Incident date: Jul 1, 2002
CONSUMER SMELLED GAS WHILE DRIVING,.TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC ,AND THEY STATED THAT CONSUMER HIT SOMETHING AND IT PUNCTURED GAS TANK, CAUSING A LEAK. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED ABOUT PLASTIC GAS TANK. HOW EASY IT WAS TO PUNCTURE IT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
Jun 30, 2000
Incident date: Dec 23, 1999
WHILE PULLING INTO GARAGE WITH FOOT OFF GAS AND ON BRAKE, VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY INTO GARAGE WALL, PLACED CAR INTO REVERSE, THEN SHOT OUT OF FRONT OF GARAGE ALL WITHOUT PLACING FOOT ON GAS.*AK
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Mar 22, 2000
ELECTRICAL HARNESS SHORTED FOR DRIVER SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL. YH
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Dec 12, 1998
TRUNK MOTOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED. YH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Sep 30, 1999
AUTOMATIC TRUCK LATCH FAILED. YH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Dec 4, 1998
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON. YH
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Aug 30, 1999
AUTO STEERING WHEEL COLUMN FAILED. *YC
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Aug 30, 1999
Incident date: Aug 1, 1998
ELECTRONIC TRUNK RELEASE FAILED. *YC
POWER TRAIN
Jun 18, 1999
SPEEDOMETER IS 3 MPH OFF ON ADJUSTMENT. MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 26, 1998
Incident date: Apr 4, 1998
SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A COLLISION. (QCAW)
EPA Fuel Economy, 1998 BMW 528I
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 24.0 | 19.0 | Regular | $3,300 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 17.0 | 26.0 | 20.0 | Regular | $3,100 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 BMW 528I
23 manufacturer communications from 17 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 5 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 2 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| 045200 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS | 1 |
| 200000 WHEELS | 1 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| 030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B013118
Apr 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B011618
Jan 1, 2019
140000 AIR BAGS
TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.
B650916
Nov 1, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B011618
Oct 1, 2018
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?comp
B080119
Feb 1, 2018
140000 AIR BAGS
In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122817
Dec 1, 2017
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME (FOR O2 SENSORS): Due to DME software error, the following oxygen sensors plausibility fault codes may be stored in DME 5.2.1 control module:
B122917
Dec 1, 2017
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
651998
Feb 1, 1999
353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO DSP AMPLIFIER SWITCHING TO
16 01 98
Mar 1, 1998
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
12 10 97
Mar 1, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
SUBJECT ON VOLUNTARY EXHAUST EMISSION SERVICE ACTION NO. 98E-A01. PRODUCED FROM 10/95 - 11/97 *YC*DB
04 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUBJECT ON TANK VENTILATION LEAK COUPLERS. *YC
34 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT MOMENTARY EVENT WHERE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT IMMEDIATLELY RETURN. MODELS BUILT PRIOR TO 3/97 *DB*YC
16 04 97
Feb 1, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
NEW EVAPORATIVE (CHARCOAL) CANISTER PURGE LINE. ALL E38 AND E39 MODELE INTRODUCED INTO PRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 3/97 *DB*YC
34 04 97
Feb 1, 1998
200000 WHEELS
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING NOISE FROM FRONT WHEEL. *YC
62 01 98
Feb 1, 1998
045200 SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS
CONDITION WITH BRAKE PAD WARNING STAYS ILLUMINATED AFTER BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. *YC
66 02 97
Jan 1, 1998
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES ON THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER. *YC
04 17 97
Jan 1, 1998
350000 EQUIPMENT
SITUATION WITH THE TENSION ROD TEST GAUGE. *YC
BMW 528I - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 528I across all model years (2000, 2016).
28
Total Recalls
1,236
Total Complaints
0
Investigations
51
Reported Crashes
48
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 528I - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.