1999 BMW 328I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 BMW 328I: 7 recalls, 98 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #99V063000 · 1999 · 34,701 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are built with a side air bag system consisting of door-mounted thorax air bags (rear door air bags are optional), a head protection system (hps) for front occupants, a central electronic sensor and diagnostic system, left and right satellite impact sensors, and associated wiring. This system is unduly sensitive to certain non-crash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial…
Why it matters: This could cause the side air bag and hps to deploy without an actual side crash. In addition, the battery safety terminal (bst) would also activate, disconnecting the starter cable from the battery. In this case, vehicle electrical system would continue to operate and the engine would continue to…
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the central computer control module that regulates the performance of all of the vehicle's occupant protection systems.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #99V100000 · 1999 · 31,067 vehicles
What's wrong: It is possible that the retaining clip that secures the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm was not properly installed during production. It is possible for the clip to detach from the pin on the brake pedal arm allowing the pushrod to disconnect from the arm.
Why it matters: If this occurs, braking is not possible.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the clip for tight installation and replace the clip if it is loose.
Airbags Vehicle recall #02V223000 · 2002 · 20,500 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain 4-door passenger vehicles, the side air bag system could deploy in certain non-crash impacts, such as when contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speeds.
Why it matters: This could cause the side air bag and head protection system to deploy without an actual side crash or impact severe enough to cause significant visible damage to the vehicle. Unexpected deployment of the side air bag could cause serious injury if the occupant's head is resting near the side air…
The fix: Dealers will recalibrate the central air bag control module to reduce the possibility of such a non-crash deployment. Owner notification began October 25, 2002.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V852000 · 2019 · 34,396 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflators May absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Bmw mailed interim notices informing owners…
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V853000 · 2019 · 74,185 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V851000 · 2019 · 7,910 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflators May absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V401000 · 2021 · 4,511 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19v-851, 19v852, or 19v-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (37): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (12): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Body & structure (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3).
- Suspension (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), steering problems (2).
The 1999 BMW 328I has 98 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 21 328I model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 123). Complaints peaked in 2020 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 106,400 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (26 complaints, 0 recalls), 2000 (112 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1999 BMW 328I.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 BMW 328I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 1999 BMW 328I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1999 BMW 328I problems?
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (37), transmission & drivetrain (12), body & structure (11).
What gas mileage does the 1999 BMW 328I get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 BMW 328I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.