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1996 BMW 328I problems

The most common problem on the 1996 BMW 328I is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical 328I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Engine

The worst 1996 BMW 328I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    6
  • Electrical
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Body
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    6
  • Electrical
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Body
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 BMW 328I 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 1996 BMW 328I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 17, 2007 · Electrical · 96,720 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 bmw 328i. He stated that the horn did not work and noticed that the wires were cut in the steering column and under the hood. He stated that he purchased the clockspring, but it was not compatible with the steering wheel. The current mileage was 97,120 and the approximate failure mileage was 96720.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Locks · MI

Power lock actuators on vehicle fail repeatedly. Between 2000 and 2003, three power lock actuators failed on vehicle (both rear doors and front passenger door). Sometimes the actuators get stuck in the locked position, sometimes unlocked. Walked away from vehicle with an unlocked door on several occasions before discovering problem. In one case (front pass. Door), door lock was even difficult (but not impossible) to operate manually: this was stuck in the locked position, making entry into the vehicle very difficult.

Filed Jun 12, 2003 · Transmission · 80,489 miles · IL

I have a 328i bmw, and the information in the owners manual states that you never need to change the transmission fluid yet on the day in question my transmission began to stall and jerk. I than called my mechanic who I informed of this trouble, he then informed me to bring the car to him to check. I need to also tell that this automobile does not have a dip stick so there is no way to tell if the transmission fluid is going bad prior to what is happening to me. When I call bmw they informed me that they only warranty the transmission fluid and not the transmission, when you consider that the transmission only operates correctly when the fluid is right. In conclusion I would like to know if there are any other such cases reported and if so what is my course of action if any. Thank you.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Lights · NY

For the last month and a half the vehicle experienced problems with the brake lights and the plate lights.

Filed May 20, 2003 · Brakes · NY

The brakes failed on the vehicle.

Filed Jul 15, 2002 · Airbags · TX

Air bag light has come on and has stayed on. After contacting dealer, dealer noted that air bags may not deploy in an accident.*ak

Filed Jul 1, 2002 · Body · CA

Interior lock located on all four doors. Will lock ppassenger in inside of doors without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Engine · VA

Vehicle self diagnoistics provides engine check light warning. Diagnoistic code indicates "low emissions efficiency". Dealer read code and reported the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Factory warranty expired at 80,000 miles so it was not covered. Replacement costs estimated at $1330. This failure occured less than 100,000 miles on vehicle. I understand that a recall was performed on 1986 318i models for failed catalytic converter parts. The bmw parts source may be the same for the model 328i which would be why I experienced this failure. This mileage is very low for a cat to fail and is unexceptable for a quality manufactured vehicle.

Filed Dec 17, 2001 · Transmission · FL

While driving and shifting gears vehicle fails to shift gears properly. Dealer has determined that clutch had gone bad. Please provide further details.

Filed Nov 27, 2001 · Transmission · FL

When driving and upon shifting gears vehicle fails to shift gears properly. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has determined that clutch was deffective. Please provide further details.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 BMW 328I before you buy

Compare the 1996 BMW 328I

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1996 BMW 328I

Is the 1996 BMW 328I reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 1996 BMW 328I, fewer than a typical 328I model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW 328I?

Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is electrical (4).

How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 328I have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the BMW 328I have bad engine?

The BMW 328I model years with the most engine complaints are 2011 (365 complaints), 2013 (134 complaints) and 2007 (100 complaints).

Share your experience with the 1996 BMW 328I

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