1996 BMW 328I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,720miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 BMW 328I, 13% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,720 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10199955, filed 2007-08, 96,720 miles“Sometimes when I put the key into the ignition and turn the key to start the car, the key turns freely (all the way around without starting te car). When I reported the problem in 1998 to te Bmw dealer in columbus, ga, I was told that this was a normal reaction. I was told that the car was checking the security system. This continued to hapen two-three times a month. Yesterday (may 12, 2001), I was driving my car and stopped to turn it off. The ignition stuck in the on position but I could pull my key out and the engine would continue to run. …”
NHTSA complaint #745277, filed 2001-05Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21 | 37% |
| 2015 | 56 | 45% |
| 2014 | 52 | 34% |
| 2013 | 61 | 24% |
| 2012 | 23 | 18% |
| 2011 | 130 | 22% |
| 2010 | 38 | 25% |
| 2009 | 61 | 32% |
| 2008 | 85 | 36% |
| 2007 | 129 | 32% |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 19% |
| 1997 | 7 | 28% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 BMW 328I
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 BMW 328I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology