1996 BMW 328I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 31 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,489miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 BMW 328I, 13% of the 31 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,489 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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10021514, filed 2003-06, 80,489 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #899479, filed 2001-11“Plastic pivot for clutch release lever failed, causing distortion of diaphragm spring, causing failure of clutch to engage. I believe this plastic part that failed is new in the 328I series.”
NHTSA complaint #711527, filed 1999-09“While driving and shifting gears vehicle fails to shift gears properly. Dealer has determined that clutch had gone bad. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #8000776, filed 2001-12Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 14% |
| 2015 | 13 | 10% |
| 2014 | 9 | 6% |
| 2013 | 23 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 15% |
| 2011 | 24 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 8 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 27 | 24% |
| 1999 | 12 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 12% |
| 1997 | 1 | 4% |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1996 BMW 328I
6 complaintsElectrical system
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 31, 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