1998 BMW 328I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 167,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 BMW 328I, 19% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 167,000 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.
“Brake lights warning brake light failure keeps being displayed across the control panel. I clean the tail lights and brakes lights and the lights did illuminate properly afterwards, the warning goes away. Then the next time I get in the car a day later the control says 1 brake light failure then the next day says brake light failure .”
NHTSA complaint #10537145, filed 2013-08, 165,000 miles“Bought car from third party with rebuilt title 333,000 miles currently and has been recertified by state patrol in 2015. Control cluster says taillight failure, and has issues with not starting. When jump started the car has reduced power with transmission limp mode light. Sometimes light comes on with limp mode, other time no limp mode at all. Have replaced taillights, battery and alternator with no fix. Still having reduced power, have to jump start my car and have a taillight failure. Cars front tires rub when turning even though all parts have clearance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11455158, filed 2022-03“Little power upon acceleration, then car surges.safety switch in ignition failed to release key when car was turned off and in park. After 5 attempts to repair, now ingition will not accept key to go in when attmpting to start the car. He ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #706750, filed 1999-05Related 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 1998 BMW 328I
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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