1998 BMW 328I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 143,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 BMW 328I, 12% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,000 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.
“The automatic transmission in my 1998 Bmw 328I failed due to burnt fluid and oxidation. Bmw product literature clear states that the transmission contains a lifetime fill of fluid and does not require changing. In addition, Bmw does not include a transmission service in any regularly recommended services and never recommends that one be performed. Intersting though, Bmw recommends the use of dexron iii/mercon fluid for the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049606, filed 2003-12, 143,000 miles“Fuel sensors failed. Gas gauge showed fuel but car ran out of gas at freeway speed in rushhour traffic. Fues sensors have been replaced 5 times. Thus, I drive my car by the trip odometer and not the fuel gauge.Bmw states problem is due to gas is california. Bmw states not a manufacturers' defect.”
NHTSA complaint #726125, filed 2000-07Transmission 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 1998 BMW 328I
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsFuel system
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 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