1999 BMW 328I Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1999 BMW 328I, 3% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 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.
“Electric locks fail to unlock in hot or humid weather. Driver and passengers are also unable to unlock three passenger doors manually, though the key can be used to manually unlock the driver door. This is a safety hazard when passengers are locked in car. The only method to exit at times is to roll down windows and crawl out. In the instance of an emergency where passengers need to exit quickly, this can be a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10461073, filed 2012-06, 150,000 miles“1999 Bmw 328I 4dr (e46) door lock failure door locks no longer unlock doors when button is pressed on fob or from within the vehicle. Happens 2 out of three time's door are locked, doors lock automatically when car begins to move. Problem: lock not operating, trap occupant in vehicle, the doors will not open manually. This is serious, you cannot unlock the doors to exit the vehicle!”
NHTSA complaint #10284997, filed 2009-09, 80,000 miles“The doors do not unlock and cannot be opened from the inside in the case of emergency. Problem occurs intermittently without warning. The driver's side door is the only one that can be manually over-ridden.”
NHTSA complaint #10413854, filed 2011-07, 153,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 BMW 328I
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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