1999 BMW 328I Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 11%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 BMW 328I, 11% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Bmw 328I year 1999. I have had vehicle inspected by a reputable technician who informed me that my car has problem with rear sub-fram seperation and cracking. He mentioned this is a dangerous issue, which could cause the vehcile to lose control. He also mentioned that this year and model have ongoing problem. After additional research on web, there are hundreds, if not thousands of complaints on the same problem with same model year(s) 1999-2002 3 series Bmw cars. I have over 200 names myself, of logged complaints on a Bmw blog site. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321555, filed 2010-03, 107,800 miles“Under normal driving I started to hear and feel a 'clunk' type noise when engaging the car into gear. Took the car to my mechanic to inspect and he found some cracks in the rear subframe along with the differential mounts being pratically torn off.”
NHTSA complaint #10091075, filed 2004-09, 70,500 miles“The subframe ripped out from under the vehicle while driving. Vehicle was then driven to the dealership. The rear tires separated from the body of the vehicle, and only were attached by the shocks and rear axle. Dealership indicated that the factory didn't reinforce the unibody to the subframe, which caused this failure to occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10079622, filed 2004-06, 48,000 miles“Rear subframe torn away from chassis causing noisy and misaligned suspension parts and a definite safety concern for complete failure. Common enough problem that there are more than 100 websites detailing it. Time for a recall before someone gets hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10119686, filed 2005-05, 65,000 miles“2000 Bmw 328I has cracked and torn rear subframe under normal driving conditions. Vehicle is completely factory original with all services up to date. If left un-repaired, vehicle is a serious safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #10172512, filed 2006-11Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 2% |
| 2014 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 8 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 18 | 5% |
| 2000 | 31 | 28% |
| 1999 | 11 | 11% |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 16% |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1999 BMW 328I
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 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 28, 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