1998 BMW 528I Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 12%of 33 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 BMW 528I, 12% of the 33 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 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.
“Two major complaints: 1. Transmission of the car broke down completely within 82,000 miles. I had to spend a large amount of money to replace the transmission. 2. Power steering of the car had experienced leak since I bought the car. Still after so many years the problem has not been properly rectified despite the fact that I brought this to the attention of the dealer. 3. After I gave my car to the ann arbor Bmw dealer, once they replaced some unrelated mechanical components that cost me over $600. …”
NHTSA complaint #10259194, filed 2009-02, 82,000 miles“My 1998 Bmw 5-series 528I started accelerating on it's own when I was driving, and I had to keep my foot on the brake and almost ran a few red lights. When I parked my car I had to put it in neutral to turn it off and I tried starting it again (with my foot on the brake) and it accelerated w/out being in drive. Now my car jerks every time I'm driving slow and it feels like it's not shifting properly any more.”
NHTSA complaint #10320643, filed 2010-03Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 20 | 22% |
| 2011 | 25 | 21% |
| 2010 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 15 | 13% |
| 1999 | 4 | 9% |
| 1998 | 4 | 12% |
| 1997 | 5 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1998 BMW 528I
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 BMW 528I
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