Though popular, the BMW 328i has received middling reliability scores from drivers all over the world, scoring only 2.5 out of 5 stars by RepairPal.
The BMW 328i has many problems, with some of the most prominent ones being timing chain issues, fuel system failures, and electrical problems.
Drivers have also complained about overheating A/C and heating systems as well as oil leaks in their BMW 328is, so be cautious if you plan on buying one.
Buyers should avoid secondhand 2012-2015 BMW 328i (F30) models if possible due to their many known issues. It might be better to purchase a fourth-generation 1997 BMW 328i (E46) or a ninth-generation BMW 328i (E90) instead.
There are plenty of reasons to love the BMW 328i—its powerful engine, good fuel economy, and innovative features. It also has good resale value. According to CarEdge.com, cars belonging to the BMW 3 series depreciate 53% after five years.
Are BMW 328i Cars Reliable?
The BMW 328i has average reliability ratings. While it is considered one of the more reliable BMW models, it doesn’t fare well when compared to other midsize cars in its segment. RepairPal rated it a 2.5 out of 5, ranking it 30th out of 32 for all car brands. The average annual cost to repair this vehicle is also higher than most cars.
BMW 328i Common Problems
Although it has been years since the 328i has been in production, the model remains a popular choice among drivers. BMW doesn’t drastically change the designs of their vehicles over the years, so drivers who choose to purchase a BMW 328i can enjoy driving a car that doesn’t look too different from later models.
The BMW 328i is a nice vehicle to own, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of flaws. Here are some of the model’s most common problems across model years:
Timing Chain Issues
Problems involving the vehicle’s timing chain are on top of the list of 2014 BMW 328i common problems. Many owners have complained that their timing chains would skip on the sprockets, impeding the proper operation of the crankshafts and camshafts. The pistons and valves hit each other, causing the engine to stall.
Problems involving the vehicle’s timing chain are on top of the list of 2014 BMW 328i common problems.
Many owners of the affected BMW vehicles were left with no other choice but to shell out thousands of dollars for engine repairs, so they filed a class-action lawsuit.
The automaker denied any liability but later settled the matter in court, compensating repairs completed in BMW dealerships and independent service centers. BMW also provided an extended warranty for vehicles up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. However, owners still had to cover some of the repair costs.
Fuel System Failure
Another common complaint about the 2014 BMW 328i is that it may develop issues in its fuel system.
One driver reports that his vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while driving at 55 mph. While he was able to safely pull over and restart the engine, the problem recurred several times. Upon inspection, a mechanic determined that a failed fuel pump was the culprit.
In other cases, the power steering and brakes would suddenly stop working while the VMW was moving at 45 mph. This usually happened due to a broken fuel pump. The pump imploded and bits of its metal contaminated the system, causing the vehicle to stall.
Electrical Problems
According to owners of the 2013 BMW 328i, electrical problems are typical for the model year. At least one unit caught fire in the parking garage due to a model’s faulty electrical system. The driver of the affected unit reported issues in its iDrive system, which persisted even after the software was updated.
Other drivers report encountering problems like a malfunctioning passenger seat, an illuminated check engine light, and a faulty iDrive system.
If you notice your BMW’s electrical system is malfunctioning, don’t hesitate to take it to an auto repair shop right away. Some of these issues can lead to a fire if not addressed immediately.
Vehicle Speed Control Problems
Any list about 2011 BMW 328i common problems won’t be complete without discussing speed control issues. Many owners have reported that their ABS and anti-swerve systems would suddenly stop working under hard braking. Some also noticed that their vehicle would hesitate to accelerate while driving at low speeds. More often than not, a faulty wheel speed sensor was the culprit.
Some owners of the 2011 BMW 328i have reported that their ABS and anti-swerve systems would suddenly stop working under hard braking.
In some cases, the BMW would feel surge forward even when the brakes are applied. Some drivers have complained that their vehicle suddenly accelerated violently while they were driving at low speeds.
Overheating A/C and heating system
The automaker recalled 2006-2011 BMW 328i models due to overheating wiring and electrical connectors in the heating and cooling system. The wiring harness of the blower regulator of the affected units can malfunction over time due to the way the wires were installed.
Because of this, there’s a high possibility that corrosion combined with a very high current can damage the wiring and cause a short circuit. The automaker reported that it first received a similar report 10 years ago involving a 2006 BMW 3 Series sedan. Its engineers were unable to identify what’s causing the problem at that time. They received similar reports in 2011.
Engineers found that the connection between the blower regulator wiring harness and the blower regulator on the affected units was worn out.
Oil Leaks
Many 2007 BMW 328I owners have noticed a burning smell from inside their cabin. Some of them changed the cabin air filter, but the smell remained. Most of them traced the leak to a faulty valve cover gasket. Others found that fractured head bolts on the engine were causing the problem.
Aside from the issues listed above, your BMW 328i may exhibit other signs of trouble as it racks up mileage. But don’t worry. As long as you’re aware of these potential problems and follow the correct maintenance schedule, you can surely maximize your BMW’s service life and avoid costly repairs down the road.
How Much Does a Used BMW 328i Cost?
A used BMW 328i can run anywhere from $3,500 to $22,000. A lot depends on the vehicle’s mileage, its year, and its condition. If you want to make sure you’re getting a good deal, it’s best to bring along a trusted mechanic if you plan on testing and purchasing a secondhand BMW 328i.
BMW 328i Models To Avoid
Now that you’re familiar with the common BMW 328i problems, you might be wondering which BMW models you should avoid. You’ll want to steer clear of the 2012-2015 BMW 328i (F30) models if possible. While they sport a sleek and modern design and have good fuel economy, their engine’s timing chain issues and the resulting engine failure means that repair costs stacked up over time. The problem was also dangerous because it affected the engine, making owning one of these vehicles a serious safety concern. The 2012-2015 BMW 328i (F30) models also tended to shift too quickly or jerk, meaning they were difficult to drive. Add that to fuel pump and electrical system problems and you have a recipe for disaster.
What Is the Best BMW 328i Model Year?
It’s hard to crown any of the BMW 328i model years as the best of the bunch. There are different factors and driver preferences to consider, after all. However, many drivers favor the fourth-generation E46 from 1997 and the ninth-generation E90 from 2004. Although, later model years do have an edge given their more modern features.
Why Is the BMW 328i Popular?
The BMW 328i has its German heritage to thank for its popularity. High-quality German engineering ensured that the 328i delivered a unique and innovative driving experience to its drivers across the state.
Getting Your Hands on Replacement Parts For Your BMW 328i
No good can come from driving a BMW 328i with malfunctioning parts. On the bright side, getting replacements shouldn’t be too difficult with the help of CarParts.com.
The best part? You don’t even have to take one step outside your door to get your hands on some replacement car components. To get started, use your mobile phone or computer to visit CarParts.com. Input all of your vehicle’s details such as the year, make, model, and engine with the vehicle selector.
We make sure to get our auto parts from some of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry, and our warehouses are strategically located all over the US. In other words, you can receive your order within a matter of days.
Spare yourself some time and trouble by getting replacement components for your vehicle as soon as possible. Take a look at our vast collection of quality BMW-compatible parts at CarParts.com.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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