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1998 BMW 528iaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW 528ia, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 30, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW 528ia has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility10
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1998 BMW 528ia recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)

Recall 98V-143 · Jun 22, 1998 · 3,800 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN EVENTUALLY RESULT IN AN INCORRECT INDICATION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION, WHICH COULD ALSO CAUSE THE CAR NOT TO START, OR ALLOW IT TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1998 vs. every other 528ia year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 528ia median. How we score

'97'98'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 528ia owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE RIGHT MIRROR AUTOMATICALLY TIPS DOWN WHEN THE CAR IS IN RESERVE TO AID IN SEEING THE CURB - THE MIRROR HAS MALFUNCTIONED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BY NOT READJUSTING TO THE CORRECT POSITION - THE DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED ON AT LEAST 15 SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH THE MIRRORS MEMORY - IT…
Complaint 716004 · Dec 13, 1999

Own a 1998 528ia?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.