1999 BMW 328I problems
Owners have filed 125 complaints about the 1999 BMW 328I with NHTSA. Air bags account for 33.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 10.4%.
Complaints125
Crashes16
Fires3
Injuries7
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Air bags 33.6% · 42
Power train 10.4% · 13
Structure 8.8% · 11
Suspension 8.0% · 10
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.2% · 9
Tires 5.6% · 7
Electrical system 5.6% · 7
Seat belts 4.0% · 5
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 7 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the BMW 328I in this data, 1999 draws comparatively few complaints; 2011 is the outlier year.
Filings are rising — 17 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 106,400 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1999 BMW 328I. While driving, the contact stated that the driver side airbag deployed independently. The dealer made the contact aware of nhtsa campaign id number: 02v223000 (air bags:side/window), but the contact's vin was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 110,000. Air bags · reported at 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 BMW 328I. The contact received a recall notice under nhtsa campaign number: 19v851000 (air bags) and was informed that the parts were not available and the date for the parts becoming available remained unknown. The contact had not spoken with the manufacturer regarding the recall. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Air bags
The contact owned a 1999 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle hit a curb causing a crash. The side air bags deployed causing injuries to the contact's arm that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Air bags
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…