BMW 328I Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the BMW 328I across 16 model years. The 2000 model year has the most (27). The words owners use most often: “timing chain” (11% of reports).
- 171power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $6,950typical repair cost reported by owners
- 53%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Timing chain: mentioned in 19 of 171 complaints (11%)
- Drivetrain malfunction: mentioned in 17 of 171 complaints (10%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the BMW 328I at $6,950, and half of them between $5,200 and $7,750.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 113 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 171 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury.
BMW 328I power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 328I | 8 | 14% | 30,000 |
| 2015 328I | 13 | 10% | 15,900 |
| 2014 328I | 9 | 6% | 27,564 |
| 2013 328I | 23 | 9% | 70,000 |
| 2012 328I | 20 | 15% | 63,000 |
| 2011 328I | 24 | 4% | 51,500 |
| 2010 328I | 4 | 3% | 74,905 |
| 2009 328I | 8 | 4% | 90,038 |
| 2008 328I | 7 | 3% | 70,000 |
| 2007 328I | 7 | 2% | 25,000 |
| 2001 328I | 1 | 25% | 36,230 |
| 2000 328I | 27 | 24% | 128,524 |
| 1999 328I | 12 | 12% | 133,180 |
| 1998 328I | 3 | 12% | 143,000 |
| 1997 328I | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1996 328I | 4 | 13% | 80,489 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2011
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from february 8, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to specification. If the bolts were not tightened to specification, they may become loose.
Risk: If the bolts loosen, it could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The drivetrain and passengerâs side air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the…
Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasnât there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for…
Engine oil pressure light came on and then the driver train malfunction light. Car at 113k miles and upon checking the timing chain was damage and now engine locked
2013 BMW 328i, N20 engine. Timing chain guide assembly and oil pump drive chain failed catastrophically. Vehicle is available for inspection, however the authorized BMW dealership has already made clear they will accept no responsibility, and I would bear the expense of towing it two hours to their…
INCIDENT SUMMARY: On January 9, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, while traveling at 50 MPH in North Carolina, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine seizure without any prior "Limp Mode" warning or Check Engine Light. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power in active…
Frequently asked questions
Do all BMW 328Is have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 171 owner complaints about power train for the BMW 328I. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the BMW 328I power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the BMW 328I?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,950 (half paid between $5,200 and $7,750), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the BMW 328I?
The most frequent phrase is “timing chain”, in 19 of 171 complaints, followed by “drivetrain malfunction” (17).
Other BMW 328I problems
- Electrical System problems (683)
- Engine problems (625)
- Air Bags problems (551)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (467)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (128)
- Structure problems (110)
- Steering problems (105)
See all BMW 328I problems.