1996 Bmw 328i problems
The sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series consists of the BMW F30 (sedan version), BMW F31 (wagon version, marketed as 'Touring') and BMW F34 (fastback version, marketed as 'Gran Turismo') compact executive cars. The F30/F31/F34 generation was produced from October 2011 to 2019 and is often collectively referred to as the F30.
For the sixth generation, the coupé and convertible models were spun off to create the new BMW 4 Series nameplate. BMW also introduced a separate hatchback model under the 3 Series nameplate called the 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34).
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series to be powered by a range of turbocharged engines exclusively and electric power steering (replacing the hydraulic power steering systems used previously). The F30 also marked the 3 Series' first use of a three-cylinder engine in its 2015 facelift. A new plug-in hybrid F30 model was also introduced in 2016. A long-wheelbase sedan version (model code F35) was sold in China.
The M3 model (designated F80) was introduced in 2014 and is powered by the S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine.
In March 2019, the BMW 3 Series (G20) was released as the successor to the F30. But the F34 fastback model continued to be available until early 2020. Later, it was replaced by BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé (G26) in June 2021.
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Common 1996 Bmw 328i problems
The BMW 328i 1996 is a popular choice among drivers due to its powerful engine, good fuel economy, and innovative features. However, it is not free of flaws. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners across model years.
- Fuel System Failures: The 2014 BMW 328i may develop issues in its fuel system, causing sudden loss of acceleration or complete stalling of the vehicle. This problem can be caused by a failed fuel pump or other fuel system components. In some cases, the power steering and brakes may also stop working due to a broken fuel pump.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as malfunctioning dashboard instruments, non-functioning power windows, and malfunctioning seat adjusters. These problems can be caused by faulty wiring or other electrical components.
- Heating and Air Conditioning Problems: Owners of the BMW 328i have reported issues with the heating and air conditioning systems, with some reporting that the systems overheat or fail to work altogether. This problem can be caused by faulty components or leaks in the cooling system.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting leaks from various parts of the engine. These leaks can be caused by worn or damaged seals or gaskets.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These problems can be caused by faulty transmission components or low transmission fluid levels.
- Suspension Problems: Suspension problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as excessive bouncing, swaying, and poor handling. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged suspension components.
- Brake Problems: Brake problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as squeaking, grinding, and pulsating brakes. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged brake components or low brake fluid levels.
- Steering Problems: Steering problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as excessive play, stiffness, and difficulty turning. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged steering components or low power steering fluid levels.
- Body and Paint Problems: Body and paint problems are a common issue with the BMW 328i, with owners reporting issues such as rust, chipping, and peeling paint. These problems can be caused by exposure to the elements or poor quality paint.
It is important to note that not all BMW 328i vehicles will experience these problems, and the severity of these issues can vary depending on the specific vehicle and its maintenance history. However, these common problems should be taken into consideration when purchasing a BMW 328i. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems and prolong the life of the vehicle.
What is the common problem with 328i?
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.
Is the BMW 328i reliable?
The BMW 328i Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $773 which means it has higher than average ownership costs. Repairs are more frequent for the 328i, so you may experience a few more visits to your BMW shop than normal.
Why are 328i so cheap?
Depreciation: Like most luxury vehicles, BMWs experience significant depreciation in their early years. This means that the value of a new BMW 328i can depreciate quickly, leading to more affordable prices on the used market.
What is the best year of BMW 328i?
What Is the Best BMW 328i Model Year? The fourth-generation E46 and ninth-generation E90 model years are all well-regarded and worthy contenders, but most have preferred to go with any model between 2006 and 2011, as well as the later model years that come with more technology.
Is the BMW E36 328i reliable?
It's definitely a good car. It's also a reliable car, *if* maintained properly. Note that at this point (2023), the youngest E36 is 24 years old, and the vast majority of them have *not* been maintained properly. Expect to either pay up for one with up-to-date maintenance, or spend thousands to fix one up.
What is the common issue with 328i?
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.
What year 328i is most reliable?
What Is the Best BMW 328i Model Year? The fourth-generation E46 and ninth-generation E90 model years are all well-regarded and worthy contenders, but most have preferred to go with any model between 2006 and 2011, as well as the later model years that come with more technology.
What is the top speed of the 1996 BMW 328i?
- RWD. Manual, 5-speed.
- Disc Brakes.
- 236 km/h. 7.3 sec. 147 mph. Acceleration, 0-60 mph. 6.9 sec.
1996 Bmw 328i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 328i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Bmw 328i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Bmw 328i
The NHTSA has received 36 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Bmw 328i. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Bmw 328i vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-03
- VIN: WBACG8323TA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FAULTY AIR BAG SENSOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-07
- VIN: WBACD3325TA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 BMW 328I. HE STATED THAT THE HORN DID NOT WORK AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES WERE CUT IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND UNDER THE HOOD. HE STATED THAT HE PURCHASED THE CLOCKSPRING, BUT IT WAS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,120 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96720.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-02
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: POWER LOCK ACTUATORS ON VEHICLE FAIL REPEATEDLY. BETWEEN 2000 AND 2003, THREE POWER LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON VEHICLE (BOTH REAR DOORS AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR). SOMETIMES THE ACTUATORS GET STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION, SOMETIMES UNLOCKED. WALKED AWAY FROM VEHICLE WITH AN UNLOCKED DOOR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEFORE DISCOVERING PROBLEM. IN ONE CASE (FRONT PASS. DOOR), DOOR LOCK WAS EVEN DIFFICULT (BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE) TO OPERATE MANUALLY: THIS WAS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION, MAKING ENTRY INTO THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT.
EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1B3EJ46X4TN
- Components: EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: CAR SITTING IN DRIVE AT A FENCE ENCLOSURE AND IT SURGED AHEAD ON ITS OWN, DRIVING INTO THE FENCE. NO ACTION POSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM GOING FORWARD INTO THE ELECTRONIC FENCE. SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT GRILL AND DRIVER DOOR PANELS. SECOND TIME THE CAR HAD DONE THIS. DEALERSHIP STATED THE BRAKES HAD SEIZED ALSO, AND WOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED THE CAR ANYWAYS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-10
- VIN: WBACD4327TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 328I BMW, AND THE INFORMATION IN THE OWNERS MANUAL STATES THAT YOU NEVER NEED TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID YET ON THE DAY IN QUESTION MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO STALL AND JERK. I THAN CALLED MY MECHANIC WHO I INFORMED OF THIS TROUBLE, HE THEN INFORMED ME TO BRING THE CAR TO HIM TO CHECK. I NEED TO ALSO TELL THAT THIS AUTOMOBILE DOES NOT HAVE A DIP STICK SO THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS GOING BAD PRIOR TO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME. WHEN I CALL BMW THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY ONLY WARRANTY THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND NOT THE TRANSMISSION, WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT THE TRANSMISSION ONLY OPERATES CORRECTLY WHEN THE FLUID IS RIGHT. IN CONCLUSION I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER SUCH CASES REPORTED AND IF SO WHAT IS MY COURSE OF ACTION IF ANY. THANK YOU. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- VIN: WBACD4320TA
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE BRAKES FAILED ON THE VEHICLE. *JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBACD4320TA
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FOR THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE PLATE LIGHTS. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-02
- VIN: WBACD4325TA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND HAS STAYED ON. AFTER CONTACTING DEALER, DEALER NOTED THAT AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT.*AK *SCC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-01
- VIN: WBACD4322TA
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: INTERIOR LOCK LOCATED ON ALL FOUR DOORS. WILL LOCK PPASSENGER IN INSIDE OF DOORS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-01
- VIN: WBACD4322TA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE SELF DIAGNOISTICS PROVIDES ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WARNING. DIAGNOISTIC CODE INDICATES "LOW EMISSIONS EFFICIENCY". DEALER READ CODE AND REPORTED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 80,000 MILES SO IT WAS NOT COVERED. REPLACEMENT COSTS ESTIMATED AT $1330. THIS FAILURE OCCURED LESS THAN 100,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON 1986 318I MODELS FOR FAILED CATALYTIC CONVERTER PARTS. THE BMW PARTS SOURCE MAY BE THE SAME FOR THE MODEL 328I WHICH WOULD BE WHY I EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE. THIS MILEAGE IS VERY LOW FOR A CAT TO FAIL AND IS UNEXCEPTABLE FOR A QUALITY MANUFACTURED VEHICLE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: WBACD332ITA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. DEALER HAS DETERMINED THAT CLUTCH HAD GONE BAD. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-01
- VIN: WBACD332ITA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AND UPON SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER, DEALER HAS DETERMINED THAT CLUTCH WAS DEFFECTIVE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- VIN: WBABG1328TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SOMETIMES WHEN I PUT THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION AND TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE KEY TURNS FREELY (ALL THE WAY AROUND WITHOUT STARTING TE CAR). WHEN I REPORTED THE PROBLEM IN 1998 TO TE BMW DEALER IN COLUMBUS, GA, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL REACTION. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR WAS "CHECKING" THE SECURITY SYSTEM. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPEN TWO-THREE TIMES A MONTH. YESTERDAY (MAY 12, 2001), I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND STOPPED TO TURN IT OFF. THE IGNITION STUCK IN THE "ON" POSITION BUT I COULD PULL MY KEY OUT AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. I HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION SO I HAD TO STALL THE CAR IN ORDER TO GET THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING. AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE TO CUT OFF, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL ON. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO GET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO TURN OFF. I BELIEVE THAT THE FREELY TURNING IGNITION AND THE STUCK IGNITION ARE RELATED.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-01
- VIN: WBABK8322TE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IS THERE A SAFETY ISSUE OR RECOMMENDATION FOR RECALL, OR MANY COMPLAINTS? I HAVE A 1996 328I CONV. WITH 56,000 MILES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER AS OF 8 MONTHS AGO. PURCHASED FROM A LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER WHERE IT WAS TAKEN ON TRADE. WE HAD A FEW OIL LEAKS REPAIRED WITH THE LATEST BEING THE OIL FILTER HOUSING ITSELF. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE HOUSING IS NOW BEING MANUFACTURED DIFFERENTLY. ORIGINALLY THE PLUGS IN THE HOUSING WERE PRESSED IN. APPARENTLY MANY LEAKED AND NOW THE HOUSING PLUGS ARE THE SCREW IN TYPE. I HAD A LEAK AT THE PLUG AREA AND NOW THE ENTIRE HOUSING HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR REPLACEMENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-19
- VIN: WBABG1320TE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SOMETIMES WHEN PUTTING KEY INTO IGNITION KEY WILL GO AROUND 360 DEGREES, AND THEN SOMETIMES KEY GETS STUCK. *AK THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE MINIMUN OF TWO VEHICLES PER MONTH THAT COME TO THE DEALER FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *YH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN DRIVE IT ACCELERATED BACKWARDS WITH THE ENGINE RECING AT 40 TO 50 MILES PER HOUR AND HIT A TREE, PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURY. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-26
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP IS DEFECTIVE AND CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR DEALER TO REPLY, IT'S BEEN OVER ONE MONTH AND THE CONSUMER HAS HEARD NOTHING. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SLC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-26
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTIBLE TOP IS DEFECTIVE AND CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR DEALER TO REPLY, IT'S BEEN OVER ONE MONTH AND THE CONSUMER HAS HEARD NOTHING. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SLC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBABK7320TE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON, EVEN THOUGH VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROLBEM 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 18 MONTHS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-08
- VIN: WBACD3325TA
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PLASTIC PIVOT FOR CLUTCH RELEASE LEVER FAILED, CAUSING DISTORTION OF DIAPHRAGM SPRING, CAUSING FAILURE OF CLUTCH TO ENGAGE. I BELIEVE THIS PLASTIC PART THAT FAILED IS NEW IN THE 328I SERIES.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. AFTER COMING TO A STOP, HOT OIL SPLATTERED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE FROM DASH AREA WHICH NEARLY BURNED THE PASSENGER. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBACD432XTA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: SENDING UNIT FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBACD432XTA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DOOR REGULATOR FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBACD4325TA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY ENGINE JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO EXPLANATION. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAYS THAT SINCE MY BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED WHILE BEING REPAIRED, ALL FAULT MEMORY WAS LOST. MY DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE ANY PARTS WITHOUT ANY REPRODUCIBLE FAILURE. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA ADMITS THAT HTIS KIND OF FAILURE HAPPENS TO 3 AND 5 SERIES CARS, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND HAS NOT REPLIED TO MY COMPLAINTS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-15
- VIN: WBACD3329TA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CRANK SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE.
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