Bmw 528 problems

General information about Bmw 528
Bmw 528 years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The BMW E28 is the second generation of BMW 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1981 to 1988 and replaced the E12 5 Series. Pre-series production began in April 1981 and the car was introduced in the autumn that year.

The E28 was initially produced with straight-four and straight-six petrol engines until 1983, when the 524td model became the first BMW car to be powered by a diesel engine. It was also the first 5 Series with the centre console angled towards the driver and to be available with anti-lock brakes (ABS).

The first BMW M5 was produced during the E28 generation. It was powered by the M88/3 and S38 straight-six engines. The E24 6 Series coupés were built on the E28 platform from 1982 to 1989.

The E28 was replaced by the E34 5 Series in 1988.

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Common Bmw 528 problems

Based on complaints from BMW 528 owners, common problems with the BMW 528 cars include:

Coolant Leaks: Owners have experienced coolant leaks in various components like the water pump and radiator, potentially causing overheating issues.

Worn Tension Struts: This problem can result in looseness in the front suspension, affecting the car's handling and stability.

Thermostat Failure: Engine overheating due to thermostat failure has been noted as a common issue among BMW 528 owners.

Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: Leaks in the valve cover gasket have been reported, which can lead to oil leaks and potential engine damage.

Hydraulic Valve Lifters: Failure in the hydraulic valve lifters has been identified as a recurring problem in BMW 528 cars.

Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor: Issues with the blower final stage fan resistor have been reported, affecting the car's heating and cooling systems.

Power Steering Hose Leaks: Fluid leaks in the power steering hose have been observed, potentially causing steering issues and fluid loss.

These common problems with the BMW 528 cars highlight various mechanical and component-related issues that owners have faced, impacting the performance, reliability, and maintenance costs of these vehicles.

What problems do BMW 528i have?

Is BMW 528i a reliable car?

The BMW 528i Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $825 which means it has higher than average ownership costs. Repairs are more frequent for the 528i, so you may experience a few more visits to your BMW shop than normal.

What is the main problem with the BMW 5 Series?

BMW 5 Series air suspension problem

Rear air suspension issues are common in the 5 Series Gran Turismo, causing symptoms such as the vehicle leaning to one side, sagging at the rear, a loud bag from the suspension airbag, and hissing noises.

How many miles will a BMW 528i last?

150-200,000 miles

A BMW can last 150-200,000 miles with proper care and if you drive the national average of 13,500 miles per year, you can expect to drive your BMW for 10-15 years according to MotorAsk.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 528 years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 528 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 528 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 528 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 528 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 528 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 528 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Electrical system problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Steering problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 528 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 528 model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 528 model years

There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 528 model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 528 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 528 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw 528 2000

Date Of Incident: 2016-11-01
Date Complaint: 2017-05-19
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADM6341YG
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: MY BMW CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE TURNED OFF AND PARKED IN MY GARAGE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO ANOTHER CAR AS WELL AS OUR HOUSE. THE FIRE STARTED ABOUT 45 MINUTES AFTER IT WAS PARKED.

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Bmw 528 2000

Date Of Incident: 2015-06-15
Date Complaint: 2017-04-03
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADM634XYG
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 BMW 528. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND FLAMES AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA. THE HOOD ALSO INDEPENDENTLY OPENED AND REVEALED FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

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Bmw 528 1997

Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
Date Complaint: 2015-08-02
VIN: WBADD6327VB
Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Summary: I BOUGHT THE 1997 BMW 528I OFF LEASE. IT WAS MY SECOND BMW. THE PRIOR BMW HAD VIRTUALLY NO PROBLEMS. I GUESS THE SECOND ONE HAD TO MAKE UP FOR THE FIRST ONE. IF I ONLY HAD A NICKLE FOR EVERY TIME I WISHED I HADN'T TRADED FOR THE SECOND ONE. 1. THE FIRST PROBLEM OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS TO HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE NEXT YEAR AND A HALF. WHENEVER I DROVE THE CAR I HAD TO KEEP ONE EYE ON THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE AT ALL TIMES (IT WOULD HEAT UP VERY FAST). THE BMW DEALERSHIP MECHANICS COULDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY CHARGED ME OVER $2,000. WELL, THAT AND A COUPLE OF BOLDFACE LIES ENDED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH THAT DEALERSHIP. 2. THE SECOND PROBLEM OCCURRED IN ROUGHLY THE SAME TIME FRAME. AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG ONE DAY THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED MOVING IN AND OUT REPETITIVELY AND WOULDN'T STOP ALONG WITH MY SEAT (IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MEMORY SWITCHES IN THE DOOR). THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES ALSO. 3. THE RADIO (FM) AND CD PLAYER QUIT IMMEDIATELY ALONG WITH THE SUN ROOF... I AM AN ENGINEER AND I HAVE MANAGED TO FIX SOME OF THE PROBLEMS MYSELF BUT I AM ASHAMED TO RELATE MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BMW DEALERSHIPS HERE, AS WELL AS SOME OTHER AUTO-REPAIR FACILITIES. OH, I MIGHT ADD THAT NONE OF MY FIVE CHILDREN, WHO ARE ALL ENGINEERS OR DOCTORS, OWN A BMW AND I'M SURE NONE OF THEIR KIDS (15) WILL EITHER.

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Bmw 528 1998

Date Of Incident: 2014-11-18
Date Complaint: 2014-11-18
VIN: WBADD6325WG
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. *TR

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Bmw 528 1999

Date Of Incident: 2007-04-12
Date Complaint: 2007-04-17
Number Of Injuries: 1
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADM6331XB
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 528. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THEY BEGAN BLINKING ,AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. HE LIFTED THE HOOD, AND ATTEMPTED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY CABLE, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IWAS 121,000 , AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.*AK

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Bmw 528 1997

Date Of Incident: 2006-03-28
Date Complaint: 2006-03-28
VIN: WBADD6329VB
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR DOWN SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION ONLY. UPDATED 4/11/2006 - *NM

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Bmw 528 1998

Date Of Incident: 2004-02-27
Date Complaint: 2004-02-27
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER PULLED OUT OF THE ROAD, OPENED THE HOOD, AND FOUND MANY WIRES WERE MELTED DUE TO ENGINE REACHING HIGH TEMPERATURES. *AK

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Bmw 528 1999

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2002-11-25
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: CONSUMER STATED AFTER LOCKING THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, THE LAP BELT BECAME UNBOLTED FROM THE FLOOR BOARD. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. TS AS OF 12/21/2002 THE DEFECT HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT NO CHARGE TO CONSUMER. *JG *JB

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Bmw 528 2000

Date Of Incident: 2001-01-15
Date Complaint: 2002-04-16
VIN: WBADM6346YG
Components: VISIBILITY
Summary: BREATHING BACTERIA IN VEHICLE FROM HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER. *AK

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Bmw 528 1997

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2002-02-22
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE KEEPS OVERHEATING DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. DEALER HAS REPLACED WATER PUMP TWICE. *AK

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Bmw 528 1999

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Date Complaint: 2002-01-03
VIN: WBADM6331XB
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: WHILE OPENING DRIVER'S DOOR KNOB FELL OFF IN CONUSMER'S HAND. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND AND REPLACED KNOB. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

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Bmw 528 1998

Date Of Incident: 2001-08-27
Date Complaint: 2001-08-27
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: WBADD5320WB
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: WHILE SWITCHING ON VEHICLE SIDE AIR BAG ON DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON; VEHICLE AT DEALER SHOP.*AK

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Bmw 528 1997

Date Of Incident: 2001-06-20
Date Complaint: 2001-07-12
VIN: WBADD6326VB
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ENGINE OVERHEATED SUDDENLY AT EXPRESSWAY SPEED. SUSPECT THERMASTAT OR WATER PUMP. CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE FAILURE, "MELTDOWN" OF RADIATOR ASSY. *AK

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Bmw 528 1997

Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
Date Complaint: 2001-06-06
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADD6324VB
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE THIRD/MIDDLE REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING HAS MELTED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP WHEN USING BRAKES FOR EXTENDED TIME PERIODS (E.G., WHEN STUCK IN VERY SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC). THIS HAS CAUSED THE RED LENSE TO MELT OVER THE BULB, THEREBY POSING A RISK OF FIRE AND PREVENTING THE CAR FROM BEING INSPECTED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT USING THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION DUE TO THE RISK OF FIRE (I HAVE SMELLED THE BURNING PLASTIC). THE HOUSING AND LIGHTING ASSEMBLY ARE ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE DEALER HAS INDICATED THAT IT WILL NOT FIX THE SAFETY HAZARD EVEN THOUGH IT IS UNDER WARRANTY AND ALL ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT (AND IT WILL COST $550 FOR ME TO REPAIR IT). THIS DEFECT ALSO PERMITS WHITE LIGHT TO SHINE FROM THE BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY, THEREBY POSING AN ADDITIONAL SAFETY ISSUE.*AK

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Bmw 528 1986

Date Of Incident: 2001-04-15
Date Complaint: 2001-05-22
VIN: WBADK8306G9
Components: SEATS
Summary: DRIVER SEAT IS LOOSE FROM THE ANCHORS AND CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. DEALER / MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY AND NOT COVER UNDER A RECALL. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER... *AK

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Recalls Bmw 528

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Bmw 528.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Bmw 528 1986
Report Received Date: 1986-11-10
Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.

Model: Bmw 528 1987
Report Received Date: 1986-11-10
Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.