1988 Bmw 528 problems

Common 1988 Bmw 528 problems

The BMW 528e from 1988 is known to have several common problems that owners frequently report. Here are some of the most prevalent issues and their details:

• Starting problems: The 1988 BMW 528e can have issues starting, especially in cold weather conditions. This can be due to a weak battery, faulty spark plugs, or a malfunctioning ignition system. In some cases, the car may refuse to start altogether, or it may start but run very rough.

• Electrical problems: Electrical issues are common in the BMW 528e, causing the car to break down randomly. These problems can affect the entire car, including the engine and lights, causing them to shut off without warning. The cause of these electrical problems is often difficult to diagnose and may require extensive troubleshooting by a mechanic.

• Front end shimmy: Many BMW 528e owners report a front end shimmy, which is usually caused by bad upper control arms (UCAs), worn UCA bushings, or warped front rotors. This issue can make the car difficult to control and may require replacement of the affected parts.

• Heating issues: The BMW 528e may experience heating problems, especially at idle. This can be due to a faulty heater control valve, vacuum leaks, or issues with the intake tract. These problems can cause the car to idle poorly and may require extensive troubleshooting to diagnose and fix.

• Fuel efficiency: While the BMW 528e is known for its fuel efficiency, some owners report issues with fuel economy. This can be due to a variety of factors, including worn engine components, dirty fuel injectors, or issues with the car's emissions system.

• Intermittent stalling: Some BMW 528e owners report intermittent stalling, which can be caused by dying relays or dirty wiring. This issue can be difficult to diagnose and may require extensive troubleshooting by a mechanic.

• Camshaft problems: The BMW 528e's camshafts may wear out over time, especially if oil changes have been neglected or the "banjo" bolts on the oil spray bar have worked loose. This issue can cause a ticking noise and may require replacement of the camshaft, which is a major expense.

• Interior issues: The BMW 528e's interior may experience issues with electric seats, especially headrests, which can fail over time. The heater fan may only work on full speed, indicating that the transistor is shot. The A/C system adds weight to the car and removes the center storage bin, and the seat mountings may crack around the bolts and need welding.

• Engine problems: The BMW 528e's engine may experience a variety of problems, including issues with the fuel system, ignition system, and emissions system. These problems can affect the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions, and may require extensive troubleshooting to diagnose and fix.

Are BMW 528e reliable?

They are VERY reliable as daily drivers but like "a" said, they do have common problem areas, as noted. Given all the other cars you have listed in your siggy, you should be pleasantly surprised by your experiences with an e28.

What engine is in a 1988 BMW 528e?

Petrol

Model	Engine	Years
525e, 528e	2.7 L (2,693 cc) M20B27 I6	1984–1988
1985–1987
528i	2.8 L (2,788 cc) M30 I6	1981–1987
533i	3.2 L (3,210 cc) M30 I6	1982–1984

How many miles per gallon does a BMW 528e get?

Based on data from 10 vehicles, 172 fuel-ups and 41,626 miles of driving, the 1988 BMW 528e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.52 with a 0.59 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 6 outliers (3.37%) removed.

What is the mpg on a 1988 BMW 528e?

Find and Compare Cars

1988 BMW 5 Series
EPA MPG	Regular Gasoline 19 combined city/highway MPG 17 city 22 highway 5.3 gals/100 miles
Unofficial MPG Estimates Shared by Vehicle Owners	View Estimates How can I share my MPG?
Vehicle Specification Data
EPA Size Class	Compact Cars

Are BMW 528e reliable?

They are VERY reliable as daily drivers but like "a" said, they do have common problem areas, as noted. Given all the other cars you have listed in your siggy, you should be pleasantly surprised by your experiences with an e28.

What engine is in a 1988 BMW 528e?

Petrol

Model	Engine	Years
525e, 528e	2.7 L (2,693 cc) M20B27 I6	1984–1988
1985–1987
528i	2.8 L (2,788 cc) M30 I6	1981–1987
533i	3.2 L (3,210 cc) M30 I6	1982–1984

How many miles per gallon does a BMW 528e get?

Based on data from 10 vehicles, 172 fuel-ups and 41,626 miles of driving, the 1988 BMW 528e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.52 with a 0.59 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 6 outliers (3.37%) removed.

What is the difference between 528i and 528e?

Re: 528i vs 528e

The 528i has an M 30 engine and is a Euro car. The 528e has a 2.7L M 20 engine. they are completely different designs. The 528e is much more common in the states.

1988 Bmw 528 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 528 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Bmw 528 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.