Powered byNHTSA|EPA|Community Reports|Updated
HomeBMW528IYears to Avoid

BMW 528I — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every BMW 528I model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
24
Years to Avoid
2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
Best Years
1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1980, 1979
2016Avoid
105 complaints4 recalls1 invest.208 TSBs
2015Avoid
109 complaints1 recalls1 invest.271 TSBs
2014Avoid
94 complaints3 recalls1 invest.350 TSBs
2013Avoid
119 complaints4 recalls1 invest.386 TSBs
2012Avoid
146 complaints4 recalls1 invest.372 TSBs
2011Avoid
167 complaints4 recalls341 TSBs
2010
87 complaints2 recalls62 TSBs
2009
34 complaints2 recalls55 TSBs
2008
181 complaints2 recalls56 TSBs
2007
1 complaints1 recalls7 TSBs
2001
3 complaints0 recalls6 TSBs
2000
53 complaints1 recalls13 TSBs
1999
59 complaints0 recalls10 TSBs
1998
39 complaints0 recalls19 TSBs
1997
49 complaints0 recalls32 TSBs
1996
0 complaints0 recalls15 TSBs
1995Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1994Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1993Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls3 TSBs
1992Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1991Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls4 TSBs
1990Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls3 TSBs
1980Best Year
2 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs
1979Best Year
1 complaints0 recalls1 TSBs

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which BMW 528I Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 BMW 528I are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used BMW 528I, consider the 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1980, 1979 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

24 model years analyzed