Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW 328i
BMW 328i Models:
BMW 328i Problems
Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak
Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.
Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses
A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.
Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail
The blower final stage fan resistor is known to fail. Symptoms are the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all.
Noise and/or Vibration Due to AC System Low on Refrigerant
A droning type noise may be noted when the air conditioning system is operating. Additionally, a vibration may be felt in the steering wheel. If these issues are no longer present when the AC system is turned off, the problem may be low refrigerant charge in the system. Our technicians remind us that if the refrigerant charge is found to be low, proper leak diagnoses should be performed in addition to recharging the AC system.
Clunk or Jolt Felt in Steering Due to Worn Bushings in Front Suspension
Failure of the front control arm bracket bushings—often referred to as thrust rod bushings—is moderately common. One symptom is a clunk or jolt felt in the steering when braking.
BMW 328i Recalls (Recent)
Side Air Bag and Safety Belt Tensioner May Not Deploy
RepairPal Expert Overview:
An incorrect crimp connector may have been installed on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. There may be insufficient contact in the wiring, creating high resistance. This condition may cause the side air bag and/or safety belt tensioner not to deploy if needed in a crash, which increases the risk of injury. Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2009.
Learn more »BMW 323i Recall 02V223000
Summary: ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
Learn more »BMW 323i Recall 99V100000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.
Learn more »Front Drive Shaft Attachment Bolts May Loosen
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to specification and could become loose. This could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts to correct this concern.
Learn more »BMW Recalls 2000 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series Due to Brake Light Failure
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The brake light switch may fail and stick in the "brake lamps on" or "brake lamps off" position. Inaccurate illumination of brake lights could lead to an accident. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake lamp switch with a new improved part.
Learn more »BMW 328i Questions and Answers
I am thinking of buying a 1996 328IS what is the life of the timing belt and how much would it cost to have it replaced, same with the clutch.
thanks
had the drive shaft support bearing replaced and if it was out of alignment what would happen ?
on the dash a circle with a trangle in the middle and explantion mark came on what does this mean
I JUST CAME ACROSS A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS,I CHANGE MY FUSE WITH ANOTHER 15AMP FUSE,I CHECK TO SEE IF IT WAS A BULB BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF WHEN THEY WANT TOO,SOMETIME THEY WORK...
there are only 5 pulleys instead of 6. need routing diagram.
BMW 328i Stories
After waiting for 2 mo. for my 328i to arrive,finally got it 2 weeks ago.For the last week it has been in the dealer repair shop b/c according to the mechanic "after working back and forth w. BMW they told us the problem might be in the transmission oil tank.....first one to see w this situation at this BMW"
Any one w similar experience??
Feedback please!!
my pastors wife has a real bad oil leak
problem from the start. 2007 328i bmw $22k.
bought the car used at exotic car dealer in rt 1&9 elixabeth.
its been making a lot of knocking noise in the engine plus a whistle noise coming out from the bottom of the engine,and many of the indicator come on the dash board within 2 days after purchase.
I took it back for in exchance, of cause they refused,they said it was a minor problem and request to fix it,so they did oil change and a few test.that only work for one wk afterward samething allover again,so that process repeated five time,i called BBB they were unable to do anything, cause the dealer always said they are fixing it,they keept doing oil change and test until the warranty expired,and now i'm stuck with a problem car.If you have any suggestion please share it? i'll appreciate it thank you.
200 328I was purchased with 64,000 miles. The only thing i had to replace so far is the fuel pump at about 13,000. Out the blue, in 65 degree weather, my car ran hot. After about 30 minutes it was back to normal temp with the gauge a little above cold. What could that be? I'm scared to drive it. Don't know if I should repair it and that's what I have to look forward to from now on or should I buy a new car. Additionally, my break light bulbs have been replaced by BMW repair but still don't work properly. I was told to replaice the entire bulb panel but from other reports I find that it could be the brake light switch locted under the steering wheele. Speaking of which, what is the flap that comes down under the left side of the steering wheel. I only noticed it today. It was opened and I simply just snapped it back closed but looked like it was something that should have been connected. Could this have been something to cause overheating?
I love this car. This is my second BMW. My first was a 1974 Bavaria. That is where my love affair with the inline six started. I have an e36 with a manual trans that I purchased in January of 2010 I have put 10k on it since then. I bought the car when it was in need of a wiper control module, on board computer, drive shaft and flex disc, front brakes, tires and a wheel alignment. Knowing where to buy parts really helped keep my total bill including purchase under 4500. I have a few interior problems that are all cosmetic and just two days ago one of the seat motors in the driver's seat went out. I also had some very broken wires in the trunk lid harness that took me a couple of months to finally fix (me being lazy...whole repair process took less than 1 hour). All in all my car is in very good shape for a teenager. I am a mother with one of my children in a car seat... no tether system and the rear center belt is a PAIN to tighten. That would be the one draw back. Fuel economy is hovering at 29 mpg, power is there to be had, drives like she is on rails. I have a couple of minor problems like the oil pan is seeping (no drips) and the front strut mounts are still cracked, but those will get done in time. One piece of advice if you are considering this car. Keep up on the inspections and maintenance. They are pricey. You can save some money if you are mechanicly inclined, but do not attempt anything other than minor repairs with a Haynes manual. They do not share some of the nuances and tricks that are required to succesfully repair your bimmer. I hope you enjoy driving yours as much as I LOVE driving mine!!