Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1982 BMW 528 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
0
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE KNURLED NUT, PART OF THE RUBBER MOUNT ASSEMBLY WHICH SUPPORTS THE DIFFERENTIAL, MAY HAVE BEEN CRACKED DUE TO OVER-TORQUING OF THE FINAL DRIVE ATTACHING BOLT. THIS BOLT MAY BECOME LOOSE, AND CONTINUED OPERATION MAY CAUSE IT TO FALL OUT.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR OR REPLACE ATTACHING ASSEMBLY, AS NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Defect
ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, UNDER A COMBINATION OF LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS AND A WARMED UP ENGINE, WATER VAPOR IN THE WARM AIR FROM THE CRANKCASE HOUSING MAY CONDENSE AND FREEZE AFTER A PERIOD OF STEADY STATE DRIVING CAUSING ICE BUILD UP AROUND THE THROTTLE PLATE. THE ICE MIGHT PREVENT THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM FULLY CLOSING WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, CAUSING A SLOWER THAN NORMAL DECELERATION RATE AND AN INCREASE OF THE IDLE SPEED.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A HEATED THROTTLE HOUSING AT NO COST TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1982 BMW 528. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.