VehicleVerdict

2000 BMW 528i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2000 BMW 528i sits mid-pack among 528i years: 53 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 59, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), airbags (10), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other 528i years?

528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted181 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 2 complaints1997: 49 complaints1998: 39 complaints1999: 59 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 3 complaints2007: 1 complaints2008: 181 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 87 complaints2011: 164 complaints2012: 145 complaints2013: 119 complaints2014: 92 complaints2015: 105 complaints2016: 103 complaints
528i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 528i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 BMW 528i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1223%
Airbags1019%
Electrical System611%
Tires & Wheels48%
Brakes48%
Latches & Locks36%
Steering36%
Other24%
Seats24%
Fuel System24%
Lighting24%
Speed Control12%
Suspension12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2000 BMW 528i have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V048000LightingFebruary 17, 2000 · 17,700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 528I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND CAME TO A STOP, WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THERE WAS A CRACKING SOUND THEN FLAMES WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 26, 2018 · fire

“MY CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE STATIONARY I WAS CHANGING THE BATTERY WHEN I PUT THE BATTERY IN AND CONNECTED IT THE AIRBAGS BLEW UP DESTROYED THE DASH STEERING WHEEL AND CRACKED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD THIS CAR IS OFF AND PARKED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 23, 2017

“ENGINE OVERHEATED/RADIATOR FAILED (AFTER ONLY 53000 MILES), CAUSING CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TO ENGINE BLOCK AND CYLINDER HEAD. NO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATION OF OVERHEATING. ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $9400. MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY ENDED AT 50000 MILES.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 17, 2004

“A BUBBLE IN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE CAUSED A BLOW OUT. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND CHANGED THE TIRE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PIRELLI P245/451794. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 15, 2005

“THE ABS / DSC CONTROL MODULE ON MY 2000 528I BMW FAILED. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER BOTH STOP WORKING. I WOULD ALSO THINK THAT THE ABS SAFETY FEATURE FOR STOPPING THE CAR AND TRACTION CONTROL IS COMPROMISED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2008

2000 BMW 528i — common questions

Is the 2000 BMW 528i reliable?

It is close to typical for the 528i: 53 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 528i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2000 BMW 528i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2000 BMW 528i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 528i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 528i years to avoid are 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2014. The cleanest record among 528i years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.