BMW 328i years to avoid and best years
Newer BMW 328i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (288 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 3 (from 124 complaints), 2012 at 6 (from 144 complaints), and 2014 at 8 (from 151 complaints). On the 2013 BMW 328i, 58 of 288 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
BMW 328i reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW 328i. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 26.2 |
| 2015 → Fewest | 3 | 124 | 4 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 26.2 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 8 | 151 | 8 | Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system | 26.2 |
| 2013 → Most | 14 | 288 | 5 | Engine | 22.3 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 6 | 144 | 6 | Engine | 21.7 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan, Sports Wagon, Gran Turismo
- Oil
- BMW LL-01 5W-30 (through MY2015); MY2016 N20 0W-20 LL-14 FE+ or N26 0W-30 LL-01 FE per under-hood label
- Tire size
- 225/50R17 (base), 225/45R18 (line packages), 225/50R18–225/45R19 (xDrive Gran Turismo) front / 225/50R17 (base), 225/45R18 or 255/40R18 (M Sport staggered), 255/45R18–255/40R19 (GT staggered) rear
Known issues for this generation
2012-2015 328i Sedan, Sports Wagon, and Gran Turismo models with N20/N26 engines were included in the Gelis timing-chain and oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (final approval February 2021; BMW SI B11 02 21 documents the dealer repair benefit). Plaintiffs alleged brittle polycarbonate timing-chain guides and premature oil-pump chain wear that could damage the engine; eligibility depended on production range, mileage, and claim deadlines that have since closed. Separately, recall 24V608000 covers certain 2012-2016 328i and 328xi vehicles (among about 720,796 multi-model units) for a water-pump electrical connector that may short circuit and increase fire risk; dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and install a protective shield.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 328i years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2015 at 3 (from 124 complaints), 2012 at 6 (from 144 complaints), and 2014 at 8 (from 151 complaints).
Which BMW 328i year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 14 (288 complaints). 2013 through 2014 are in that same range. On the 2013 BMW 328i, 58 of 288 complaints name Engine.
How do BMW 328i owner complaints compare by year?
Newer BMW 328i years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What oil does a BMW 328i (F30) take?
Through MY2015, BMW LL-01 5W-30 is common. MY2016 N20 lists 0W-20 LL-14 FE+ or N26 0W-30 LL-01 FE per the under-hood label — follow that label.
What tire sizes does the F30 328i use?
Common fits include 225/50R17 (base), 225/45R18 (line packages), and 225/50R18–225/45R19 on xDrive Gran Turismo packages.
Was the F30 328i included in the timing-chain settlement?
2012-2015 328i Sedan, Sports Wagon, and Gran Turismo models with N20/N26 engines were included in the Gelis timing-chain and oil-pump drive chain class-action settlement (final approval February 2021; BMW SI B11 02 21 documents the dealer repair benefit).