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BMW 528i: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 10 model years of the BMW 528i on record, 2015 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about electrical system). 2013 has the most recall campaigns (4). 2000 has the most complaints mentioning a crash, a fire or an injury (7).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported Combined
2016 0 0 0 — 26 MPG
2015 1 40 6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26 MPG
2014 3 40 5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 26 MPG
2013 4 40 0 ENGINE 26 MPG
2012 4 40 3 ENGINE 26 MPG
2011 4 40 1 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25 MPG
2010 0 0 0 — 20 MPG
2009 0 0 0 — 20 MPG
2008 0 0 0 — 21 MPG
2000 1 37 7 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 19 MPG

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the BMW 528i

Questions

Which BMW 528i year has the most complaints?
Of 10 model years of the BMW 528i on record, 2015 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about electrical system).
Which BMW 528i year has the most recalls?
2013 has the most recall campaigns (4).
Which BMW 528i years have no complaints or recalls on record?
2016, 2010, 2009, 2008. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.