Model year guide

1997 BMW 328i

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 BMW 328i is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 BMW 328i — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 BMW 328i at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints35
Combined20 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 BMW 328i recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 BMW 328i.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 BMW 328i common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

1997 BMW 328i MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway25 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 BMW 328i costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,000
Fuel only$19,000
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 BMW 328i vehicles on record

1997 BMW 328i 1997 BMW 328iWBABK8320VET98607

Other BMW 328i model years

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 1996

1997 BMW 328i — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 BMW 328i have any safety recalls?

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 1997 BMW 328i.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 BMW 328i?

Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1997 BMW 328i get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 BMW 328i at about 20 mpg combined (18 city / 25 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.