2015 BMW 328D Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 BMW 328D, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system1445.2%
- Engine722.6%
- Powertrain (other)516.1%
- Electrical26.5%
- Body & structure13.2%
- Exterior lighting13.2%
- Visibility13.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while driving 15-25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a BMW-Authorized mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed, and there were metal shavings found in the fuel. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 150,000.
The high pressure fuel pump failed i see there are recalls for 2014-2018 similar bmw with diesel engine and mine is not included with recall although it clearly has the faulty part. The car will no longer start and I am being quoted $18,000 to repair it which makes the car useless i just got it for $10,000
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle is 100% BMW Serviced for it's history, showroom to present. Vehicle had been smoking after sitting 2-3 days and driving. We'd park and see wisps of smoke coming from the wheelwells and engine bay. Alarming! Never witnessed open flame, but as the saying goes, if there's smoke... Questionable component: 328xd Fuel Sensor Probe (BMW part #13-53-8-594-893 Fuel Feed Line 135040 ) Complaint/Report pertains to Fuel Sensor Probe failure and resultant fuel propagation(backfeeding/leaking fuel from sensor connection) into adjacent wiring/engine bay foils. Diagnostic System did not report sensor failure until extensive damage and hazard was realized. BMW USA responded to report as NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY(high mile vehicle) and therefore not of responsibility of BMW. According to local BMW Service team the event is NOT UNUSUAL and that several vehicles with same fail/error codes have exhibited similar fuel leakage/propagation/damages. VERY PROBABLE FIRE HAZARD Costly repairs; if system had detected failure when sensor failed we would have had it fixed. We reported the smoking several times but the service department didn't isolate the problem. We continued to drive the vehicle cross-country for 6+ months; each time the problem got worse. WE GOT LUCKY Repair bills came to almost $10k by the time we added all visits and the entire wiring bundle that had to be replaced due to fuel damage. Failed Sensor repair is around $750? BMW needs to implement a way to mitigate this problem to keep from having some potentially catastrophic/lethal endings. Similar problems that have contributed to vehicle fires in these BMW vehicles: 1) HEATER BOX malfunctions 2) PCV VALVE 3) COOLANT LEAK
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328D. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V755000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair and the contact was informed by the dealer that the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve needed to be replaced due to leakage however, the EGR valve was not part of the recall repair, and the contact needed to pay for EGR valve. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 67,409. Parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328D. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. Additionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V185000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Date of complete failure noted below (09/05/22) On 2 previous occasions, approx. 7 days earlier and a week earlier as car was making a slow left turn, not from a stop, one rear wheel shuddered, and the engine seemed to rev as if missed a gear. I lifted off the throttle, and then the car operated normally. The complete failure occurred (3rd occurance) on Sept. 7. Accelerating slowly from a traffic light, turning left (again), the car exhibited the above, but much more severe. I was finally able to gain speed, but drove slowly to try to get home, about 1 mile distant. Many malfunction messages came onto the screen (listed below) Got the car home, tried to put car into "Park" but park would not engage. Engaged the emergency brake to keep car from rolling down the driveway. Shut the engine down Curious to see if the car would restart, or possibly "reset" and operate normally, I noted the shifter now indicated "Park" and now would not go into any other position / gear. Message "roadside assistance". Car is noe immobile /inoperable. Error messages: Transmission malfunction chassis stabilization drive moderately drivetrain malfunction call roadside assistance
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle is 100% BMW Serviced for it's history, showroom to present. Vehicle had been smoking after sitting 2-3 days and driving. We'd park and see wisps of smoke coming from the wheelwells and engine bay. Alarming! Never witnessed open flame, but as the saying goes, if there's smoke... Questionable component: 328xd Fuel Sensor Probe (BMW part #13-53-8-594-893 Fuel Feed Line 135040 ) Complaint/Report pertains to Fuel Sensor Probe failure and resultant fuel propagation(backfeeding/leaking fuel from sensor connection) into adjacent wiring/engine bay foils. Diagnostic System did not report sensor failure until extensive damage and hazard was realized. BMW USA responded to report as NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY(high mile vehicle) and therefore not of responsibility of BMW. According to local BMW Service team the event is NOT UNUSUAL and that several vehicles with same fail/error codes have exhibited similar fuel leakage/propagation/damages. VERY PROBABLE FIRE HAZARD Costly repairs; if system had detected failure when sensor failed we would have had it fixed. We reported the smoking several times but the service department didn't isolate the problem. We continued to drive the vehicle cross-country for 6+ months; each time the problem got worse. WE GOT LUCKY Repair bills came to almost $10k by the time we added all visits and the entire wiring bundle that had to be replaced due to fuel damage. Failed Sensor repair is around $750? BMW needs to implement a way to mitigate this problem to keep from having some potentially catastrophic/lethal endings. Similar problems that have contributed to vehicle fires in these BMW vehicles: 1) HEATER BOX malfunctions 2) PCV VALVE 3) COOLANT LEAK
DIESEL FUEL FOUND IN UNEXPECTED AREAS INCLUDING WIRING HARNESS, FUEL INJECTORS, PRESSURE SENSORS, TURBO CHARGER COMPONENT, DDE, EGR, ETC. UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF FUEL LEAK INTO ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSING POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR SERIOUS VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING. ADVISED BY BMW SERVICE MANAGER THAT COST TO PERFORM REPAIR MORE COSTLY THAN VALUE OF VEHICLE. BMW NOT SUPPORTIVE IN CORRECTION OR ASSISTANCE WITH ISSUES. OVER 2.5 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, VEHICLE SERVICED >5+ TIMES FOR ENGINE WARNING LIGHT AND DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION ALERTS. EGR VALVE REPLACED X3, EXHAUST PRE DPFTEMP SENSOR,ETC. SERVICE PERFORMED ON RECALLED FLEX DISC B27, AND EGR COOLER (MULTIPLE TIMES)PER ADVISORY. REGULAR AND TIMELY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON I-91 AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEED AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED DECELERATING ON ITS OWN WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE AND SAW SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. I CALLED 911 AND THE CAR WAS VISIBLY ON FIRE BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HALOGEN LAMPED HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT SUPPORT DRIVING MORE THAT 35 MPH THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE INSUFFICIENT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving on the freeway at 70mph, the indicated speed limit. It was cloudy, drizzling rain. No large vehicles near me. All of a sudden it sounded like a gunshot went off right above my head. I had the panoramic sunshade closed so I couldn't see anything, but my first thought was that the glass of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. After 5 more minutes of driving (so I could safely get home), I parked the car and stepped out of the door and looked at the roof. Sure enough, the front of the two pieces of glass had shattered right in the middle, about 150 square inches open to the sky, and dozens of pieces of broken glass had fallen in between the interior sunroof shade and where the glass was supposed to be. Thank goodness I had the shade closed, otherwise the pieces of glass would have landed on me and my girlfriend (who was sitting in the passenger seat.) There was no hail, no lightning, and no loose rocks from any vehicles in front of me. It was about 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so not abnormally warm.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .