BestCarRank
Bmw

2020 Bmw 228I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Bmw 228I has 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 9. The most common issue is wheels problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: i got my car in may 2020. i have never had any issue with the tire for 8 years of my entire driving history. but for this car, my tire ran flat in july 2020, after running over a small pothole on a local road, and it ran flat again in jan 2021 after running a super tiny pothole on a highway. how cou. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

6

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 5)

WHEELS

2 complaints
33%
  • I GOT MY CAR IN MAY 2020. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH THE TIRE FOR 8 YEARS OF MY ENTIRE DRIVING HISTORY. BUT FOR THIS CAR, MY TIRE RAN FLAT IN JULY 2020, AFTER RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A LOCAL ROAD, AND IT RAN FLAT AGAIN IN JAN 2021 AFTER RUNNING A SUPER TINY POTHOLE ON A HIGHWAY. HOW COU
  • A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

I GOT MY CAR IN MAY 2020. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH THE TIRE FOR 8 YEARS OF MY ENTIRE DRIVING HISTORY. BUT FOR THIS CAR, MY TIRE RAN FLAT IN JULY 2020, AFTER RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A LOCAL ROAD, AND IT RAN FLAT AGAIN IN JAN 2021 AFTER RUNNING A SUPER TINY POTHOLE ON A HIGHWAY. HOW COU

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS18/02/2021

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."

Risk: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Bmw 228I

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,778
Per month
$148
Per mile
14.8¢
MPG
27
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$2,087/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Bmw 228I

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,143
Full coverage / month
$179
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+28%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw 228I Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2020 228I, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

WHEELS(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
SUSPENSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 6 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • WHEELS: I GOT MY CAR IN MAY 2020. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE WITH THE TIRE FOR 8 YEARS OF MY ENTIRE DRIVING HISTORY. BUT FOR THIS CAR, MY TIRE RAN FLAT IN JULY 2020, AFTER RUNNING OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A LOCAL ROAD, AND IT RAN FLAT AGAIN IN JAN 2021 AFTER RUNNING A SUPER TINY POTHOLE ON A HIGHWAY. HOW COU

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: 1/8/2025 Drive Train Malfunction. Towed to BMW Dealer. Dealership determined a faulty GWS system, Program new system, New center console and battery drained needs replaced. I was told by the dealership this not normal for a vehicle with 22k miles . BMW North Amaerica told me the repair Manager

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: 1/8/2025 Drive Train Malfunction. Towed to BMW Dealer. Dealership determined a faulty GWS system, Program new system, New center console and battery drained needs replaced. I was told by the dealership this not normal for a vehicle with 22k miles . BMW North Amaerica told me the repair Manager

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: A towing company came to pick up the car. They may have damaged the carriage/axel based on the tire mark they left on our drive way. The lines were not straight and it looks like they dragged the car.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
6
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
9

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2020 Bmw 228I