2021 Bmw 228I

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Bmw 228I has 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 80. The most common issue is lighting problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: bmw drl (daytime running light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as bmw does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. lights should not be ove.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems

LIGHTING

2 complaints

22%

• BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be ove

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be ove”

— NHTSA complaint filing

BRAKES

2 complaints

22%

• I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.
• The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear brakes. The service brakes warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear brake ro

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

VISIBILITY

1 complaints

11%

• The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time the failure occurred. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle but could not determin

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time the failure occurred. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle but could not determin”

— NHTSA complaint filing

ELECTRICAL

1 complaints

11%

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

1 complaints

11%

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

Estimated Repair Costs

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 9 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
LIGHTING: BMW DRL (Daytime Running Light) module is is overheating causing damage to the internal fiber optic tube. Dealer said this is a common issue and requires module replacement to prevent requiring a whole headlight assembly as BMW does not sell the fiber optic cable separately. Lights should not be ove
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I have a 2021 with 25000 miles and a 2023 with 6000 miles which make noise when in reverse. The dealer has stated the rear brake pads likely need replacement and rotors as well. It seems questionable that two exact models two years apart and 20000 miles apart are encountering the same issue.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: The contact owns a 2021 BMW 228I. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH, the sunroof exploded. The contact stated that the shade guard was closed at the time the failure occurred. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he inspected the vehicle but could not determin
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL:
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)