
2016 Bmw 528I
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Bmw 528I has 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 103. The most common issue is engine problems (42% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2016 bmw 528i. the contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he heard an unusual rattling sound. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. the vehicle was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain guide. the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be r. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.
103
Total Complaints
4
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
43 complaints- • The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he heard an unusual rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain guide. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be r
- • Bmw had recalled the n20 engine for timing chain guides replacement up to year 2015. The original timing chain guides were orange in color but also found to an inferior part from manufacturer. Bmw had replaced the original guides to a white color as supposed to a better product. Now then my 2016 mo
- • 2016 BMW 528i with 65,000 miles. Oil leaking from pan and told by mechanic that premature failed oil pan gasket and warping of oil pan well known by the manufacturer but they refuse to address the problem leaving the repair bill for customers. Poor design should not be the purchaser's responsibilit
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he heard an unusual rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain guide. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be r”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Bmw 528I
Based on 36 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 80K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
ENGINE
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (4)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Risk: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Bmw 528I
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Bmw 528I
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Bmw 528I Service Intervals
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
Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2016 528I, 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 103 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, he heard an unusual rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain guide. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be r
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: The contact owned a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at 30 -35 MPH with the windows down, there was a smoke odor present. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and smoke was discovered coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle suddenly engulfed in flames as the conta
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL,, 12-20-2017 I WAS IN A COLLISION. MY VEHICLE REAR ENDED A VEHICLE WHILE TRYING TO STOP. I WAS ALONE IN MY VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR SIDE CURTAIN AIRBA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS OFF FOR 2.5 HOURS. IT HAPPENED WHILE PARKED, IN MY APARTMENT COMPLEX PARKING LOT AND NO ONE WAS INSIDE THE CAR AT THE TIME.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Bmw 528I — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 103
- Recalls
- 4
- Fire reports
- 7
- Crash reports
- 1
- Injury reports
- 3
- Segment avg
- 103
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Bmw 528I