2016 BMW 328i Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 21 electrical system complaints for the 2016 BMW 328i, 37% of its 57 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 115,000. Three fires and two injuries were reported, and the electrical system is named in recall 24V608000.
- Electrical System complaints
- 21
- 37% of 57
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 115,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Vehicles have suddenly shut off in intersections and would not restart or shift into neutral, leaving the car immobile in traffic.
- The transmission or drivetrain has unexpectedly dropped into neutral or park while stopped or driving, sometimes triggering a 'drive train malfunction' warning.
- Owners report engine fires starting after the vehicle was parked and turned off, or after overheating and a check engine light appeared, in some cases with smoke entering the cabin.
- Central locking system actuators have failed on multiple doors, occasionally trapping occupants inside the vehicle.
- Some owners say the start/stop feature caused the car to shift from drive into park on its own at stops.
- Several owners tied their electrical system complaints directly to recall 24V608000 and reported the repair part was unavailable for an extended period.
When 2016 BMW 328i electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 28, 2016, latest Sep 11, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 BMW 328i
- NHTSA 24V608000Aug 13, 2024Electrical System720,796 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System complaints by 328i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical system complaints on the 2016 BMW 328i?
- NHTSA records 21 electrical system complaints for the 2016 328i, which is 37% of the 57 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 BMW 328i electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 24V608000, reported August 13, 2024, covers the electrical system among other components on the 2016 328i; it is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- Have there been fires linked to the electrical system on the 2016 328i?
- NHTSA data shows 3 fire incidents and 2 injuries reported among the 2016 328i's complaints, with some tied to the electrical system and engine cooling.
- At what mileage do 2016 328i electrical problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on this model year is 115,000 miles.