AI Damage2021 BMW 228I: common problems
The maker issued 99 service bulletins for this year. We found 1 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 99
- YouTube repair videos
- 1
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 47 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Backover prevention | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been…
The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.
- Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet
- The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3)
FaultB7F8F9 ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂHU-H: ResetÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂàwill be stored in the HU-H3.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few…
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important…
- At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e
when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the…
- The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature
- The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity…
- PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES
- Customers may be experiencing one or more of these following issues with Bluetooth operation
Bluetooth cannot be switched on or off in the head unit (HU-H4) Paired mobile devices cannot be deleted Customer is unable to make phone calls or stream music with mobile device Customer is unable to connect a new…
- ?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted
- Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed
The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit cycles exceeded
- BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles…
BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.
NHTSA lists 99 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 BMW 228I?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 99 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 BMW 228I?
NHTSA lists 99 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 BMW 228I from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.