This page covers 3 recalls, 16 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 BMW 228i.
26–27 mpg combined
8.7–9 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
Electrical complaints dominate the 2015 BMW 228i owner reports, with the water pump electrical connector being the central concern. Multiple owners describe smoke coming from the engine compartment, specifically tracing it to the connector area under the hood. In some cases the master warning light illuminated beforehand; in others there was no warning at all before smoke appeared. Engine complaints account for a couple of additional reports, though the specifics across those are less consistent. The tire category shows a single report, too isolated to represent a pattern. The recurring thread here is the water pump connector producing visible smoke, with owners noting the issue had gone unaddressed for an extended period.
16
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 BMW 228i has 3 recalls, the most serious being two separate airbag inflator defects where a rupture can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the cabin, raising the risk of injury to occupants or bystanders.
Both airbag recalls involve side and head airbag inflators that can rupture rather than deploy correctly: one affects the side window airbags, and the other involves the head airbag inflator failing at a weld joint, which can cause gas to leak or the inflator to burst. The third recall covers an electrical wiring connector that can short and start a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may fail at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed, allowing water to enter and cause an electrical short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the water pump, replace it and the connector if needed, and install a protective shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The head air bag inflator may crack at a weld joint, causing gas to leak or the inflator to rupture.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the head air bags at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
