The wiring harness that enters the trunk lid that supplies the lights for the rear license plate and the trunk lid release has frayed at the exact point where the harness enters the trunk lid. The wiring comes in direct contact with the sharp edge at the opening in the trunk lid, and several of the wires have broken at this point, resulting in failure of the license plate lights. In addition, the dashboard indicator shows that the trunk lid is open even though it's locked. I performed an internet search and this seems to be a common problem with several bmw models.
Electrical system
1998 BMW 528I Electrical problems
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1998 BMW 528I's electrical system with NHTSA - 9% of all its complaints, most recently on November 29, 2010. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Electrical complaints
The steering wheel intermittently moves up and down on its own while driving. In addition, the brake lights stay on constantly and the air bag indicator light on the dash comes on intermittently. *Jb
Electrical harness shorted for driver seat and steering wheel. Yh
BMW 528I electrical complaints by year
528I electrical problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data