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2021 BMW

228i xDrive Gran Coupe

Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo

BMW 228i: best and worst years
2021 BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe (photo 1 of 4)
2021 photoMercurySable99CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Transmission
Automatic (S8)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
228
Power to weight
0.064 hp/lb
Axle ratio
2.95

Efficiency

Smog score
7/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
3
Owner complaints
8 See on NHTSA

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17%
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING17%
  • SERVICE BRAKES17%
  • ENGINE8%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE8%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 12 total.

BMW 228i: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

73 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 5, 2026ENGINEB010224

    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.

  • Jan 19, 2024STRUCTUREB640416

    Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    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 information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Jan 8, 2024STEERINGB360121

    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 video. See attached video V36 01 21.

  • Jan 5, 2024EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENTB610524

    The Central Information Display goes black intermittently due to resets of the Head Unit (HU-H3). FaultB7F8F9 – “HU-H: Reset” will be stored in the HU-H3.

  • Nov 16, 2023STEERINGB612123

    The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature.

  • Nov 13, 2023ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGB011423

    PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES

  • Nov 8, 2023STRUCTUREB513218

    The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.

  • and 65 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: bmwusaservice.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.