Owners filed 401 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 7 times.
Do not drive
NHTSA attached 2 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
09000090,000 milesMedian miles at failure
298 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
Most common 2000 BMW 323i problems
230 of the 401 complaints (57%) are about the transmission.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
190
4
0
4
Air Bags · airbags
45
3
0
5
Power Train · transmission
31
1
0
0
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags
14
2
0
5
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
10
0
0
0
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame
10
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
8
2
0
1
Unknown or Other
7
0
0
2
Power Train › Manual Transmission · transmission
7
0
1
0
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches
7
0
0
0
2000 BMW 323i transmission problems
57% of all complaints
230 of the 401 complaints are about the transmission. This is what owners describe:
drops into neutral17% · 38
slips or will not engage a gear3% · 8
Share of the 230 transmission complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
“The vehicle has a hard time reversing, I can command it to reverse but sometimes nothing happens like it is in neutral, the car is a 2000 and only has 96k miles. This past month I have spoken with bmw about the issue. I let them know I feel it poses a safety risk but they said they cannot help me. Even though it is clearly a mfg. Defect. Just hoping to have an advocate to help me. The car is stationary on a street.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 20, 2015 at 84,000 miles
“Got in car first thing in the morning put it in reverse and nothing happened. It was like it was in neutral. Then car rolled backwards as it was on a slight incline applied breaks and put car in drive and all the forward gears worked fine, tried reverse again and same thing happened didn't move no matter how much throttle was applied.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 4, 2015 at 82,140 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the transmissionRecall (red: the transmission)
Complaints about the 2000 323i peaked in 2008, with 67 filed that year. No recall on file covers the transmission, the subject of 57% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module21V401000
Filed May 27, 20214,511 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V852000
Filed Nov 26, 201934,396 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V853000
Filed Nov 26, 201974,185 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Filed Aug 9, 200220,500 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Filed Feb 17, 200017,700 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
Technical service bulletins
17 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2000 323i. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
airbags 6electrical system 3brakes 3equipment 2headlights 1fuel system 1transmission 1
INFORMATION REGARDING E46 M52TU / B25 WITH ZF 5HP19 AS OF 3/2000 PRODUCTION. **MR
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jun 19, 2023MO
I was driving normally, and made a right hand turn onto a street when the driver door airbag and driver curtain airbag deployed suddenly. The engine shut off and the hazards turned on automatically, and I pulled off the road to a safe location. I was able to restart the engine to bring the vehicle onto the tow truck. As far as I am aware there was no impact, and the outside of the car is not damaged. I am able to see some other NHTSA reports of this random deployment happening with other 3 series models, specifically 2000 model year vehicles like mine. I am unsure of what caused this, I can only assume a faulty sensor is the cause.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2022139,000 milesNY
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323i. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag deployed but did not inflate. There was no crash to cause the air bag to deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of several recalls regarding the driver’s side air bags however, there was no recall on the passenger’s side air bags. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V853000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Suspension
Filed Jan 5, 2022205,721 milesCT
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an abnormal rattling noise would emit from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered part of the rear driver’s side subframe had detached from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact called the dealer about the failure and they offered no assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 205,721
Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2021CA
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V401000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2021OH
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323i. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and 19V853000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed him that the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but provide no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 202057,800 milesTN
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2020CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO BMW OF SAN DIEGO (5090 KEARNY MESA ROAD, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111, (844) 307-7409) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 24, 2020NJ
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED OPEN ROAD BMW OF EDISON (731 US-1, EDISON, NJ 08817) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2020NY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIME FRAME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY TO BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB
Air Bags
Filed Jul 13, 2020CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB
Air Bags
Filed Jun 1, 2020CO
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAG) AND 20V018000 (AIR BAG) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TO SCHOMP BMW (1190 PLUM VALLEY LN, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129, (303)730-1300) AND BMW OF DENVER DOWNTOWN (1040 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246, (303)954-4856) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOTH LOCATIONS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE IF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT*JB
Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2020FL
I AM CHECKING ON HOW TO FIX THE AIRBAG RECALL TO PREVENT POSSIBLE INJURY CONCERNED ABOUT AIR BAGS
Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2020159,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON START UP, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 11, 2020IN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE NHTSA HOTLINE WAS CONTACTED AND THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2020CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323-I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF SAN FRANCISCO LOCATED AT 1675 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 20, 2020OK
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG HAS BEEN RECALLED. HAS CAUSED SEVERAL DEATHS. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TEST/REPLACE FAULTY PARTS AND HAS NOT GIVEN A LOANER.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2020GA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW (LOCATED AT 500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339, (800) 294-1853) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power Train
Filed Jul 8, 2019NV
2000 BMW 323I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWERTRAIN SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2019160,000 milesPA
TAKATA RECALL. THERE HAS BEEN NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THE INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AND YEAR OF BMW. IT EXPERIENCES RUST ISSUES FREQUENTLY. I NEED TO REPLACE SUBFRAME DO TO THIS AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER THE YEARS, IT HAS NOT BEEN STATIONARY OR ANYTHING OF THAT MATTER. IT HAS BEEN USED AS A DAILY DRIVER, AS THAT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A DAILY DRIVER SUBFRAME, SPECIALLY FROM A BMW.
Power TrainCrash
Filed Apr 29, 2019180,000 milesOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE. ON ONE OCCASION, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND CAUSED A FENDER BENDER WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REVERSE DRUM FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE METAL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 201935 milesCA
TAKATA RECALL
Unknown or Other2 injured
Filed Sep 2, 2017120,345 milesPR
LEFT UPPER AND DOOR AIR BAGS EXPLODED WITHOUT REASON WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH
Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2017CA
TAKATA RECALLS
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 16, 2017161,000 milesNY
TAKATA RECALL I'M FILLING A COMPLAINT DO TO THE LETTER I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL STATING THAT MY VECHICLE MAKE BE PART OF A LAW SUIT
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 1, 2017200,000 milesCA
REAR SUBFRAME BODY HAS SEPARATED FROM SUBFRAME MOUNTING SUPPORT. THE CHASSIS IS NO LONGER PROPERLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE TIED DOWN BOLTS HAVE SHEARED OFF. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2016IL
MY VEHICLE WAS ON A CITY STREET, I HIT A POT HOLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AORBAG DEFLATED.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 19, 2016CA
HAVING PROBLEMS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING DOORS! KEY WILL NOT UNLOCK DRIVER'S DOOR, MANUALLY OR WITH REMOTE. IN ORDER TO ENTER CAR I HAVE TO LEAVE ONE DOOR UNLOCKED. CAN'T EVEN LOCK NOR UNLOCK DOORS FROM INSIDE EITHER. THIS IS PATHETIC! THERE'S A SEVERE PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE REGARDING THE LOCKS ON THE CAR THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL!
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 4, 2016287 milesNJ
TAKATA RECALL DRIVING AROUND 25 MPH CAR HIT A POTHOLE GOING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET. SIDE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED HITTING MY COUSIN JUST AS DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL 02V223000. THE CAR IS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA INFLATORS AIRBAG RECALL WHICH THANKFULLY DIDN'T DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF HITTING THE POTHOLE. BMW DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEPLOYED AIR BAGS BECAUSE, ACCORDING TO THEM, THE CAR'S VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AFFECTED BY SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, EVEN THOUGH YEAR AND MODEL MATCHES THE EFFECTED VEHICLE. THEY ARE, HOWEVER, WILLING TO REPAIR THE TAKATA AIRBAG.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 2016220,000 milesNC
RAN OVER A CURB GOING ABOUT 15 MPH, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Apr 18, 2016280,201 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BRAKE LAMPS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V048000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,201.
Power Train
Filed Nov 28, 2015130,000 milesCA
THE REVERSE GEAR IS NOT WORKING. I CANNOT REVERSE... THIS OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING AND FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
Power Train
Filed Nov 11, 2015TX
THE VEHICLE DOES NOT GO IN REVERSE. IT WORK INTERMITTENTLY RANDOMLY. I NOTICE THE COMPLAINTS ON LINE IN WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 20, 201584,000 milesAZ
THE VEHICLE HAS A HARD TIME REVERSING, I CAN COMMAND IT TO REVERSE BUT SOMETIMES NOTHING HAPPENS LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL, THE CAR IS A 2000 AND ONLY HAS 96K MILES. THIS PAST MONTH I HAVE SPOKEN WITH BMW ABOUT THE ISSUE. I LET THEM KNOW I FEEL IT POSES A SAFETY RISK BUT THEY SAID THEY CANNOT HELP ME. EVEN THOUGH IT IS CLEARLY A MFG. DEFECT. JUST HOPING TO HAVE AN ADVOCATE TO HELP ME. THE CAR IS STATIONARY ON A STREET.
Power Train
Filed Aug 12, 201580,000 milesCA
THE CAR GOT STUCK IN THE DRIVEWAY. NO REVERSE. FORWARD STILL WORKING.
Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 2015160,000 milesFL
THE CAR WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE
Power Train
Filed Jul 4, 201582,140 milesCA
GOT IN CAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING PUT IT IN REVERSE AND NOTHING HAPPENED. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THEN CAR ROLLED BACKWARDS AS IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE APPLIED BREAKS AND PUT CAR IN DRIVE AND ALL THE FORWARD GEARS WORKED FINE, TRIED REVERSE AGAIN AND SAME THING HAPPENED DIDN'T MOVE NO MATTER HOW MUCH THROTTLE WAS APPLIED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION/WARNING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM,BEFORE THIS THE TRANSMISSION WORKED GREAT NO PROBLEMS AT ALL.THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AS IT HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING IT COULD SERIOUSLY INJURE OR KILL SOMEONE.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 201529,920 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,920.
Air Bags
Filed May 27, 2015NY
THERE IS AN AIRBAG RECALL AND ITS NEARLY A YEAR WHERE BMW IS SAYING THEY ARE WAITING ON PARTS. I THINK THAT IS RIDICULOUS. I COULDN'T TELL THEM I AM WAITING ON MONEY TO PAY THEM. THERE IS NO ACTUAL INCIDENT. THIS IS JUST A COMPLAINT. THANKS.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 2015TX
I RECEIVED A VEHICLE RECALL FROM BMW IN SEPTEMBER 2014 FOR MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM MOMENTUM BMW OF HOUSTON ( 713-5963400). I HEARD NOTHING FURTHER AND IN NOV 2014 CALLED MOMENTUM BMW. I WAS TOLD THEY KNEW NOTHING OF THE RECALL BUT THEY TOOK MY NAME, VIN AND DATA. ON DECEMBER 12TH I STOPPED BY THEIR DEALERSHIP AND WENT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS NOW TOLD THAT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR MY REPAIR BECAUSE I HAD NOT COME IN TO HAVE THEM ORDERED. SO I WENT THROUGH THIS PROCESS - PROVIDING ONCE AGAIN, ADDRESS, VIN CONTACT INFORMATION ETC. I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN I COULD COME IN AND HAVE THE AIRBAG REPLACED. NOW ON MARCH 6TH I HAVE STILL NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND AFTER 4 TELEPHONE CALL ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO TALK TO ANYONE IN THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE FOR THEIR SERVICE MANAGER TO CONTACT ME. SO IN SHORT, 6 MONTHS AFTER BEING NOTIFIED BY BMW (IN WRITING) THAT MY CAR NEEDS A PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG REPLACEMENT THE RESPONSIBLE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS NEVER CONTACTED ME. I AM SENDING IN THIS NOTIFICATION AS INSTRUCTED ON MY WRITTEN LETTER - "IF YOUR BMW CENTER IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHOUT CHARGE OR WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME, NOTIFY THE ADMINISTRATOR, NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 2015TN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2015PA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000(AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2015NJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power Train
Filed Nov 22, 201493,000 milesCA
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT POWER THE CAR IN REVERSE. FORWARD GEARS ALL WORK NORMALLY. THIS WAS A SUDDEN FAILURE AND AFTER SEARCHING ON THE WEB, IT APPEARS THIS IS A FREQUENT FAILURE OF THIS GM SUPPLIED TRANSMISSION IN POST 3/2000 BMWS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2014CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURE.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 11, 2014CA
I JUST BECAME AWARE OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL. I WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AS WE WERE GOING 30 MPH HIT THE CURB WHEN THE AIRBAG CAME OUT ENDED UP RUPTURING, SHOOTING DEBRIS OUT ONTO MY FACE RESULTING ME TO LOSE MY LEFT EYE...UPDATED 12/02/14 *BF
Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 2014TX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 16, 2014500 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO CLOSE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2014WA
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. RECALL FOR VEHICLE AIRBAGS IN EFFECT, HOWEVER MY SITUATION WAS FOUND TO BE UNRELATED TO THE RECALL. I ADVISE THE RECALL BE RE-INVESTIGATED TO INCLUDE SPONTANEOUS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Sep 15, 2014155,384 milesCA
I WAS UNAWARE OF THE PREVIOUS DEFECT NOTICES ABOUT THE FRAME / BODY HAVING A WEAK SPOT AND WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH WHEN MY REAR SHOCK AND THE PART THAT HOLDS THE SHOCK IN PLACE WENT THROUGH THE METAL FRAME RIPPING THE METAL AWAY AND ALLOWING THE SHOCK TO PUNCTURE THROUGH THE FRAME JUST BELOW THE TRUNK AREA AND THE CAR WAS THEN INOPERABLE. I WAS QUOTED A PRICE FOR REPAIR OF 6500 AND WAS INFORMED OF THE 2005/2006 LAWSUIT WHERE BMW WAS SUED FOR THIS DEFECT AND REPAIRED SOME CARS FOR A YEAR AFTER THE LAWSUIT ENDED BUT THIS WAS PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I CONTACTED BMW OF NO AMERICA HEADQUARTERS, THEY ASKED ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALER AND HAVE THEM DO A DIAGNOSIS WHICH I IMMEDIATELY DID AND THAT COST WAS OVER $10K OF WHICH BMW OFFERED TO PAY ONLY 20%. I THEN TOOK IT TO ANOTHER BMW MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED IT FOR $3000 AND BMW WILL NOT PAY ANY PART OF THE BILL BECAUSE IT WAS NOT DONE AT A DEALERSHIP, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW BMW CAN GET AWAY WITH A DEFECT LIKE THIS AND SO MANY CARS AFFECTED BY IT AND NOT HAVE TO REPAIR IT AT THEIR COST? IT IS THEIR DEFECT. *TR
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Sep 4, 2014MN
2000 BMW 323I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUB-FRAME ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT WAS A KNOWN DEFECT. BMW OFFERED TO PAY 25% OF THE COST. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THEY PAY 50% OF THE COST. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 401, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Owners filed 401 complaints with NHTSA; there are too few 323i years on record to rank this one against the others. The most common complaint is about the transmission (57%).
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW 323i?
The transmission: 230 of the 401 complaints (57%) are about it. Owners most often say it drops into neutral (17%) and slips or will not engage a gear (3%). The typical report comes at 91,014 miles.
How many recalls does the 2000 BMW 323i have?
7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 27, 2021. 2 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 14V428000, covered 574,007 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2000 BMW 323i problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 90,000 miles. For the transmission the midpoint is 91,014 miles.
Are there service bulletins for the 2000 BMW 323i?
The manufacturer filed 17 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (6), the electrical system (3) and the brakes (3). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 27, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.