2000 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2000
These records cover every 2000 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2000 BMW 3 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
88 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
Rear lights . Clip contacts melting ground wire . Purchased lights and clips 3 times and melted again. Lights inoperable after 2 weeks of life harness melted . Received multiple warnings and a ticket I now have to prove repair . Recall found for every other model except the 323I 2000 . Not safe to have no tail lights available . Can't drive car in unsafe conditions. Can't sell car in unsafe condition
- Air bags · Seat belts
Airbag warning light with a takata recall notice. My 2000 323I has a airbag seatbelt warning light that will not go away. The vehicle was damage from the rear end passenger side. Repair work was done to correct the damages.
- Air bags
Takata recall!! I was driving 35 mph on a regular street I always drive on and mid drive both passanger and driver air bags deployed for no reason!!!! Causing very serious injuries!! Also causing more damage to my car!!!!
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
The brake lights and turn signals don't work... the transmission- reverse has gone out... and the radiator has a serious leak... makes the car run hot!
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. the vin was not available.
- Air bags
Received notification from BMW USA for recall campaign no. 14V-428 (defective front seat passenger air bag) last september 2014. as of today's date (march 11, 2015), BMW USA has not informed me when I can expect them to perform the work needed to rectify the defective front passenger air bag. their suggestion that I operate the vehicle without a front seat passenger IS ludicrous and virtually impractical. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2000 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Power train
Well documented no reverse issue for BMW gm transmission d-clutch fracture. *tr
- Air bags
The airbag icon on the instrument panel stays on. My machanic told me this means that a passenger sitting in the front seat does not activate the sensor in the seat and, as a result, the air bag would not deploy in case of a collision. So I asked them to repair it, after paying about $700, about 8 months later it popped back on , so I'm seriouly looking to trade this car. *tr
- Electrical system · Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
While driving on highway heater setting on warm, smoke filled the cabin. smoke was coming from center console and left side of glove box from underneath. Had to stop the vehicle in the middle of the highway and escape the smoke filled cabin the smoke turn to a flame from under the glove box. The…
While driving on highway heater setting on warm, smoke filled the cabin. smoke was coming from center console and left side of glove box from underneath. Had to stop the vehicle in the middle of the highway and escape the smoke filled cabin the smoke turn to a flame from under the glove box. The car proceeded to totally burn from this incident. I reviewed the schematics to identify the only heating dissipating element located under there IS the fsr blower motor control smoke appeared suddenly. *Jb
- Power train
I was preparing to back out of my driveway. the vehicle acted as though it was in "neutral" and did not make any noise or motion. the reverse never showed any signs of trouble. I have been driving the car on a limited basis over the past four months. a short time prior to this, I began to…
I was preparing to back out of my driveway. the vehicle acted as though it was in "neutral" and did not make any noise or motion. the reverse never showed any signs of trouble. I have been driving the car on a limited basis over the past four months. a short time prior to this, I began to notice a slight vibration in the car while accelerating between the speeds of 25 mph and 30 mph driving forward. it was subtle and actually began to go away. I never experienced any unusual stress, noise, or difficulties while going into reverse prior to finding it completely gone today. I feel extremely fortunate that this occurred in my driveway and did not involve an emergency situation. I fear that it could have put me and my family in great bodily harm, had I not been so lucky. I fear for what this may cost to repair or even evaluate, since many online have expressed a similar situation resulting in thousands of dollars worth of repairs. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
The left rear subframe mount torn away from the vehicle unibody/frame mounting location. the rear body metal fatigue was caused from loading and unloading of the drive train due to an engineering design defect. This occurred under normal driving conditions and IS a known defect by BMW. a class…
The left rear subframe mount torn away from the vehicle unibody/frame mounting location. the rear body metal fatigue was caused from loading and unloading of the drive train due to an engineering design defect. This occurred under normal driving conditions and IS a known defect by BMW. a class action law suit required BMW to fix the problem from 2009 to 2010, but there are still many vehicles on the road that have not been repaired or the metal fatigue showed up after the 2010 deadline for repair. This IS a major defect making the vehicle unsafe to drive because the rear axle can separate from the vehicle. This should be a vehicle recall and all BMW E46 3 series should have the rear subframe mounting points repaired and reinforced by BMW at no cost. *tr
- Power train
Car just stopped going into reverse. this IS a issue that IS common in many other 2000 3 series. *tr
- Power train
Great car until parked at grocery store and car would not back up when put in reverse. Only 75000 miles. BMW dealer wanted $6000 to replace with factory rebuilt transmission. Contacted BMW customer service and they refused to participate in repair. Offered to contact dealer and ask for 10% reduction. Never heard back. Last BMW for me. Very frequent failure per the internet and this site. *Tr
- Power train
The car suddenly stopped going into reverse. works in drive. *tr
- Suspension
On february 6, 2012 exiting the freeway an about a mile or so after, I heard this big clunk that came from the rear, stopped and pulled over to see what that was. Looked under the car and the rear axel was hanging and subframe was severely damaged. Took it to the dealer the next day for inspection…
On february 6, 2012 exiting the freeway an about a mile or so after, I heard this big clunk that came from the rear, stopped and pulled over to see what that was. Looked under the car and the rear axel was hanging and subframe was severely damaged. Took it to the dealer the next day for inspection and called bmwna to file the claim. They will not pay for the repair and offered 50% of the cost. My car has 160K miles and it IS in excellent condition besides this faulty engineered by BMW and they will not pay. Luckily I am still alive. How about if I was still on the freeway driving and this thing happened and caused an accident? This IS really serious! Safety of myself and other people. I am still dealing with bmwna to cover for the really expensive repair that this incident created. It was a defect from the manufacturer and now they do not want to take responsibility. please help!!! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
The reverse gear stop working. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
The car transmission will not go in reverse. the issue happens suddenly with no warning, and acts exactly as if you were in neutral gear. there IS a dedicated site called http://www.noreverse.org that documents thousands of cases from BMW owners that have the same problem. BMW north america has…
The car transmission will not go in reverse. the issue happens suddenly with no warning, and acts exactly as if you were in neutral gear. there IS a dedicated site called http://www.noreverse.org that documents thousands of cases from BMW owners that have the same problem. BMW north america has acknowledged that its transmissions in vehicles 1999-2003 have this issue, but fails to offer any assistance on this huge safety issue. in november, I pulled out of my driveway normally to drive to work. when I arrive at work and attempted to reverse into the space, the car acted like it was in neutral. the vehicle continues to act this way. all other gears work normal (meaning it drives fine forward), it IS just that you cannot engage reverse. *Tr
- Power train
The car all of a sudden stopped going into reverse. I had to push it to get our of the parking spot and went straight home. The next morning, the reverse gear decided to work so I decided to take it for test drive again and it failed to go into reverse again. There are thousands of BMW owners that…
The car all of a sudden stopped going into reverse. I had to push it to get our of the parking spot and went straight home. The next morning, the reverse gear decided to work so I decided to take it for test drive again and it failed to go into reverse again. There are thousands of BMW owners that complain about the same problem with the reverse gear. There needs to be a recall from BMW to take care of this issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
The car will not go in reverse. *tr
- Visibility
The window regulator (i.e., the mechanical mechanism in the doors which raises and lowers the windows) appears to be faulty. I have replaced the regulators 6 times since 2000. These are repeated failures: the right front window regulator has failed twice (2003 and 2009); the left front regulator…
The window regulator (i.e., the mechanical mechanism in the doors which raises and lowers the windows) appears to be faulty. I have replaced the regulators 6 times since 2000. These are repeated failures: the right front window regulator has failed twice (2003 and 2009); the left front regulator has failed twice (2003 and 2011); the left rear has failed once (2008) and the right rear has failed once (2007). BMW only covered the failures under the original warranty (2003). The others have been at my cost. *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
I heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear end, took it to my mechanic, and was told the subframe has torn off of the rear suspension. He checked to see if there IS a recall, but none has been found. He did notice online that this has been an ongoing problem, with many complaints, and that a class action lawsuit had been filed. *tr
- Structure › Body
I took my year 2000, BMW 328ci in to replace a rear differential bushing. The mechanic discovered frame damage where the driver-side rear differential bushing attaches to the car body/frame. The mechanic suggested I call my insurance agent to see if this was covered. The insurance company sent an…
I took my year 2000, BMW 328ci in to replace a rear differential bushing. The mechanic discovered frame damage where the driver-side rear differential bushing attaches to the car body/frame. The mechanic suggested I call my insurance agent to see if this was covered. The insurance company sent an investigator who informed me over the phone & email (including photo attachments) that the damage could not be caused by any collision and was not covered by my insurance policy. The agent stated that this was a BMW issue. He also sent a link of a video of another BMW 3 series with similar problem showing metal fatigue http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8362789948066992482# . I sent photos of the damage to another mechanic who specializes in BMW repair. He said it was not something seen everyday but something BMW knows about based on what he has read. He also stated this was a safety issue and suggested I call the BMW dealership and ask about any recalls. I called the BMW dealer who asked for my vin # and then said there were "no open campaigns at this time". I called the dealership on 10/25/2011. the estimated cost of repair IS around $5000, which IS almost the same as the kelley blue book value of the car. I was informed that the car IS not safe to drive in this condition. *tt
- Power train
There IS a major problem with the reverse on these vehicles. we thought we had a unique problem but it IS a obvious that this IS a widespread problem. I found 359 complaints on our yr/make/model on this website alone. also numerous complaints on a website called no reverse.org. our BMW will not…
There IS a major problem with the reverse on these vehicles. we thought we had a unique problem but it IS a obvious that this IS a widespread problem. I found 359 complaints on our yr/make/model on this website alone. also numerous complaints on a website called no reverse.org. our BMW will not go into reverse. I have learned to park on an incline so I can roll backwards out of a parking space. BMW needs to do a recall. they are loosing faithful customers by not addressing the issue. if there IS a class action lawsuit, I want to be a part of it. BMW reps at customer service decline to help so far. *kb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
My 2000 3 series BMW has stopped going in reverse. at all. it's very dangerous as I was in traffic yesterday at a red light when a semi truck turned the corner in front of me and needed me to back up. I was stuck behind a van that was able to go in reverse and of course expected me to follow…
My 2000 3 series BMW has stopped going in reverse. at all. it's very dangerous as I was in traffic yesterday at a red light when a semi truck turned the corner in front of me and needed me to back up. I was stuck behind a van that was able to go in reverse and of course expected me to follow suit, and I couldn't! I've been reading online and all over the world people are having this same problem over and over again with this particular series of BMW. I've only had my car a year. it has a little over 100K miles on it. I absolutely cannot afford the 3-5K it will cost to replace it. there are so many complaints on the web. please have this recalled before it turns into another toyota debacle. it's not fair. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Inadvertent side-impact air bag deployme
The subject vehicle's air bag electronic control module contains programmable logic for deploying the side-impact air bags.bmw revised the module several times over the span of the model years 1999 through 2002 (identified as mrs2.ca, mrs2.bb, MRS3, MRS3+ and mrs4).although model year 1999.5 vehicles with version…
The subject vehicle's air bag electronic control module contains programmable logic for deploying the side-impact air bags.bmw revised the module several times over the span of the model years 1999 through 2002 (identified as mrs2.ca, mrs2.bb, MRS3, MRS3+ and mrs4).although model year 1999.5 vehicles with version mrs2.bb had 6.5% of the subject population, it accounted for 29% of the total reports received.the mrs2.bb exposure adjusted report rate was almost 4 times higher than other 3 series air bag module versions.in august 2002, BMW initiated a recall campaign for 20,500 model 323I and 328I vehicles with version mrs2.bb (nhtsa recall # 02v223000).in addition to experiencing a lower rate of non-crash deployments, most of the non-recalled vehicles also showed evidence of significant pothole/curb impact with some having additional undercarriage contact/scrape or suspension damage.see additional information
- Inadvertent side-impact air bag
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040050BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. The retaining tab IS not robust enough. E92.
- 10040049BMW: a software problem IS causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. E92.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There IS a software application error.
- 10036984BMW: it IS now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an N54 engine.
- 10036983BMW: service engine soon light IS on with diesel engines.
- 10036982BMW: there IS a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035247BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. The upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. The adjustment of the inertia reel IS incorrect at the fastening point. The belt IS touching the guide funnel. Models E90, E91 and E92. No model years listed.
- 10035224BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failure caused by vibration.
- 10033135BMW vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area around one of the rear axle carrier mounting points. As a result, a distinct clicking noise can be heard from the area of the rear axle carrier during certain driving conditions. Model E46 (3series). No model years listed.
- 10033131BMW vehicles: engine cranks but does not start; fuel level gauge displays a sufficient amount of fuel, although the fuel tank IS empty; fault code 2A1C (fuel level plausibility) IS stored in msv80. Right side fuel sending unit IS dislodged from its bracket due to incorrect assembly. No model years listed. Updated 4/29/11.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
- 10032989BMW: fuel level sensor repair procedure. The case where it IS necessary to replace the right side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing does not need to be replaced. No model years listed.
- 10032827BMW vehicles: dsc disabling function. Dsc off function has been implemented in M5 and M6 vehicles equipped with the optional 6 speed manual transmissions. No model years listed.
- 10032815BMW vehicle: noise from front axle/right side. A grinding or scraping noise may be heard while cornering at vehicle speeds up to 30 mph. The noise IS more pronounced while the vehicle IS in the warm up phase and may change intensity during left and right turns. The right side engine support IS making contact with the right side engine mount.
- 10032814BMW vehicle: s54-catalyst protection mode while the vehicle IS low on fuel. Complaints that the vehicle has no power during heavy acceleration. Fuel reserve light IS illuminated and the fuel level, when measured with the service tester, IS below 10 liters. With the fuel level low and under extreme driving conditions (heavy acceleration, cornering or racing), the fuel supply may be inadequate, causing an intermittent lean mixture to be recorded by all 4 oxygen sensors.
- 10032812BMW vehicle: m54/m56-mixture too lean-fault codes 2882/2883 are stored in the dme. Complaints that service engine soon light IS illuminated. The fault codes 2882/2883-fuel trim, mixture too lean are stored in the dme. Possible causes may include-incorrect air filter, unmetered air or a defective air mass meter.
- 10032809BMW vehicle: N54 turbocharger waste gate control noises and operation. After turning off engine, a slight rattle noise IS heard from the engine compartment. This noise IS similar to a mechanical typewriter. In addition, the complaints of a slight reduction of power similar to an increased turbo lag. The vacuum supply to the waste gates may be restricted or blocked. No model years listed.
- 10032779BMW vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp IS illuminated and a power reduction IS clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine already at full operating temperature. If the ignition IS cycled, the engine then usually performs normally. Updated 2/7/11. Updated on 06/09/2011. Updated 8/10/11. Updated 1/11/13.
- 10032650BMW: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23F4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, E91 (3 series), E60, E61 (5 series) 3/06 and E83 (X3 series) 9/08.
- 10030844BMW vehicles: teileclearing for dynamic stability control (dsc). A part replacement authorization must be obtained by submitting a tc case in puma before any of the following dsc components are replaced under warranty for the vehicles listed in the model section of this bulletin: dsc control module, dsc hydro unit, and yaw rate sensor. No model years listed.
- 10030626BMW vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. Updated1/4/10. Updated 5/24/10.
- 10029605BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) IS illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem may be intermittent. Microcracks in the OC3 seat mat. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10028525BMW: service engine lamp IS illuminated. Dme fc 2A15 minor leak and 2A16 superfine leak in evaporation system. Tank ventilation corrugated hose may contact the low side air conditioning pressure line aluminum ferrel. This contact may cause a small leak.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.