Owners have filed 111 complaints
about the 2000 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between 2003 and 2021.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 64
Against the median year of the BMW 3 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2140.4%
Frame AND Members
2038.5%
Body
47.7%
Underbody Shields
23.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
23.8%
Seat Heater/Cooler
11.9%
Side/Window
11.9%
Driveline
11.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
22.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
44.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1313.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2930.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3335.1%
150,000+ miles
1313.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2003peak 5Jan 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 BMW 3 Series
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02012Opened 15 Jul 2002Closed 24 Jun 2003AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
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 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...
PE02011Opened 31 Jan 2002Closed 15 Jul 2002AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG
Recalls on the 2000 BMW 3 Series
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V401000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2021354346 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for vehicles that had an inspection performed under recall 2019-599, 2019-600 or 2019-601, but where the airbag inflator was not replaced. This new recall will provide replacement of the airbag inflator. On certain cars, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent its proper function. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly or the inflator could rupture. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your car to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag inflator.
Recall 202000920,070 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag module. The passenger-front airbag module will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 20196002,757 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain cars, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent its proper function. Note: This recall affects cars built between March 25, 1998 and November 10, 1999. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly or the inflator could rupture. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your car to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag inflator.
Recall 20195995,459 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain cars, exposure to moisture over time could cause the driver-front airbag not to inflate properly in a crash. In some cases, this could cause an airbag not to fully inflate, while in others it could cause it to deploy with more force than normal. It could also cause the inflator to rupture. If the airbag inflator ruptures, small pieces of metal could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag and prevent its proper function. Note: This recall affects cars built between May 22, 1999 and June 20, 2000. While the car was not built with an affected airbag inflator, it may have had one installed if the steering wheel airbag was replaced. Safety Risk: In a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the driver-front airbag may not inflate properly or the inflator could rupture. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your car to a dealer to replace the driver-front airbag inflator.
Recall 2019487359 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. This recall applies to vehicles equipped with a replacement sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW advises not to drive your vehicle unless this recall repair has been completed. BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the driver-front airbag inflator. The driver-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. To learn if your vehicle requires repair, owners may: • Visit https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002
Recall 201429940,915 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment during a crash where deployment is warranted, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger airbag. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2013148.
Recall 20022151,721 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain 323I and 328I vehicles may experience inadvertent or non-crash side impact lateral air bags deployment. In addition, the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) would also activate, disconnecting the starter cable from the battery. In this case, the vehicle electrical systems would continue to operate and the engine would continue to run; however, after the engine is turned off, it could not be restarted. Correction: Dealers will recalibrate the side airbag system in order to reduce the possibility of such non-crash deployments.
Recall 20000651,132 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain 323I, 328I, 528I, 528IT, 540I, 540IT, 740I, 740IL, 750IL and M5 vehicles, the brake light switch capacitor housing may be cracked and in high humidity conditions the capacitor and switch housing could become overheated and deformed. As a result, a short circuit or an open circuit could occur in the switch. This could cause the switch to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or the "brake lamps on" position. If the switch remains in the "off" position, the brake lamps will be rendered inoperative. Conversely, if the switch remains in the "on" position, the brake lamps will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is in the "on" position. Correction: Brake lamp switch will be replaced with an improved switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 99,000 milesComyers, GACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11048275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesComyers, GACrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11048275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandeville, LA2 injured
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!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10888439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAppleton, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10542017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAppleton, WIFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10542017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesPrinceton, ILFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY TWENTY MINUTES WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THERE WAS YELLOW SMOKE POURING THROUGH THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE ERUPTED INTO TWENTY FOOT FLAMES FROM THE DASHBOARD AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEXT TO A BUILDING WHICH WAS PARTIALLY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD FURTHER INSPECT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
NHTSA complaint #10339552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 216,000 milesMiami, FL
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
NHTSA complaint #11386688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,000 milesMiami, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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
NHTSA complaint #11386688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,000 milesMiami, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11386688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesComyers, GACrash
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.
NHTSA complaint #11048275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesComyers, GACrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11048275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandeville, LA2 injured
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!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10888439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesDallas, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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!
NHTSA complaint #10887482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesDallas, TX
ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #10887482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesDallas, TX
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!
NHTSA complaint #10887482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cutchogue, NY
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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10860502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,500 milesKeller, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #10693573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cumming, GA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10682812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesScottsville, VA
POWER TRAIN
WELL DOCUMENTED NO REVERSE ISSUE FOR BMW GM TRANSMISSION D-CLUTCH FRACTURE.
NHTSA complaint #10641065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,034 milesJonesboro, GA
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAppleton, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10542017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAppleton, WIFire
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10542017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,780 milesPort Orchard, WA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10538646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10535754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10535754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 254,000 milesColumbia, SC
POWER TRAIN
CAR JUST STOPPED GOING INTO REVERSE. THIS IS A ISSUE THAT IS COMMON IN MANY OTHER 2000 3 SERIES.
NHTSA complaint #10509968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesVicksburg, MI
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.
NHTSA complaint #10497676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,200 milesFlower Mound, TX
POWER TRAIN
THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED GOING INTO REVERSE. WORKS IN DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10475709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSanta Monica, CA
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 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!!!
NHTSA complaint #10449155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGreat Fall, VA
POWER TRAIN
THE REVERSE GEAR STOP WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10445482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesGreat Fall, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE REVERSE GEAR STOP WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #10445482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.