Owners have filed 49 complaints
about the 2001 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA between 2001 and 2018.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 28
Against the median year of the BMW 3 Series. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 11
2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2001 BMW 3 Series
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
816.3%
Median failure at 96,000 miles
Airbags
816.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 102,100 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
612.2%
Median failure at 154,445 miles
Electrical System
612.2%
Median failure at 89,500 miles
Wheels
36.1%
Median failure at 119,200 miles
Suspension
36.1%
Median failure at 22,500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
36.1%
Median failure at 173,851 miles
Stability & Traction Control
24.1%
Median failure at 116,700 miles
Tires
24.1%
Median failure at 117,000 miles
Body & Structure
24.1%
Median failure at 61,250 miles
Brakes
24.1%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
12.0%
Median failure at 22,500 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
12.0%
Median failure at 120,090 miles
Steering
12.0%
Median failure at 116,700 miles
Engine & Cooling
12.0%
Median failure at 22,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
38.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
513.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
12.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
718.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1437.8%
150,000+ miles
718.9%
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.
Jun 2001peak 4Oct 2018
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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 2001 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
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 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 201703415,415 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 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 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 2001250226 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain M3 vehicles that were manufactured from October 2000 to May 02, 2001. The two screws that secure the parking brake cable-mounting bracket to the backing plate were not tightened properly. As a result, the screws could loosen and eventually fall into the parking brake drum. If this were to happen, the cable-mounting bracket would no longer be fixed to the backing plate and the parking brake could no longer be applied on that side of the vehicle. It is also possible that a screw could lodge within the parking brake drum, impairing the free movement of the drum. This would produce noise, and could cause the parking brake on that side to lock up while driving. Correction: dealers will replace the parking brake cable attaching screws and secure them with the proper torque.
Recall 20011824,812 units in Canada
Engine
Certain passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating. If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment. Correction: Dealers will replace the fan.
Recall 2000278347 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain 325I and 330I vehicles, the inner rim flange of the wheel rims may have incurred damage during fitting of the tire. In extreme cases, this could lead to a sudden loss of tire pressure and result in loss of vehicle control. Correction: All five wheels will be inspected for damage to the inner rim flange. If pertinent damage is found on any wheel, all five wheels will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
West Hill, CACrash
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO HIS LANE, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #891725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 117,000 milesPalm Springs, CA
TIRES
COMPLETE DISINTEGRATION OF OF A HANOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. TIRE DID NOT HIT ANY OBSTACLES, NOR WAS THE TIRE. UNDER OR OVER INFLATED. DRIVEN 17,000 MILES BEFORE FAILURE
NHTSA complaint #11141148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,700 milesWashington, DC
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE CAR JERKED AND STUTTERED ALMOST AS IF IT WAS BRAKING ON ITS OWN OR LOCKING UP. THIS OCCURRED TWICE TODAY AND IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS IT WAS UNEXPECTED AND COULD HAVE LED TO A LOSS OF CONTROL, WHILE DRIVING AT A SIGNIFICANT SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. BMW SHOULD HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11122431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,700 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE CAR JERKED AND STUTTERED ALMOST AS IF IT WAS BRAKING ON ITS OWN OR LOCKING UP. THIS OCCURRED TWICE TODAY AND IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AS IT WAS UNEXPECTED AND COULD HAVE LED TO A LOSS OF CONTROL, WHILE DRIVING AT A SIGNIFICANT SPEED ON THE INTERSTATE. BMW SHOULD HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11122431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesPalm Beach Gardens, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OUR 2001 E46 HAS ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS WHICH ARE FAILING. MY WIFE HAS FOUND HERSELF LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR, UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE LOCKS FREEZE, AND CANNOT BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED, TRAPPING THE OCCUPANT IN THE CAR. THERE IS NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE TO THE SYSTEM. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11054991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
AIR BAGS
I TOOK IT TO BMW DEALER TO FIX THE RECALL PART--AIR BAG MODULE ON MAY 01,2015, NEXT DAY I WENT TO PICKUP THE CAR, THEY TOLD ME IT IS DONE. I HAD NOT LOOK AT THE PAPER WORK. AFTER THE DAY BEFORE, I RECEIVED FINAL RECALL AGAIN, AND THEN I LOOK UP THE DOCUMENT, THEN I FOUND OUT DEALER HAD NOT CHANGE THE AIR BAG MODULE FOR ME. THE PAPER TYPE IN " DEALER IS NOT AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS FOR NON DEALER BRAND VEHICLE"? I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY??
NHTSA complaint #10968638 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6 milesFresno, CA
AIR BAGS
WAS DRIVING ON HWY 99 GETTING READY TO EXIT ON JENSEN AVE WHEN I FELT A BUMP THEN MY DRIVER CURTAIN/ DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND DAMAGED TO THE DIVER'S RIM AND TIRE, BRAKES HAVE BEEN CLICKING EVER SINCE AND SUSPENSION SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED AS WELL SINCE CAR IS BEEN SHAKING AND TILTING TO THAT SIDE
NHTSA complaint #10819230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6 milesFresno, CA
WHEELS
WAS DRIVING ON HWY 99 GETTING READY TO EXIT ON JENSEN AVE WHEN I FELT A BUMP THEN MY DRIVER CURTAIN/ DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND DAMAGED TO THE DIVER'S RIM AND TIRE, BRAKES HAVE BEEN CLICKING EVER SINCE AND SUSPENSION SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED AS WELL SINCE CAR IS BEEN SHAKING AND TILTING TO THAT SIDE
NHTSA complaint #10819230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6 milesFresno, CA
SUSPENSION
WAS DRIVING ON HWY 99 GETTING READY TO EXIT ON JENSEN AVE WHEN I FELT A BUMP THEN MY DRIVER CURTAIN/ DOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND DAMAGED TO THE DIVER'S RIM AND TIRE, BRAKES HAVE BEEN CLICKING EVER SINCE AND SUSPENSION SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED AS WELL SINCE CAR IS BEEN SHAKING AND TILTING TO THAT SIDE
NHTSA complaint #10819230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE REAR PARKING LIGHT WENT OUT IN MY CAR, SO I PURCHASED MORE BULBS, BUT THE BULB NEVER WORKED. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY BMW DEALERSHIP FOR THE TAKATA RECALL, THEY CHECKED THE LIGHT TOO AND SAID THAT A PART IN THE HOUSING HAD BURNED ALL THE WAY DOWN . I RECENTLY CHECKED ON RECALLS, AND FOUND THAT THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE HOUSING THAT HOUSES THE BRAKE AND SIGNAL LIGHTS, BEGINNING WITH 2002 MODELS. MY CAR IS A 325I 2001, I FEEL THAT THIS YEAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A RECENT RECALL, I RESEARCHED ONLINE, AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY 2001 BMW 325IS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE THAT RECALL. THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I REALLY THINK THIS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10795195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesCambridge, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR CARS PRODUCED FROM 9/1/01 TO 02/01/05. [RECALL CAMPAIGN 11V-438: REPAIR GROUND CABLE FOR REAR LIGHT LAMPS (SIDE PANEL)]. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH MY CAR WAS PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. SITUATION ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS DOES NOT FUNCTION IN THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY, MOUNTED ON THE REAR QUARTER PANEL (REAR PARKING LIGHT, REAR TURN SIGNAL, AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT). CAUSE A POOR GROUND CONNECTION AT THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY (CONNECTORS X338 LEFT SIDE ? PIN # 2 AND X339 RIGHT SIDE ? PIN # 3) CAUSES A MALFUNCTION OF THE REAR TAIL LAMPS.
NHTSA complaint #10726590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesCambridge, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR CARS PRODUCED FROM 9/1/01 TO 02/01/05. [RECALL CAMPAIGN 11V-438: REPAIR GROUND CABLE FOR REAR LIGHT LAMPS (SIDE PANEL)]. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM ALTHOUGH MY CAR WAS PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY 14 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. SITUATION ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS DOES NOT FUNCTION IN THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY, MOUNTED ON THE REAR QUARTER PANEL (REAR PARKING LIGHT, REAR TURN SIGNAL, AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT). CAUSE A POOR GROUND CONNECTION AT THE REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY (CONNECTORS X338 LEFT SIDE ? PIN # 2 AND X339 RIGHT SIDE ? PIN # 3) CAUSES A MALFUNCTION OF THE REAR TAIL LAMPS.
NHTSA complaint #10726590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
AIR BAGS
RECALLED PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS REPLACED BY DEALER LAST WEEK, BUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. THE DEALER SAYS THIS WAS AN EXISTING PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO FIX WITHOUT CHARGING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO "DIAGNOSE." I MAINTAIN THIS IS DIRECTLY ELATED TO THE RECALLED AIR BAG AND SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10723037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RECALLED PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS REPLACED BY DEALER LAST WEEK, BUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. THE DEALER SAYS THIS WAS AN EXISTING PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO FIX WITHOUT CHARGING SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS TO "DIAGNOSE." I MAINTAIN THIS IS DIRECTLY ELATED TO THE RECALLED AIR BAG AND SHOULD BE FIXED WITHOUT CHARGE.
NHTSA complaint #10723037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,711 milesSAN Bernardino, CA
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE AIR BAGS GO OFF. ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND WON'T START AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10716981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE "YAW SENSOR" FAILS IN THESE CARS, FREQUENTLY CAUSING A SUDDEN BRAKING ON ONE SIDE OF THE CAR AND PULLING THE CAR IN THAT DIRECTION. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD: THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKES BY ITSELF WITHOUT WARNING. THE PROBLEM IS WELL DESCRIBED IN THESE DISCUSSION FORUMS: HTTP://WWW.M3FORUM.NET/M3FORUM/ARCHIVE/INDEX.PHP/T-450191.HTML HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?1022059-LATERAL-ACCELERATION-SENSOR-FAILURE THE ORIGINAL SENSORS FOR THIS CAR WERE DISCONTINUED AND THE ONLY REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE IS FOUR TO FIVE TIMES THE PRICE OF THE ORIGINAL PART -- OVER $1000. THIS HAS LED TO A MARKET IN USED SENSORS THAT ARE ALSO IN DANGER OF FAILING. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10704470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
AIR BAGS
DEALER REFUSES TO FIX DEFECT IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALER IS WEATHERFORD BMW IN BERKELEY CALIFORNIA, 735 ASHBY AVE, BERKELEY, CA 94710.
NHTSA complaint #10654163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesNEW York, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
BMW 330XI 2001 55,000 MILES LATEST PROBLEM OCTOBER 2014 LATELY WHEN I START THE CAR, PRESS ON THE BRAKE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE THE ENGINE REVS ALL THE WAY UP AND THE CAR GETS AWAY FROM ME. I HAVE TO STOMP ON THE BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET AND POP THE GEAR TO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR... CLEARLY YOU CAN HEAR THE ENGINE REVVING AT A VERY HIGH RATE GETTING TRACTION WHILE PRESSING ON THE BRAKE. IN THE PAST I THOUGHT IT WAS STUPID ME PRESSING THE GAS AND BRAKES AT THE SAME TIME INADVERTENTLY ... OR MAYBE THE FLOOR MAT GOT IN THE WAY AND ACCELERATING WHEN PUSHING ON THE BRAKE - BUT NEITHER OF THOSE ARE TRUE. I HAVE MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE FAR LEFT SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL TOTALLY AVOIDING HE GAS PEDAL IN ANTICIPATION OF IT HAPPENS AND IT HAPPENS ANYWAY. UNFORTUNATELY IT IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT CAN'T BE DUPLICATED TO SHOW THE MECHANIC... ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED... I POSTED THIS ON BIMMERFEST WHO SUGGESTED I POST A COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #10653019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RED Hook, NY
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER AUG-SEP 2014. THE LETTER STATED THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE AIR-BAG REPLACEMENT WOULD BE AVAILABLE. IT IS OCTOBER 24TH. I CALLED THE BMW INFORMATION NUMBER 1-800-525-7417 TODAY. A RECORDING REPEATED THE INFORMATION IN THE LETTER: THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WOULD BE AVAILABLE. I HAVE ONLY ONE CAR, THE BMW. MY DAUGHTER AND I LIVE TOGETHER - I AM THE USUAL DRIVER. YESTERDAY A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US AND I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. LUCKILY, THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT TRIGGERED. BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY, SHOULDN'T BMW PROVIDE US WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL THE AIR BAG CAN BE REPLACED? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE?
NHTSA complaint #10649642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 224,000 milesMohrsville, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE PASSENGER-SIDE FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAP BRACKET BROKE FROM THE FLOOR PAN OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR TO ME IF IT WAS STRUCK BY SOMETHING ON THE ROAD OR IF THE WELDS JUST FAILED, HOWEVER I DO KNOW THAT I DIDN'T HIT A POTHOLE OR OTHER ROAD IRREGULARITY. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ON ~2001 BMW 3-SERIES COUPES AND IT APPEARS THAT IT IS FAILING WELDS.
NHTSA complaint #10626472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,500 milesChesapeake, VA
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE OPERATED WITHOUT ISSUE AND THEN THE REVERSE GEAR CEASED FUNCTIONING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE FROM A PARKING SPOT AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED AS THE REVERSE GEAR IN THE TRANSMISSION NO LONGER ENGAGED. REPEATED ATTEMPTS WITH THE VEHICLE AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND WHEN ALLOWED TO COOL DOWN YIELDED THE SAME RESULT. NOTHING LED ME THE FEEL THIS WOULD OCCUR AND COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY IF THE SITUATION HAD BEEN DIRE IF AN OUTCOME AS SUCH RESTED ON THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE REVERSE GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10593919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesMunster, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY BMW IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES THAT THE 2002 BMW 3 SERIES HAS A RECALL ON. THE REAR TAILLIGHTS ARE BURNING THE NEUTRAL WIRE AND CONNECTOR OFF IN THE LAMP ASSEMBLIES. CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME IN OPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10579629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 216,000 milesCranston, RI
POWER TRAIN
2001 BMW 330I. NO REVERSE. IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TRANSMISSION, YET THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. IT WAS A ONE OWNER CAR WITH METICULOUS MAINTENANCE RECORDS. DESPITE THE HIGH MILES, THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO THE REVERSE GEAR FAILING.
NHTSA complaint #10578530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT RESISTANCE IN REAR TAIL LAMP HAS RENDERED TAIL LAMP NON FUNCTIONAL AND CAUSED WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO CAMPAIGN 11V438000.
NHTSA complaint #10511963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT RESISTANCE IN REAR TAIL LAMP HAS RENDERED TAIL LAMP NON FUNCTIONAL AND CAUSED WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO CAMPAIGN 11V438000.
NHTSA complaint #10511963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
ELECTRICAL GROUND CONTACT RESISTANCE IN REAR TAIL LAMP HAS RENDERED TAIL LAMP NON FUNCTIONAL AND CAUSED WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO CAMPAIGN 11V438000.
NHTSA complaint #10511963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.