Owners have filed 175 complaints
about the 1999 BMW 323I with NHTSA between 1999 and 2020.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 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 — 40
Against the median year of the BMW 323I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 18
11% 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
2841.8%
Side/Window
811.9%
Frontal
811.9%
Frame AND Members
69.0%
Sensor/Control Module
57.5%
Underbody Shields
46.0%
Tread/Belt
46.0%
Latch
46.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
55.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
88.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2122.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1111.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2930.5%
150,000+ miles
2122.1%
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.
Jul 1999peak 16Sep 2020
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 182,000 milesEatonville, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES APPEARED INSIDE THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AS OF YET BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #11281767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesAtlantic Beach, FLFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 1999 323I CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH ONCE PARKED.THERE WAS A LOUD "SNAP", FOLLOWED BY LARGE FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE HOOD AND FRONT WHEEL WELLS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 5-7 MINUTES (FORTUNATELY THEY ARE BOTH LOCATED LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY). ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, MY CAR'S FRONT 1/2 WAS MELTED INTO MY PARKING SPACE. IT WAS A COMPLETE LOSS AND I AM EXPECTING THAT MY AUTO INSURANCE WILL PAY VERY LITTLE; REGARDLESS THAT THE CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10701731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesAtlantic Beach, FLFire
ENGINE
MY 1999 323I CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH ONCE PARKED.THERE WAS A LOUD "SNAP", FOLLOWED BY LARGE FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE HOOD AND FRONT WHEEL WELLS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 5-7 MINUTES (FORTUNATELY THEY ARE BOTH LOCATED LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY). ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, MY CAR'S FRONT 1/2 WAS MELTED INTO MY PARKING SPACE. IT WAS A COMPLETE LOSS AND I AM EXPECTING THAT MY AUTO INSURANCE WILL PAY VERY LITTLE; REGARDLESS THAT THE CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10701731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Palm Beach, FLCrash1 killed
TIRES
TL*THE DRIVER OWNED A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT WAS REPRESENTING A LAW FIRM FOR THE DRIVER WHO WAS KILLED IN A CRASH THREE DAYS AGO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SWERVE, TURN COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND IT CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE TO SPLIT IN TWO CUTTING OFF BOTH OF HER LEGS. THE TRAFFIC HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS STATED THAT THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE BRAND WAS PEP BOYS, TIRE LINE COOPER CORNELL 1000, SIZE P205/55R16 WITH DOT #3DT2XH40106. ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON HER VEHICLE AND THE TIRES WERE ROTATED TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE LOCATION OF THE TIRE, ESTIMATED MILEAGE, TREAD DEPTH, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/02/11 *BF UPDATED 12/14/11
NHTSA complaint #10375073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesSAN Diego, CACrashFire3 injured1 killed
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
AUTO ACCIDENT RESULTS IN DEATH OF A PASSENGER DUE TO THE INABILITY TO UNLOCK CAR DOORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT AUTO WHICH CAUGHT FIRE SHORT AFTER AN INTERSECTION ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR LATCH, UNABLE TO PULL ON DOOR LOCK KNOBS THAT ARE FLUSH TO DOOR PANELS AND UNABLE TO PRESS ON MAIN DOOR LOCK SWITCH WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE ALLOWED THEM TO EXIT VEHICLE QUICKLY AND SAFELY. THREE PASSENGERS EXITED THROUGH A BROKEN WINDOW BUT UNFORTUNATELY ONE WAS NOT SO LUCKY. BMW CHOSE TO IGNORE ALL REQUESTS FOR A RECALL ON A "GENERAL MODULE 5 - DOOR RELAYS" FOR 1999 BMW 323I'S DUE TO UNWANTED COSTS TO THE AUTO MAKER, UNFORTUNATELY THIS TIME THE COST WAS PAID BY A FAMILY WHO HAD TO ENDURE THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE. MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED IN REGARDS TO THIS DOOR LOCK MODULE YET NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO CORRECT THIS DEFAULT. HOPEFULLY A POLICE REPORT, A DEATH CERTIFICATE, AND LETTERS FROM THE VICTIMS FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE ENOUGH TO SHED LIGHT TO THIS DEADLY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10282723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesPewaukee, WIFire
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
HEATED CAR SEAT IN A 1999 BMW STARTED ON FIRE--SEAT AND COAT DAMAGED.
NHTSA complaint #10182354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Albuquerque, NM
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SANDIA BMW LOCATED AT 6001 PAN AMERICAN FWY, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109, WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11355523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carpinteria, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART 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. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO BMW DEALERS, INCLUDING STEVE THOMAS BMW (411 DAILY DRIVE, CAMARILLO, CA 93010), AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11326052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,973 milesCambridge, MA
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - REMEDY UNAVAILABLE FROM BMW. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD SINCE DECEMBER 19, 2019. THE NOTICE READ THAT "IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE AIRBAG HOUSING MAY EXPLODE AND COULD CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO PASS THROUGH THE AIR BAG CUSHION MATERIAL, STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH." I SPOKE WITH BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS REMEDIED NOR SHOULD I BE EXPECTED TO. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN FIVE MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL NOTICE AND THERE IS STILL NO DATE GIVEN FOR THE EXPECTED REMEDY. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. WHY HASN'T A STOP DRIVING ORDER BEEN ISSUED BY BMW IF THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER? WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE?
NHTSA complaint #11326075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Villages, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF OCALA (5145 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34474) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER LATER CALLED THE CONTACT AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WOULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF 2020. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT UNTIL THE PART WAS AVAILABLE THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11320142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goodyear, AZ
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG RECALL, BMW DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL SEPT OF 2020. IN THE MEANTIME BMW WANTS MY CAR OFF THE ROAD UNTIL THEY FIX IT, WHICH WOULD BE UNREASONABLE. HAVE NOT OFFERED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEN.
NHTSA complaint #11317641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,000 milesWilmington, DE
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNION PARK BMW DEALER, 1900 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, WHERE IT WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICED DUE TO THE PART NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT
NHTSA complaint #11316964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saylorsburg, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (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. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO DANIELS BMW (4600 CRACKERSPORT RD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) HOWEVER THE CALL WENT UNANSWERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11311662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Randolph, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (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. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11311067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rocky Mount, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11301664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER BMW OF NASHVILLE (1568 MALLORY LN, BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 (615) 928-2541) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE WHICH ALSO CONFIRMED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11298132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2020. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED THE OPTION TO HAVE THE VEHICLE BOUGHT BACK, BUT THE CONTACT DECLINED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11296911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milpitas, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN THE MAIL FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11292160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesBuffalo, NY
POWER TRAIN
CAR DOES NOT MOVE IN REVERSE (AT). NO PRIOR WARNING SIGNS. FORWARD OPERATION CONTINUES AS GOOD AS EVER.
NHTSA complaint #11282946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,000 milesEatonville, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. APPROXIMATELY FOUR HOURS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES APPEARED INSIDE THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASHBOARD. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THAT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED AS OF YET BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.
NHTSA complaint #11281767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
AIR BAGS
MULTIPLE REPORTS ONLINE WITH THE AIRBAG SENSOR GOING OFF. MINE IS ONE OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS FOR MODEL
NHTSA complaint #11122921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 235,000 milesMorganton, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK, RESULTING IN NONE OF THE PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN WHEN LOCKED. SO ALL PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED IN THE BACK SEAT AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE AND WITH A KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE. I HAVE REACHED OUT TO BMW AND THEY WROTE A REPORT BUT SAID THE 1999 YEAR MODEL WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE COVERED. IN NO WAY SHOULD PASSENGERS NOT BE ABLE TO EXIT AN AUTOMOBILE DURING AN EMERGENCY. I CAN NOT DRIVE THE CAR WITH PASSENGERS. TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM IS ESTIMATED AT $550.00. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT IS PARKED AND MOTOR ON OR OFF
NHTSA complaint #11043311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesBridgton, ME
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL WHILE PULLING OUT OF A STORE ON A SMOOTH SURFACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG JUST EXPLODED WITH MY GRAND DAUGHTER IN THE BACK SEAT IN A CAR SEAT. THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE LIKE MATERIAL. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING BUT THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10983926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesLake Toxaway, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #10948795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,600 milesTucson, AZ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. WHILE INSPECTING THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE NEAR THE MOUNTING OF THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,600.
NHTSA complaint #10786159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE SIDE DOOR. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #10781143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesFairborn, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10765006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesAtlantic Beach, FLFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY 1999 323I CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH ONCE PARKED.THERE WAS A LOUD "SNAP", FOLLOWED BY LARGE FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE HOOD AND FRONT WHEEL WELLS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 5-7 MINUTES (FORTUNATELY THEY ARE BOTH LOCATED LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY). ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, MY CAR'S FRONT 1/2 WAS MELTED INTO MY PARKING SPACE. IT WAS A COMPLETE LOSS AND I AM EXPECTING THAT MY AUTO INSURANCE WILL PAY VERY LITTLE; REGARDLESS THAT THE CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10701731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesAtlantic Beach, FLFire
ENGINE
MY 1999 323I CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION SWITCH ONCE PARKED.THERE WAS A LOUD "SNAP", FOLLOWED BY LARGE FLAMES COMING FROM AROUND THE HOOD AND FRONT WHEEL WELLS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITHIN 5-7 MINUTES (FORTUNATELY THEY ARE BOTH LOCATED LESS THAN 1 MILE AWAY). ONCE THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT, MY CAR'S FRONT 1/2 WAS MELTED INTO MY PARKING SPACE. IT WAS A COMPLETE LOSS AND I AM EXPECTING THAT MY AUTO INSURANCE WILL PAY VERY LITTLE; REGARDLESS THAT THE CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10701731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesScotia, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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
NHTSA complaint #10597598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 229,000 milesSand Springs, OK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE AREA AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 229,000.
NHTSA complaint #10548081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.