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1977-2002 · 13 model years

BMW 320 Problems by year

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the BMW 320 across 13 model years, and it has 4 recalls. The 2001 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (10), while 1981, 1996, 1997 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the visibility & wipers.

Most complaints for its age200110 complaints · 1 recallSee the 2001
Complaints
27
Recalls
4
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

320 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20020100-C
200110101Engine & coolingF
20000100-C
19992000Body, doors & structureB
19986000Electrical systemD
19971000Transmission & drivetrainA
19961000Seats & seat beltsA
19952000SteeringB
19892000Visibility & wipersB
19811000Wheels & tiresA
19791110SteeringD
19781100Visibility & wipersD
19770100-C

Most common 320 problems

BMW 320 recalls 4

Fuel system: storage

79V0010004,229 vehicles affected

To prevent vapor lock, an auxiliary fuel pump is incorporated in the fuel delivery system. The wiring connections at the auxiliary fuel pump may not make proper contact, rendering the auxiliary fuel pump inoperative. Driving under conditions of extremely high...

Latest 320 complaints

2001 BMW 320Driver assistanceBrakes

While doing 55 mph on the expressway my vehicle engaged the brakes on it's own bringing us to a screaching, skidding stop in the middle of oncoming traffic. This was an extremely scary situation especially when traveling with your children in the car. The car was towed in to the dealership where they discovered the yaw rate sensor had to be replaced. I can not believe mercedes is not recalling this vehicles to be fixed with such a huge safety issue affecting this car. *Tr

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC) · Service brakesNHTSA 10471685
1981 BMW 320Wheels & tires

While traveling 65-70 mph tire blowout and right front tire tread separated and caused damage to right front fender. Consumer states when the tire blowout the vehicle pulled to the right, no tire information given. (Ohio traffic crash report). *Yd

Filed Incident TiresNHTSA 566292
2001 BMW 320Engine & cooling

Cooling fan failure caused rapid overheating and coolant loss, disabling vehicle. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 747261
2001 BMW 320Engine & cooling

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 747234
1998 BMW 320Transmission & drivetrain

This is 2nd failed transmission in 58577 miles. Original transmission failed at approx 21000 and was replaced under warranty by bmw. Crevier bmw was informed of problems with 2nd transmission may 2000 and stated they could not duplicate the problem, though made note of issue. On june 17, 2001 transmission failed and car towed to savage bmw, ontario ca, where they diagnosed failed transmission. Stated car not under warranty, though would contact bmw corporate. I find it inconceivable that a manual transmission...

Read the full complaint

will fail approximately every 30,000 miles. Service dealer at savage bmw stated this is only the 3rd manual transmission he's had to replace since 1968. Bmw has a serious manufacturing problem that needs to be investigated. *Ak

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 747004
2001 BMW 320Engine & cooling

I complained to bmw na of reported failures of the fan. They agreed that they have had problems with siemens manufactured fans. They left a phone message (i have a copy) agreeing to pay for a vehicle inspection to determine if the fan is the type prone to failure due to safety concerns I have for my son who will be driving this vehicle, but they will charge me to replace the fan because it has not yet failed. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 746951

Questions about the BMW 320

Which BMW 320 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2001 (10), 1998 (6), 1989 (2). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2001 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which BMW 320 years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 1981, 1996, 1997 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other 320 years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common BMW 320 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (7), visibility & wipers (6), transmission & drivetrain (3) most often.

How many recalls does the BMW 320 have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls across all BMW 320 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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