- The problem
- When subjected to the extremely high temperatures that can occur in the engine compartment, the damper sleeves which cover the return springs of the accelerator control system can deform and prevent their returning the throttle to idle position after release of the accelerator pedal.
- The fix
- Dealer will replace the throttle return damper sleeves with new sleeves of high temperature-resistant plastic material.
Vehicle safety record
1978 BMW 320I Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1978 BMW 320I with NHTSA, most often about the visibility & wipers (2) and the seats & seat belts (1). Those complaints describe 2 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 1980 for the springs. For comparison, the 1977 has 0 and the 1979 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 320I year, for its age
#4 most complained-about 1978 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1978 BMW 320I problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1978 BMW 320I recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- The hex head bolt that connects the main wiring harness to terminal #30 may not have been tightened to the proper torque.
- The fix
- The dealer will remove the fuse panel and retighten the 5-mm hex head bolt in the main power terminal underneath the fuse panel, without charge to owner.
- The problem
- Due to the high fuel flow rate in the fuel system, conditions of extreme altitude, temperatures, or fuel contamination, may lead to the formation of fuel vapor bubbles.
- The fix
- The dealer will install an additional fuel pump in the right side of the fuel tank at no charge to owner.
- The problem
- Due to a material stuctural defect, the rubber seal between the metal valve stem and rim allows slow seepage of air around the valve base.
- The fix
- The dealer will replace defective metal tire valve stems and rubber seals with new ones, at no cost to the customer.
What owners say
Be the first 320I owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 1978 BMW 320I
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
After driving at 30 mph and sitting at a stop sign heater core exploded. Scalding hot water gushed from beneath the dash board. Consumer sustained third degree burns on the legs and feet. The seat belt latch would not come undone at the time of the incident. *Ak
The heater core ruptured causing servere injury to driving which resulted in property damage. *Yc
BMW 320I: every year compared
All 320I years1978 BMW 320I vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 BMW 320I | 2 | 4 | F | |
| 1978 BMW 320 | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1978 BMW R100RS | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1978 BMW 320I
Does the 1978 BMW 320I have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1978 BMW 320I: springs (June 1980); front underhood (April 1978); fuel injection system (March 1978); tires (March 1978). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1978 BMW 320I?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the visibility & wipers (2), seats & seat belts (1).
How many complaints has the 1978 BMW 320I had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 7, 1999 and the latest on December 2, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1978 BMW 320I a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 6 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 320I year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 320I years have the most complaints?
2014 (53), 2015 (34), 2013 (9). See every BMW 320I year compared.
What should I do if my 1978 BMW 320I has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data