- 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
1979 BMW 320I Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1979 BMW 320I with NHTSA, most often about the visibility & wipers (1). Those complaints describe 1 injury. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in June 1980 for the springs. For comparison, the 1978 has 2 and the 1980 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical 320I year, for its age
#24 most complained-about 1979 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1979 BMW 320I problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1979 BMW 320I recalls 1
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
What owners say
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1 complaints about the 1979 BMW 320I
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While traveling 35 mph, the driver heard a noise. Without any indication, the heater core exploded inside the vehicle. The driver sustained 3rd degree burns on the feet. The manufacturer and the dealer were contacted. Please provide further information. *Ph
BMW 320I: every year compared
All 320I years1979 BMW 320I vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 BMW 320I | 1 | 1 | D | |
| 1979 BMW 320 | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1979 BMW 528I | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1979 BMW R100 | 1 | 1 | D | 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 1979 BMW 320I
Does the 1979 BMW 320I have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1979 BMW 320I: springs (June 1980). 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 1979 BMW 320I?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the visibility & wipers (1).
How many complaints has the 1979 BMW 320I had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 4, 2003 and the latest on December 4, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1979 BMW 320I a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 26 out of 100 (grade D: 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 1979 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