- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- The risk
- The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Vehicle safety record
2000 BMW 323CI Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2000 BMW 323CI with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (11) and the transmission & drivetrain (6). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2001 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 323CI year, for its age
#143 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2000 BMW 323CI problems
Share of all 31 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 BMW 323CI 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
Do not drive
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
- The fix
- BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners say
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31 complaints about the 2000 BMW 323CI
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
See attached document for complaint.
CRACKED REAR SUBFRAME
I had been notificated about possible injuries for suddenly explosin hazard for takata air bags components, my concern its my family and my own security.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. While driving various speeds, a loud knocking noise was present coming from the rear of the vehicle. While inspecting the trunk area, a large crack was discovered in the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to braman bmw located in jupiter, florida, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Sometimes the emergency lights came on while the car was parked. In september of last year ,while driving it smoke started coming out of the vents then soon after the hole car caught fire. I loved my bmw!
Bmw subframe recall. Took my 2000 323ci in for tune up. Was told by mechanic that lh rear subframe separated from unibody. Was told there was a recall in 2009 but was never informed by bmw. Wanting to know how to access recall for bmw to fix. Vehicle was in shop when notified of issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle became stuck in third gear. The contact had to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence and then to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was locked and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired for a transmission failure in 2003 by the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000.
A faulty gm5 seems to be the reason for the driver-side door not unlocking with the remote key fob. The remote key can unlock the passenger's side door, but not the driver's side.
Bmw of north america issued a safety recall for my vehicle campaign no. 14V-428 front passenger air bag, as of today. No calls or update information from bmw. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) was received in september of 2014. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer, the contact was informed that the parts needed to remedy the recall were not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.
There were two people involved when the driver ran over the curb at less than 25 mph. The driver's and passenger's front airbag went off and the car shut off and does not crank at startup. The car was towed to a shop where they estimated a quote of $900 to fix it not including the airbags work. Both passengers are okay. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and stated that the parts and remedy were not available for months. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the parts would become available to schedule the recall appointment. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The vehicle had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact stated that nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.The dealer and manufacturer informed the contact that the part needed to remedy the recall was unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact received a notification for nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags). However, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.
Air bag not replaced in a timely fashion. Car is unsafe to drive. Bmw provides no date for its repair, as parts are not available. *Tr
The car went into the shop for a broken water pump. The shop noticed that the subframe and floor pan were broken and the subframe was completely ripped from the car. The repair estimate is $5,300. Bmw na has been terrible to deal with and told us "we are on our own" and that our vin # was not part of the recall. After 5 weeks of escalating the matter within bmw na, they have offered us $2,000 towards the cost of repair. Given that this car has never been driven hard nor in an accident, it is clear that it is a...
Read the full complaint
recurring mechanical defect that bmw is aware of but not willing to shoulder any responsibility for. The worst part is, had the water pump not failed, we were unaware of the critical damage that could have resulted in our serious bodily injury had we continued to drive the car. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact stated that the air bag warning lamp illuminated and continued to stay lit. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician decided to clear the code on the computer as a temporary remedy. The remedy failed to repair the failure and the air bag sensor has continued to illuminate. The vehicle was to be inspected by an authorized dealer. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 14v348000 (airbags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 8/11/14*cn
I was at a stop light when my passenger noticed black smoke coming out the air vent. From there I immediately pull over and removed as many personal items as possible. From there the fire took over the entire dashboard and proceeded to torch the interior. *Tr
The airbag icon on the instrument panel stays on. This means that a passenger sitting in the front seat does not activate the sensor in the seat and, as a result, the air bag would not deploy in case of a collision. There are many references to this problem posted on the internet. It seems to be the very same problem recognized by nhtsa for certain 2006, 2007 bmw's and for which a product recall has been issued. It is clearly a manufacturing/design/safety defect and it should be recognized for recall and repair immediately. *Tr
The subframe is separating from the main frame of the car. This is completely dangerous and not covered by insurance. Since this is an engineering fault (there are many other cases in the same type of car) it should be covered under bmw. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 328ci. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, a loud noised emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the contact resumed with caution. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the sub frame was severely cracked. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 110,500.
Car wont lock or unlock doors. Key fob wont work doors wont open central locking system wont work alarm wont work. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323ci. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.
After stopping at a store for groceries I returned to my car and the reverse gear had failed. After a web search I discovered that there are hundreds of similar failures and no action to date that I can find. This is a safety issue for all of us. *Tr
BMW 323CI: every year compared
All 323CI years2000 BMW 323CI vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 BMW 323CI | 31 | 4 | F | |
| 2000 BMW 323I | 401 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 328I | 112 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 3 Series | 88 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 328IC | 34 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 328CI | 15 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 325CI | 6 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 323 | 2 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 330CI | 1 | 3 | C | 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 2000 BMW 323CI
Does the 2000 BMW 323CI have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2000 BMW 323CI: inflator module (May 2021); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (November 2019); inflator module (November 2019). 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 2000 BMW 323CI?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (11), transmission & drivetrain (6), body, doors & structure (5).
How many complaints has the 2000 BMW 323CI had?
31 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 24, 2011 and the latest on October 10, 2024. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2000 BMW 323CI a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 2 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 323CI 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.
What should I do if my 2000 BMW 323CI 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