- 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 323I Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 401 complaints about the 2000 BMW 323I with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (235) and the airbags (70). Those complaints describe 13 crashes, 2 fires and 19 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in May 2021 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 1999 has 136 and the 2001 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 323I year, for its age
#20 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 401
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 13
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 19
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2000 BMW 323I problems
Share of all 401 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 BMW 323I recalls 7
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.
Do not drive
- The problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
- The fix
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- The problem
- On certain 4-door passenger vehicles, the side air bag system could deploy in certain non-crash impacts, such as when contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speeds.
- The risk
- This could cause the side air bag and head protection system to deploy without an actual side crash or impact severe enough to cause significant visible damage to the vehicle. Unexpected deployment of the side air bag could cause serious injury if the occupant's head is resting near the side air bag.
- The fix
- Dealers will recalibrate the central air bag control module to reduce the possibility of such a non-crash deployment. Owner notification began october 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The brake lamps in these vehicles are controlled by a switch activated by the movement of the brake pedal. This switch could fail internally, causing it to remain either in the "brake lamps off" position or in the "brake lamps on" position.
- The risk
- If this happens, the brake lamps either will not operate or will be continuously illuminated, regardless of brake pedal position.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the existing brake lamp switch with an improved switch.
What owners say
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401 complaints about the 2000 BMW 323I
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 17.
I was driving normally, and made a right hand turn onto a street when the driver door airbag and driver curtain airbag deployed suddenly. The engine shut off and the hazards turned on automatically, and I pulled off the road to a safe location. I was able to restart the engine to bring the vehicle onto the tow truck. As far as I am aware there was no impact, and the outside of the car is not damaged. I am able to see some other NHTSA reports of this random deployment happening with other 3 series models, specifically 2000 model year vehicles like mine. I am unsure of what caused this, I can only assume a faulty sensor is the cause.
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323i. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the passenger's side air bag deployed but did not inflate. There was no crash to cause the air bag to deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of several recalls regarding the driver's side air bags however, there was no recall on the passenger's side air bags. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V853000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, an abnormal rattling noise would emit from the rear end of the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, the contact discovered part of the rear driver's side subframe had detached from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact called the dealer about the failure and they offered no assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 205,721
The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323I. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V401000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2000 BMW 323i. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and 19V853000 (Air Bags) however, the dealer informed him that the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue but provide no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (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. An unknown dealer stated that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact reached out to bmw of san diego (5090 kearny mesa road, san diego, ca 92111, (844) 307-7409) and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called open road bmw of edison (731 us-1, edison, nj 08817) and was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and were not able to provide an estimated time frame for the recall remedy to be available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.*Dt*jb
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact had not experience a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.*Dt*jb
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bag) and 20v018000 (air bag) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called to schomp bmw (1190 plum valley ln, highlands ranch, co 80129, (303)730-1300) and bmw of denver downtown (1040 s colorado blvd, denver, co 80246, (303)954-4856) where it was confirmed that the part was not available for both locations. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware if the issue. The contact had not experience a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.*Dt*jb
I am checking on how to fix the airbag recall to prevent possible injury concerned about air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (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. A dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that upon start up, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 159,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags) however, the parts 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 contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The nhtsa hotline was contacted and the vin tool confirmed parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323-i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v852000 (air bags) however, the parts 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. Bmw of san francisco located at 1675 howard st, san francisco, ca 94103, was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Driver side air bag has been recalled. Has caused several deaths. Manufacturer has not been able to test/replace faulty parts and has not given a loaner.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v853000 (air bags). The contact stated that global imports bmw (located at 500 interstate n pkwy, atlanta, ga 30339, (800) 294-1853) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the issue. The part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Takata recall. There has been numerous issues with the integrity of the subframe of this particular model and year of bmw. It experiences rust issues frequently. I need to replace subframe do to this and will not pass inspection because of this issue. This has happened over the years, it has not been stationary or anything of that matter. It has been used as a daily driver, as that should not happen to a daily driver subframe, specially from a bmw.
2000 Bmw 323i. Consumer writes in regards to powertrain safety recall. *Ld *js
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 bmw 323i. The contact stated that the transmission would not shift into reverse. On one occasion, the failure occurred and caused a fender bender with another vehicle. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact spoke with an unknown bmw dealer and an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the reverse drum failed due to defective metal. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced because the parts were no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 180,000.
TAKATA RECALL
Left upper and door air bags exploded without reason while traveling at 20 mph
TAKATA RECALLS
Takata recall I'm filling a complaint do to the letter I received in the mail stating that my vechicle make be part of a law suit
Rear subframe body has separated from subframe mounting support. The chassis is no longer properly attached to the frame. The tied down bolts have sheared off. This is a major safety defect.
BMW 323I: every year compared
All 323I years2000 BMW 323I vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 BMW 323I | 401 | 7 | F | |
| 2000 BMW 328I | 112 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 3 Series | 88 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 328IC | 34 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2000 BMW 323CI | 31 | 4 | F | 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 323I
Does the 2000 BMW 323I have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2000 BMW 323I: inflator module (May 2021); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (November 2019); inflator module (November 2019) and more. 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 323I?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (235), airbags (70), body, doors & structure (36).
How many complaints has the 2000 BMW 323I had?
401 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 30, 1999 and the latest on June 19, 2023. Of these, 13 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 19 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2000 BMW 323I a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 0 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 323I 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 323I years have the most complaints?
2000 (401), 1999 (136), 1998 (16). See every BMW 323I year compared.
What should I do if my 2000 BMW 323I 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