2000 Bmw 328I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
111 owner complaints analyzed
7 distinct recall campaigns
111,350 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2000 model year. Data snapshot: . 76 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 26 of 111 complaints (23.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 20 | 18.0% |
| Braking behavior | 7 | 6.3% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 3.6% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 2.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 1.8% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 0.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 26 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 18 |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 17 |
| Power Train | 8 |
| Structure:Body | 8 |
| Suspension | 7 |
| Air Bags:Side/Window | 6 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
Air Bags: 26; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 18; Structure:Frame And Members: 17; Power Train: 8; Structure:Body: 8; Suspension: 7; Air Bags:Side/Window: 6; Electrical System: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 18 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 11 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 25 |
| 150,000 and above | 19 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 11; 100,000 to 149,999: 25; 150,000 and above: 19
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (25). 35 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 10 |
| 2007 | 5 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 2 |
2000: 6; 2001: 2; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 4; 2005: 5; 2006: 10; 2007: 5; 2008: 6; 2009: 9; 2010: 5; 2011: 12; 2012: 4; 2014: 5; 2015: 10; 2016: 8; 2017: 3; 2018: 4; 2020: 5; 2021: 2
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 20 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10017958 · 2003-05-01 (May 1, 2003)
WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED A CORNER THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10017958 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10039731 · 2003-09-11 (September 11, 2003)
DASHBOARD REFLECTS INTO WINDSHIELD, CAUSING AN OBSTRUCTIVE VIEW. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10039731 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10047040 · 2003-11-17 (November 17, 2003)
THE WINDOW REGULATORS ON MY CAR HAVE BEEN REPLACED A TOTAL OF 9 TIMES. PER MY SERVICE ADVISORS, THE PARTS/DESIGN IS DEFECTIVE. THE FIRST SEVEN WERE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE LAST TWO ON NOV 14, 2003 WERE NOT. THE COST TO REPLACE WAS $ 456.38. *LA
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10047040 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10055677 · 2004-01-22 (January 22, 2004)
WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH SIDE AIRBAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 47,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10055677 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10060367 · 2004-03-04 (March 4, 2004)
2000, 328I BMW. MY DRIVERSIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO IMPACT OR ACCIDENT. BMW HAS OFFERED TO SETTLE IF I SIGN A BROAD RELEASE SAYING I CAN'T TALK TO ANYONE IN THE MEDIA, ETC. THEY INSIST I HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD WHICH I DID NOT. MY SON WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT NEXT TO ME WHEN THIS OCCURRED. I THOUGHT THAT WE HAD BEEN SHOT, MY ARM HURT SO BAD. BUT MY SON SCREAMED, "MOM IT IS YOUR AIRBAG". WE CALLED BMW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TOWED IT TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP. I THOUGHT THAT WE DID EVERYTHING RIGHT. BUT, BMW IS CALLING ME A LIAR. THE…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10060367 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10102906 · 2004-12-14 (December 14, 2004)
THE AIR BAG SYSTEM ON MY 2000 BMW 328I HAS FAILED (RED WARNING LIGHT ON) 3 TIMES. ALTHOUGH THE RED LIGHT HAS BEEN ON, MY WIFE AND I ALWAYS DRIVE WITH OUR BELTS FASTENED AND DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM (TWO TIMES IT HAS REQUIRED RETURNING THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME DUE TO AVAILABILITY OF REPLACEMENT PARTS), WE HAVE OPTED TO DRIVE WITH THE LIGHT ON UNTIL THE NEXT SCHEDULED VEHICLE SERVICE. THE LAST TIME THE AIR BAG FAILED WE WERE CHARGED APPROXIMATELY $500 FOR THE REPAIR. THIS REPAIR WAS OCTOBER 2004. THE DEALERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE TOLD US…
Owner-reported narrative. 46,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10102906 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10104989 · 2004-12-16 (December 16, 2004)
A KNOCKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM REAR AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUB FRAME CRACKED,AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10104989 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10107345 · 2005-01-13 (January 13, 2005)
THE FUEL HOSE IS LEAKING FUEL, WHICH COULD DANGEROUS BECAUSE A FIRE CAN EASILY OCCUR. OWNER WILL TAKE TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10107345 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
00V048000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2000-02-17 (February 17, 2000)
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.
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign record ↗02V223000 · Air Bags:Side/Window
Reported: 2002-08-09 (August 9, 2002)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V428000 · Air Bags
Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V852000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V853000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗21V401000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2021-05-27 (May 27, 2021)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗