NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
235 reportsClear category filter159,122 miles · Jun 24, 2010
Power Train
I HAVE A 2000 323 BMW AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY REVERSE STOP WORKING FOR NO REASON AT ALL I BEEN UP TO DATE WITH MY TAKING CARE OF IT AND ONE DAY IT JUST STOP WORKING, EVEN THOUGH SOMETIMES IT DOES GO REVERSE AND SOMETIMES IT JUST DOESN'T DO NOTHING, I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING TO TRY TO CORRECT IT BECAUSE SIMPLY IS TO MUCH FOR ME THE CO…
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I HAVE A 2000 323 BMW AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY REVERSE STOP WORKING FOR NO REASON AT ALL I BEEN UP TO DATE WITH MY TAKING CARE OF IT AND ONE DAY IT JUST STOP WORKING, EVEN THOUGH SOMETIMES IT DOES GO REVERSE AND SOMETIMES IT JUST DOESN'T DO NOTHING, I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING TO TRY TO CORRECT IT BECAUSE SIMPLY IS TO MUCH FOR ME THE COST FOR IT IS 4,000 DOLLARS AND I JUST DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO DO IT, I FEEL ITS NOT FAIR WHAT BMW HAS DONE, WITH THIS PROBLEM THAT BMW 3 SERIES ARE SUSPECT ON DOING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10339926
171,666 miles · Jun 14, 2010
Power Train
BMW 323 CIC CONVERTIBLE SIMPLY STOPPED GOING IN REVERSE THIS AFTERNOON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336303
104,000 miles · May 10, 2010
Power Train
SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, REVERSE GEAR ON MY 2000 BMW 323I WOULD NOT WORK - NO NOISE, NO WARNING. FORWARDS GEARS ALL WORK FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329519
142,000 miles · Apr 29, 2010
Power Train
2000 BMW 323I TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328105
158,000 miles · Apr 29, 2010
Power Train
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY 2000 BMW 323I SEDAN E46, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE REVERSE ALL OF A SUDDEN GOES OUT, NO NOISE, NO WARNING, IT JUST DOESN'T CLUTCH REVERSE IN THE CLUTCH BOX. LUCKILY I'VE BEEN ONLY IN A PARK IDOL POSITION. I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH MY CAR TO BACK OUT AND IT'S REALLY FRUSTRATING. AND FROM RESEARCHING, MY BMW 32…
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I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY 2000 BMW 323I SEDAN E46, ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE REVERSE ALL OF A SUDDEN GOES OUT, NO NOISE, NO WARNING, IT JUST DOESN'T CLUTCH REVERSE IN THE CLUTCH BOX. LUCKILY I'VE BEEN ONLY IN A PARK IDOL POSITION. I WOULD HAVE TO PUSH MY CAR TO BACK OUT AND IT'S REALLY FRUSTRATING. AND FROM RESEARCHING, MY BMW 323I TRANSMISSION IS MADE BY GM, WHO WHICH DID A RECALL ON THERE TRANSMISSIONS AND SO DID CADILLAC BECAUSE THEY HAVE USED THE SAME TRANSMISSIONS AS BMW 323I. I'M SURPRISED BMW USA HASN'T DONE A SAFETY RECALL YET. I WANT TO GET THIS FIX, BUT BMW CAN ONLY SWAP A TRANSMISSION WHICH COST $5500. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328008
62,000 miles · Apr 13, 2010
Power Train
I OWN A 2000 BMW 323I. TODAY THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED GOING INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING, NO PRIOR FAILURES, NO SLIPPING, ETC. I GOT TO WORK, ATTEMPTED TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPOT, AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED - NO MOVEMENT. LOOKS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WILL REQUIRE A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THE DEALERSHIP QUOT…
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I OWN A 2000 BMW 323I. TODAY THE TRANSMISSION STOPPED GOING INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING, NO PRIOR FAILURES, NO SLIPPING, ETC. I GOT TO WORK, ATTEMPTED TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPOT, AND THE ENGINE JUST REVVED - NO MOVEMENT. LOOKS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WILL REQUIRE A NEW TRANSMISSION AND THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED ME $7000. I'M GLAD I DIDN'T GET INTO A TRAFFIC SITUATION THAT REQUIRED ME TO BACK UP TO SAVE MY LIFE OR SOMEONE ELSE'S. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN ROANOKE VA, THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALLS AND I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY SAD THE SAME. 800-831-1117. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325548
130,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
Power Train
CAR WAS RUNNING FINE THEN REVERSE JUST STOPPED WORKING. CAR CAN GO FORWARD BUT NO LONGER HAS REVERSE. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND I WAS TOLD IT HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO HE MADE ME AWARE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS ON BMW DUE TO THIS SAME PROBLEM. BMW SHOULD HAVE A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. …
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CAR WAS RUNNING FINE THEN REVERSE JUST STOPPED WORKING. CAR CAN GO FORWARD BUT NO LONGER HAS REVERSE. MY MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE CAR AND I WAS TOLD IT HAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ALSO HE MADE ME AWARE THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OF COMPLAINTS AND LAWSUITS ON BMW DUE TO THIS SAME PROBLEM. BMW SHOULD HAVE A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325121
75,000 miles · Mar 25, 2010
Power Train
WHEN LEAVING WORK, MY CAR FAILED TO GO INTO REVERSE SO I COULD PULL OUT. I HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OUT AND TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE OF CAR. HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH I CAN NOT AFFORD TOP DO. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AND MAKING SU…
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WHEN LEAVING WORK, MY CAR FAILED TO GO INTO REVERSE SO I COULD PULL OUT. I HAD TO PUSH THE CAR OUT AND TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MAKE OF CAR. HE TOLD ME THAT I WOULD PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WHICH I CAN NOT AFFORD TOP DO. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR AND MAKING SURE THAT I CAN ALWAYS PULL FORWARD OUT OF PARKING SPOTS I CAN SOMETIMES GET THE REVERSE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE AND WORK PROPERLY. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN RANDOMLY AND THEN EVENTUALLY THE SME PROBLEM WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE (NOREVERSE.ORG) AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS (2000 BMW 323I) AND THAT BMW IS AWARE OF THIS AND TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY. THE TRANSMISSIONS IN THESE CARS IS PROVIDED BY GM, AND IS INSTALLED IN CADILLACS AS WELL FOR WHICH A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR BMW. I FEEL THIS IS A POTENTIALLY MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE . MY CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND THE FACT THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN WITH 75,000 MILES AND HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IS APPALLING!
NHTSA ODI #10322190
60,000 miles · Mar 13, 2010
Power Train
2000 BMW 323I, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, REVERSE JUST STOPPED WORKING, I HAVE READ ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON 2000 BMW WITH NO REVERSE AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND OVER $5000 TO REPAIR IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS A 5L40E MANUFACTURED BY GM FOR BMW. THERE IS A WEAKNESS IN THE REVERSE CLUTCH HOUSING APPARENTLY IT IS MACHINED TO THIN FOR A …
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2000 BMW 323I, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, REVERSE JUST STOPPED WORKING, I HAVE READ ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON 2000 BMW WITH NO REVERSE AND I CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND OVER $5000 TO REPAIR IT. THE TRANSMISSION IS A 5L40E MANUFACTURED BY GM FOR BMW. THERE IS A WEAKNESS IN THE REVERSE CLUTCH HOUSING APPARENTLY IT IS MACHINED TO THIN FOR A SNAP RING GROOVE AND IT EVENTUALLY BREAKS. THE NEW CLUTCH HOUSING IS MODIFIED TO BE THICKER SO SOMEONE IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT BMW REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ENGINEERING FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319468
35,000 miles · Mar 9, 2010
Power Train
FOR NO APPARENT REASON, MY 2000 BMW 323I, WHICH HAD ABOUT 35,000 MILES ON IT, SUDDENLY COULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WHICH SPECIALIZES IN BMWS AND THEY TOLD ME THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM AND THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. SO I DID; IT COST ALMOST $5,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10317920
Official recalls
7May 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 & remedy
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.
Jan 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 & remedy
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.
Nov 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 & remedy
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.
Nov 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 & remedy
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.
Jun 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 & remedy
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.
Aug 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 & remedy
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.
Feb 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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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