IllustrationPROBLEMS; NO TORQUE AT LOW REVS; ERRATIC ACCELERATION; SMELL OF HOT OIL; WHINE FROM FRONT OF CAR; CAR ROLLS DOWNHILL AS NO TORQUE UNLESS REVVED TO 3000+. CAR UNDRIVEABLE - DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, O-RINGS AND ETL
2000 BMW 323I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 323I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
130–25K
2525–50K
5950–75K
8175–100K
86100–150K
34150K+
298 reports with mileage · 103 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports2 fire reports17 injury reports
What owners actually said
401 reportsSEAT BELT LIGHT PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED - SEAT BELT TENSIONER RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT FRONT BOTH REPAIRED/REPLACED TWICE
AIRBAG LIGHT PERMANENTLY ILLUMINATED - DEALER REPLACED RIGHT FRONT SEAT BELT TENSIONER TO FIX?!
DEALER CLAIMS BMW WORKING ON A FIX FOR 4 MONTHS TO MAGNESIUM ALLOY CONTROL ARMS AND STEERING DAMPERS. CANNOT VERIFY BMW IS ON TOP OF PROBLEM. *AK
I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE NEW BMW 323CI CONVERTIBLE HAS A DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY PUT CONSUMERS IN JEOPARDY. SPECIFICALLY, THE REINFORCED WINDOW FRAME IS SLANTED DRAMATICALLY DOWNWARD AND THE BLUNT TOP CORNERS OF THE WINDOW FRAME ARE POINTED INWARD, DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE HEADS OF THE PASSENGERS. DE…
Read full complaint
I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE NEW BMW 323CI CONVERTIBLE HAS A DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY PUT CONSUMERS IN JEOPARDY. SPECIFICALLY, THE REINFORCED WINDOW FRAME IS SLANTED DRAMATICALLY DOWNWARD AND THE BLUNT TOP CORNERS OF THE WINDOW FRAME ARE POINTED INWARD, DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE HEADS OF THE PASSENGERS. DESPITE OTHER EXCELLENT SAFETY FEATURES OF THE BMW, IT WOULDN'T TAKE MUCH OF AN IMPACT TO HIT THE CORNER OF THE BLUNT WINDOW FRAME WITH YOUR HEAD (ONLY A FEW INCHES)! THE DOWNWARD SLANT OF THE WINDOW ALSO HINDERS AN OPTIMAL DRIVING VIEW. THIS IS A NEW DESIGN FOR 2000, AND THE PREVIOUS BMW CONVERTIBLES DID NOT HAVE THIS SLANT ISSUE OR THE PLACEMENT OF BLUNT CORNERS NEAR THE HEADS OF THE PASSENGERS. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE ON THIS DEFECT. BMW WILL BEGIN RELEASING THESE MODELS TO THE PUBLIC IN THE MAY TIMEFRAME. DEMOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DEALERSHIPS. I LOVE BMW AUTOMOBILES, AND I ORDERED THIS PARTICULAR CONVERTIBLE. I'M WRITING WITH THE HOPES THAT YOUR OFFICE WILL LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE ASAP AND HELP/ADVISE BMW TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION IF A TRUE PROBLEM EXISTS BEFORE THEY RELEASE THESE VEHICLES IN THE UNITED STATES IN MASS. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN PROVIDE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE A PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE SUN ROOF AND MENTIONED THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH STEERING THE VEHICLE DURING BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS. WHEN I GOT THE REPAIR LIST BACK FROM THE DEALER I NOTICED THAT THEY HAD REPLACED A MAJOR PORTION OF THE BRAKING AND STEERING SYSTEM. THE SERVICE SEEMED RATHER FAMILIAR WITH…
Read full complaint
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN TO HAVE A PROBLEM FIXED WITH THE SUN ROOF AND MENTIONED THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH STEERING THE VEHICLE DURING BRAKING AT SLOW SPEEDS. WHEN I GOT THE REPAIR LIST BACK FROM THE DEALER I NOTICED THAT THEY HAD REPLACED A MAJOR PORTION OF THE BRAKING AND STEERING SYSTEM. THE SERVICE SEEMED RATHER FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM AND DIDN'T HESITATE TO REPLACE ALL OF THE COMPONETS WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF A SIGNIFIGANT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES AND HAVE NOT REPORTED IT. I HAVE BEEN CHECKING THE BMW WEBSITES ON THE 3 SERIES AND HAVE FOUND THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES. THE MANUFACTURER IS PAYING FOR THE FULL REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE SYSTEMS, BUT, ONLY IF YOU ASK ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE NOT CURRENTLY NOTIFYING INDIVIDUAL OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM TO HAVE THIS CONDITION CORRECTED PRIOR TO THE COMPLAINT.
AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, INDICTATING A DEFECT. DEALER CLAIMS COMPUTER NEEDS TO UPDATED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 55 MPH DRIVER TOOK FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THEN STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FROM 55 TO 80 MPH. CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Official recalls
721V401000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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 & 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.
20V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
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.
19V852000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
19V853000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
14V428000 · Air Bags
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.
02V223000 · Air Bags:side/window
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.
00V048000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.