2000 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems

The 2000 BMW 3 Series has 1 safety recall and 88 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
88
Crashes / fires
3 / 2
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 BMW 3 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 BMW 3 Series recalls

Recall 21V-401: Air Bags

Reported May 27, 2021 · 4,511 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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.

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.

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.

2000 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train36
Structure30
Air Bags11
Engine and Engine Cooling8
Visibility4
Suspension4
Electrical System4
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Unknown or Other2
Exterior Lighting2
Equipment1
Parking Brake1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 21
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 20
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
  • Suspension › Rear — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 96,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 BMW 3 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 216,000 miles · reported Jan 5, 2021
Rear lights . Clip contacts melting ground wire . Purchased lights and clips 3 times and melted again. Lights inoperable after 2 weeks of life harness melted . Received multiple warnings and a ticket I now have to prove repair . Recall found for every other model except the 323i 2000 . Not safe to have no tail lights available . Can't drive car in unsafe conditions. Can't sell car in unsafe condition
Air Bags · at 99,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2017
Airbag warning light with a takata recall notice. My 2000 323i has a airbag seatbelt warning light that will not go away. The vehicle was damage from the rear end passenger side. Repair work was done to correct the damages.
Air Bags · reported Jul 25, 2016
Takata recall!! I was driving 35 MPH on a regular street I always drive on and mid drive both passanger and driver air bags deployed for no reason!!!! Causing very serious injuries!! Also causing more damage to my car!!!!
Service Brakes · at 148,000 miles · reported Jul 21, 2016
The brake lights and turn signals don't work... The transmission- reverse has gone out... And the radiator has a serious leak... Makes the car run hot!
Air Bags · reported Apr 20, 2016
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2000 bmw 3 series. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v428000 (Air bags) however, the part 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. The VIN was not available.

Other BMW 3 Series years

Compare all BMW 3 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 BMW 3 Series: 21V-401 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW 3 Series?

Owners report power train problems most often (36 reports), followed by structure (30). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 96,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.