2001 BMW 320 recalls and problems

The 2001 BMW 320 has 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 17V-047 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2001 BMW 320 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 BMW 320 recalls

Recall 17V-047: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 20, 2017 · 230,117 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2001 BMW 320 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	8
Visibility	1
Electrical System	1
Service Brakes	1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 113,000 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 2001 BMW 320 complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 113,000 miles · reported Aug 21, 2012

While doing 55 MPH on the expressway my vehicle engaged the brakes on it's own bringing us to a screaching, skidding stop in the middle of oncoming traffic. This was an extremely scary situation especially when traveling with your children in the car. The car was towed in to the dealership where they discovered the yaw rate sensor had to be replaced. I can not believe mercedes is not recalling this vehicles to be fixed with such a huge safety issue affecting this car.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jun 13, 2001

This is a brand new vehicle, yet the engine overheats at 1828 miles. A lot of smoke came out of the hood and hindered visibility. The overheating happened very quickly and allowed me very little time to realize and to stop the vehicle. Once stopped, there appeared to be major leakage of coolant/anti-freeze under the car. The car dealer and their service department were notified immediately. The short time it took the engine to overheat can potentially be dangerous as it allows the driver very little time to stop and exit the vehicle before any fire is ignited.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jun 12, 2001

Vehicle overheats: 9 days after taking delivery of my brand new car, the temperature gauge begins registering abnormally high under normal city driving conditions. I immediately turn off the A/C, turn on the heat to the maximum setting, and roll down the windows. This seems to have no impact on the temperature, and the red temp indicator light comes on. I promptly pull over to the side of the road and, while doing so, the vehicle overheats. Bmwsf services my vehicle by installing an upgraded aux fan unit on 5/15/01. Problem 1: bmwnas lack of quality assurance in detecting a defective part…

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jun 11, 2001

This is an acknowledeged problem from bmw. The manufacturer has claimed that the problem is not big enough to warrant a recall. Unfortunately many of us are being left stranded when the problem surfaces. Even though the problem is acknowledged bmw does not have the parts required to fix the problem. I believe bmw needs to be contacted and forced to officially issue a recall on the 3.0 liter engines.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Jun 10, 2001

Vehicle cooling fan failed, many other bmw owners have experienced the same problem. The fan, made by siemens is defective and needs to be replaced by all vehicles which have this defect. Will cause people to be stranded due to engine overheating.

Other BMW 320 years

200220012000

Compare all BMW 320 years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 BMW 320 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 BMW 320: 17V-047 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 BMW 320?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (8 reports), followed by visibility (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 113,000 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.