There are no safety recalls for the 2000 BMW E46, but owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA.
2000 BMW E46 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Structure | 8 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Structure › Frame and Members — 5
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 2
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
- Suspension › Rear — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 76,000 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 E46 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Jan 19, 2009
The rear taillights on my car have burnt out. I thought it was the bulbs. But when I went to check, the brown wire on both of my taillights completely burned and also burned entirely causing damage to the harness.
Power Train · at 109,520 miles · reported Jan 18, 2008
Without warning, reverse gear stopped working, acts as if in neutral. All other gears working well. Intend to repair and save receipts and old parts.
Structure · at 51,000 miles · reported Oct 15, 2007
The problem with my 2000 323 ci bmw is, the rear mounting points for the subframe have ripped out from their spots in the sheet metal because the rear differential transmits the torsional load from the engine through the subframe, then into the chassis. The constant loading and unloading weakens the insufficient sheet metal, causing it to fatigue and separate from the chassis. This failure of the chassis threatens the safety of the vehicle. The approximate cost to fix this defect is around $9,000.
Power Train · at 65,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2007
Transmission on a bmw 323ci (2000) suddenly failed. It will no longer go into reverse. Forward seems fine. There were no warning signs. There is no maintenance to be performed. Car has 65xxx miles.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 81,518 miles · reported Feb 6, 2007
Since purchase of this vehicle (2000 bmw 323i, VIN [xxx]), we've had nothing but trouble with it and no one can fix it properly. It's left my wife and children stranded because of a known vanos timing problem. And now I've had to have the engine completely replaced at the cost of $7,300 because of another known problem...the cheap, plastic coolant expansion tank that cracked and caused the engine to overheat to complete failure. These are a few of the known problem that bmw is keenly aware of. When will someone hold them accountable for the production of vehicles made with inferior components…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2000 BMW E46 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2000 BMW E46 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 BMW E46?
Owners report structure problems most often (8 reports), followed by power train (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 76,000 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.