U.S. public vehicle records

1999 Bmw 323I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

136 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

106,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 73 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 29 of 136 complaints (21.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	26	19.1%
Braking behavior	11	8.1%
Electrical and battery issues	4	2.9%
Steering behavior	3	2.2%
Engine operation	1	0.7%
Fuel system concerns	1	0.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Air Bags:Side/Window

Air Bags:Frontal

Structure:Frame And Members

Suspension

Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

Electrical System

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Air Bags	29
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	28
Air Bags:Side/Window	8
Air Bags:Frontal	7
Structure:Frame And Members	6
Suspension	6
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	5
Electrical System	5

Air Bags: 29; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 28; Air Bags:Side/Window: 8; Air Bags:Frontal: 7; Structure:Frame And Members: 6; Suspension: 6; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module: 5; Electrical System: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 11; 100,000 to 149,999: 23; 150,000 and above: 19

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 63 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2019

2020

1999: 5; 2000: 7; 2001: 8; 2002: 13; 2003: 10; 2004: 13; 2005: 4; 2006: 6; 2007: 6; 2008: 13; 2009: 5; 2010: 6; 2011: 10; 2012: 4; 2013: 3; 2014: 1; 2015: 4; 2017: 3; 2018: 1; 2019: 3; 2020: 11

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 26 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10004755 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)

WHILE 65MPH BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10004755 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009736 · 2003-03-04 (March 4, 2003)

VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH YET THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *NLM *TS

Owner-reported narrative. 26,116 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009736 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014228 · 2003-04-10 (April 10, 2003)

AIRBAG SENSOR MAT WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES ON PASSENGER SIDE (2/9/01, 12/20/01 AND 10/31/02) AS A RESULT OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT BEING ON. CURRENTLY 4/10/03 THE SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING RESULTING IN FOURTH TIME THERE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS ITEM. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014228 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020789 · 2003-05-31 (May 31, 2003)

ENTIRE TRANSMISSION FOR 1999 BMW 323 IC NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (ESTIMATED CHARGE IS $4600.00) - AFTER ONLY 60,000 MILES. THE ONBOARD COMPUTER DID NOT ALERT ME OF THE PROBLEM SOON ENOUGH.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10020789 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10026698 · 2003-08-01 (August 1, 2003)

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT REAR PASSENGER WINDOW PROBLEMS . MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND DIDN'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.*AK *TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026698 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029223 · 2003-07-26 (July 26, 2003)

I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 BMW 323I ON HWY 101 IN SANTA CLARA, CA. THE CAR SUNDENLY FEELS "WEAK". I IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF THE NEXT EXIT. AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER THE EXIT RAMP THE CAR STALLS. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT, SLOWLY, TO A PARKING LOT. THERE I FOUND THAT A). I LOST THE REVERSE GEAR B). THE TRANSIMISSION PROGRAM LIGHT WAS ON. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AGAIN TO SEE IF IT MOVES BUT THE ENGINE KEEPS STALLING - I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSIMISSION DOES NOT APPEARS TO BE SHIFTING. IT IS LIKE STARTING A MANUAL SHIFT CAR FROM THE …

Owner-reported narrative. 75,365 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029223 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10045490 · 2003-11-05 (November 5, 2003)

I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 323I SINCE 4/30/2003 THAT THE BMW SERVICE TECHNICIANS CANNOT RESOLVE AT TWO SEPARATE BMW DEALERS IN MARYLAND, TISCHER BMW (WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR), AND TOWSON BMW. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, EML AND DSC (TRACTION) LIGHTS ALL COME ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND THE CAR LOSES POWER NOT ABLE TO GO ABOVE 40 MPH (APPARENTLY GOES INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE). THE LIGHTS THEN GO OUT ONE BY ONE AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF ABOUT FOUR TIMES, AND POWER IS RESTORED TO THE CAR. ALL IS WELL SEEMINGLY UNTIL IT …

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10045490 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046256 · 2003-11-03 (November 3, 2003)

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD TWO CONTINENTAL CONTITOURING CONTACT TIRES MADE FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER. THE TWO TIRES, WHICH WERE LOCATED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE, BLEW OUT. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AROUND 17000 MILES . *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 17,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10046256 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V223000 · Air Bags:Side/Window

Reported: 2002-08-09 (August 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: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

19V851000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 26, 2019)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. 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: 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: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

19V852000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

19V853000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2019-11-26 (November 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

21V401000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2021-05-27 (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: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

99V063000 · Air Bags:Side/Window

Reported: 1999-03-26 (March 26, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

99V100000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages

Reported: 1999-05-03 (May 3, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

136 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

53.7%Usable mileage73 / 136 records

91.2%Valid incident date124 / 136 records

100.0%Valid filing date136 / 136 records

91.2%Ordered incident and filing dates124 / 136 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2820.6% ODI 10020789 ENTIRE TRANSMISSION FOR 1999 BMW 323 IC NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (ESTIMATED CHARGE IS $4600.00) - AFTER ONLY 60,000 MILES. THE ONBOARD COMPUTER DID NOT ALERT ME OF THE PROBLEM SOON ENOUGH. Look up ODI 10020789 at NHTSA ↗	19348.1% ODI 10112958 · 46,000 mi THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT/ACCELERATE IN REVERSE GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *JB Look up ODI 10112958 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 10235328 · 100,000 mi 2001 BMW 323I DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN PLACED INTO REVERSE GEAR. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF WARNING OR NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT, SINCE IT WILL COST ME 40% OF THE CARS CURRENT VALUE TO REPAIR THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10235328 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	743.8% ODI 10284468 · 134,000 mi I HAVE A 1998BMW 323IS AND I RECENTLY MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY 9/13/2009. MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT CRASHED VERY BADLY. THE WHOLE FRONT PORTION IS GONE AND CAR IS REUSABLE. WHAT SURPRISES ME IS THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT. ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAG(DRIVERS SIDE) JUST CAMEOUT1/2. IS THIS WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRASH?HOW CAN I TRUST CARS IN THE CRASH? *TR Look up ODI 10284468 at NHTSA ↗	2921.3% ODI 10004755 WHILE 65MPH BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK Look up ODI 10004755 at NHTSA ↗	4611.5% ODI 10037845 CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 02V223000 CONCERNINT AIR BAGS. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK Look up ODI 10037845 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11164841 MY AC UNIT ON MY CAR WAS RAMPING UP, LIKE IT WAS HOT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THAT THE AC UNIT WIRING WAS FAULTY, COULD SPARK FIRE. TOOK MY BMW TO LOCAL SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AC WIRING AND THAT IT BLEW OUT MY BLOWER MOTOR, THAT I HAD TO REPLACE IT OR IT WOULD BE CAUSE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. HOWEVER, THE NSTA AND BMW RECALL WAS NOT IN PLACE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR AND GO BACK TO BMW TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS UNABLE TO PAY FOR THE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SO PAID A PORTION OF IT,… Look up ODI 11164841 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	21.5% ODI 10457079 BMW 323I 1999 I PURCHASED THIS BMW TODAY. UPON ARRIVING HOME I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, NOTHING HAPPENED. SHUT OFF VEHICLE WITH SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AS STATED IN MANUAL NO CHANGE. VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN ALL DAY FROM MEETING UP OF SELLER TO LENDING INSTITUTION. UPON ARRIVAL AT HOME VEHICLE WOULD NO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. *JS Look up ODI 10457079 at NHTSA ↗	338.2% ODI 10228184 · 90,450 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE TO BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE. HE PLACED THE GEAR BACK INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD. HE PLACED THE GEAR INTO REVERSE AGAIN AND THE ENGINE REVVED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND PUSHED IT INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SNAP RING FAILED OUT OF THE CLUTCH DRUM, PREVENTING THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, TH… Look up ODI 10228184 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Side/Window	16.3% ODI 10284468 · 134,000 mi I HAVE A 1998BMW 323IS AND I RECENTLY MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY 9/13/2009. MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT CRASHED VERY BADLY. THE WHOLE FRONT PORTION IS GONE AND CAR IS REUSABLE. WHAT SURPRISES ME IS THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT. ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAG(DRIVERS SIDE) JUST CAMEOUT1/2. IS THIS WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRASH?HOW CAN I TRUST CARS IN THE CRASH? *TR Look up ODI 10284468 at NHTSA ↗	85.9% ODI 10115713 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, BUT NOT INFLATE. THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS HAPPENED WAS UNDETERMINED.AK THE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS, HEADLINER AND SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BF *NM Look up ODI 10115713 at NHTSA ↗	174.2% ODI 10024877 · 47,948 mi THE SIDE AIRBAG RECALL 02V223000 WAS REMEDIED ON 11/4/02. ON 11/11/02, WHILE DRIVING, THE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED. IN 06/03 THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AGAIN. CONSUMER WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAG SYSTEM. *AK ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE SRS LIGHT HAD COME. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE PASSENGER SIDE SRS AND HEAD PROTECTION AIRBAG DEPLOYED DUE TO THE CRASH SENSOR BEING TRIGGERED … Look up ODI 10024877 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	318.8% ODI 10284468 · 134,000 mi I HAVE A 1998BMW 323IS AND I RECENTLY MET WITH AN ACCIDENT ON SUNDAY 9/13/2009. MY FRIEND WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND IT CRASHED VERY BADLY. THE WHOLE FRONT PORTION IS GONE AND CAR IS REUSABLE. WHAT SURPRISES ME IS THE AIRBAGS NEVER CAME OUT. ONLY THE SIDE AIRBAG(DRIVERS SIDE) JUST CAMEOUT1/2. IS THIS WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRASH?HOW CAN I TRUST CARS IN THE CRASH? *TR Look up ODI 10284468 at NHTSA ↗	75.1% ODI 10115713 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, BUT NOT INFLATE. THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS HAPPENED WAS UNDETERMINED.AK THE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS, HEADLINER AND SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BF *NM Look up ODI 10115713 at NHTSA ↗	92.2% ODI 10040488 CONSISTENT PROBLEM WITH THE "CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT." DEALER HAD REPLACED ONE SENSOR UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT/ONE SENSOR ON THE DASHBOARD, AND RE-ATTACHED THE WIRING SYSTEM. *AK Look up ODI 10040488 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Frame And Members	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	64.4% ODI 10090624 · 104,000 mi CRACKED SUB-FRAME AT 104,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY POT HOLES, I DO NOT DRIVE OVER POTHOLES AND TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE VERY MUCH SO. I AM NOT WRECKLESS, AND I HAVE EVERY MAINTENANCE RECORD AVAILABLE AS WELL AS OTHER WARRANTIES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AT 75,000 MILES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND LIGHT INDICATORS TURNING ON FOR NO REASON, AIRBAG LIGHTS LIGHT UP AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, AND FINALLY A CRACKED SUB FRAME. THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10090624 at NHTSA ↗	102.5% ODI 10015909 THE SUBFRAME CRACKED WHICH EXPOSED THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER FEELS AN IMPACT MY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION. *NLM Look up ODI 10015909 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	53.7% ODI 10045490 · 85,000 mi I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 323I SINCE 4/30/2003 THAT THE BMW SERVICE TECHNICIANS CANNOT RESOLVE AT TWO SEPARATE BMW DEALERS IN MARYLAND, TISCHER BMW (WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR), AND TOWSON BMW. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, EML AND DSC (TRACTION) LIGHTS ALL COME ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND THE CAR LOSES POWER NOT ABLE TO GO ABOVE 40 MPH (APPARENTLY GOES INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE). THE LIGHTS THEN GO OUT ONE BY ONE AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF ABOUT FOUR TIMES, AND POWER IS RESTORED TO THE CAR. ALL IS WELL SEEMINGLY UNTIL IT … Look up ODI 10045490 at NHTSA ↗	51.2% ODI 10142677 TIRE. NO OTHER DETAILS WERE PROVIDED. *JB Look up ODI 10142677 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10995298 · 100,000 mi MY 2007 BMW 323I (CANADIAN VERSION OF THE 328I) CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS COMPLETELY STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT LAST SUMMER. THE CAR WAS MECHANICALLY AND COSMETICALLY PRISTINE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS AT ALL OTHER THAN A SET OF AFTERMARKET WHEELS. I OWNED THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH IT AND NEVER HAD TO GET ANY MAJOR MECHANICAL WORK DONE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE WRONG AND LED TO THIS INCIDENT. THE DAY THE FIRE HAPPENED I GOT INTO THE CAR AND IT STARTED, IDLED AND RAN PERFECTLY, AS IT HAS SINCE MY OWNERSHIP. I DROVE … Look up ODI 10995298 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 10652920 · 27,030 mi WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT MY DRIVER SIGNAL IS NOT WORKING, I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT NOT ONLY THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE LIGHT SOCKET AND ASSEMBLY WAS BURNED AND MELTED, BUT THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY, SO I NEED TO CHANGE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, I WAS VERY SHOCKED, BECAUSE MY CAR ONLY HAS 27030 MILES, AND THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WAS SUDDENLY BURNED. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS AS THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD DID NOT SPECIFY WHICH LIGHT WAS IT FOR. I THOUGHT THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE, AND I WAS ONLY NOTI… Look up ODI 10652920 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11164841 MY AC UNIT ON MY CAR WAS RAMPING UP, LIKE IT WAS HOT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM BMW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL AND THAT THE AC UNIT WIRING WAS FAULTY, COULD SPARK FIRE. TOOK MY BMW TO LOCAL SHOP WAS TOLD IT WAS THE AC WIRING AND THAT IT BLEW OUT MY BLOWER MOTOR, THAT I HAD TO REPLACE IT OR IT WOULD BE CAUSE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. HOWEVER, THE NSTA AND BMW RECALL WAS NOT IN PLACE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR AND GO BACK TO BMW TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE. I WAS UNABLE TO PAY FOR THE ADDITIONAL REPAIRS SO PAID A PORTION OF IT,… Look up ODI 11164841 at NHTSA ↗	1100.0% ODI 11045107 TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM Look up ODI 11045107 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	42.9% ODI 10282723 · 170,000 mi AUTO ACCIDENT RESULTS IN DEATH OF A PASSENGER DUE TO THE INABILITY TO UNLOCK CAR DOORS IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXIT AUTO WHICH CAUGHT FIRE SHORT AFTER AN INTERSECTION ACCIDENT, THE PASSENGERS WERE UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR LATCH, UNABLE TO PULL ON DOOR LOCK KNOBS THAT ARE FLUSH TO DOOR PANELS AND UNABLE TO PRESS ON MAIN DOOR LOCK SWITCH WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE ALLOWED THEM TO EXIT VEHICLE QUICKLY AND SAFELY. THREE PASSENGERS EXITED THROUGH A BROKEN WINDOW BUT UNFORTUNATELY ONE WAS NOT SO LUCKY. BMW CHOSE TO IGNORE ALL REQUESTS FOR A RECALL ON A "GENERAL… Look up ODI 10282723 at NHTSA ↗	102.5% ODI 10239218 · 115,000 mi DOOR LOCKS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE THE CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10239218 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	63,781–146,000 mi	105,000 mi	11	ODI 10009736 · 26,116 mi VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH YET THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. NLM TS Look up ODI 10009736 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10090624 · 104,000 mi CRACKED SUB-FRAME AT 104,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY POT HOLES, I DO NOT DRIVE OVER POTHOLES AND TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE VERY MUCH SO. I AM NOT WRECKLESS, AND I HAVE EVERY MAINTENANCE RECORD AVAILABLE AS WELL AS OTHER WARRANTIES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AT 75,000 MILES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND LIGHT INDICATORS TURNING ON FOR NO REASON, AIRBAG LIGHTS LIGHT UP AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, AND FINALLY A CRACKED SUB FRAME. THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10090624 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	80,250–141,016 mi	111,925 mi	20	ODI 10029223 · 75,365 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 BMW 323I ON HWY 101 IN SANTA CLARA, CA. THE CAR SUNDENLY FEELS "WEAK". I IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF THE NEXT EXIT. AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER THE EXIT RAMP THE CAR STALLS. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE IT, SLOWLY, TO A PARKING LOT. THERE I FOUND THAT A). I LOST THE REVERSE GEAR B). THE TRANSIMISSION PROGRAM LIGHT WAS ON. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AGAIN TO SEE IF IT MOVES BUT THE ENGINE KEEPS STALLING - I NOTICED THAT THE TRANSIMISSION DOES NOT APPEARS TO BE SHIFTING. IT IS LIKE STARTING A MANUAL SHIFT CAR FROM THE … Look up ODI 10029223 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10091348 · 81,000 mi TRANSMISSION LOCKED TO "LIMP HOME" MODE. CAN BE RESET BY TURN OFF AND ON THE IGNITION, BUT IT WONT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND WILL OCCUR AGAIN. IF YOU RUN AT 75/80 MPH, AND THE "LIMP" MODE IS ON.. THE GEAR WILL BE SHIFT DOWN SUDDENLY AND IT WILL DANGEROUSLY IMPACT THE SPEED OF THE CAR BEHIND ME. LUCKILY THE CAR BEHIND ME HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO REDUCE THE SPEED BEFORE IT HITS ME. *AK Look up ODI 10091348 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10138404 · 115,500 mi I OWN A 1999 BMW 323I. RECENTLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON ALONG WITH THE SIGN FOR THE TRANSMISSION (THE EXCLAMATION IN THE CIRCLE). THEN THE POWER WAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED WHICH DIDN'T ALLOW ME TO DRIVE OVER 40 MPH. I TOOK IT TO THE BMW DEALER NEAR MY HOME AND AFTER THEY RAN THE EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THEY STILL WEREN'T SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. HOWEVER, THEY SAID THEY RECEIVED A BULLETIN FROM BMW TELLING THEM THAT RESETTING THE COMPUTER FOR THE TORQUE AND TRANSMISSION WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THIS WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY… Look up ODI 10138404 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Side/Window	Too few reports for a range	150,485 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10171697 · 110,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT DOOR AND FRONT LEFT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. Look up ODI 10171697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10321505 · 175,123 mi GREETING, I HAVE BEEN IN POSSESSION OF MY 1999 BMW 323I FOR 11 YEARS. I MADE THE PURCHASE OVERSEES THROUGH THE MILITARY BMW SALES PROGRAM. I HAD THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE BY BMW HIGHLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS SINCE YEAR 2000. THE CAR WAS SERVICE AT BMW IN 2007 FOR THE HEATING & AIR CONDITION COMPRESSOR (HVAC) AND BMW WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT. WE INFORMED BMW ON MANY SERVICE VISITS PRIOR TO THE 2007 SERVICE VISIT AND AFTER 2007 THAT THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON WHEN EITHER CONDUCTING NORMAL DRIVING ON APPROVED R… Look up ODI 10321505 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10382842 · 160,000 mi WE WERE DRIVING DOWN SEPULVEDA BLVD. IN LOS ANGELES, CA AT 7:30 PM. WE BELIEVE WE HIT A POTHOLE AT 35 MPH. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TIRES OR WHEELS, BUT THE SIDE IMPACT CURTAIN AIRBAG ON OUR 1999 BMW 323I SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. WE RESEARCHED RECALLS ON OUR VEHICLE. WE FOUND THE FOLLOWING: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 02V223000 SUMMARY: 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: THIS COULD CAUS… Look up ODI 10382842 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	Too few reports for a range	122,750 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10171697 · 110,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT DOOR AND FRONT LEFT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. Look up ODI 10171697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10243155 · 135,500 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. WHILE DRIVING OVER A SMALL BUMP AT 23 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DEALER IS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THEY SUFFERED SOME FINANCIAL LOSS BECAUSE OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 02V223000 AND 99V063000 (AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,500. Look up ODI 10243155 at NHTSA ↗
Structure:Frame And Members	104,000–187,000 mi	132,000 mi	6	ODI 10090624 · 104,000 mi CRACKED SUB-FRAME AT 104,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY POT HOLES, I DO NOT DRIVE OVER POTHOLES AND TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE VERY MUCH SO. I AM NOT WRECKLESS, AND I HAVE EVERY MAINTENANCE RECORD AVAILABLE AS WELL AS OTHER WARRANTIES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AT 75,000 MILES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND LIGHT INDICATORS TURNING ON FOR NO REASON, AIRBAG LIGHTS LIGHT UP AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, AND FINALLY A CRACKED SUB FRAME. THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10090624 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10091605 · 104,000 mi CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT A SQUEAKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER, WHO INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND A CRACKED SUB FRAME. AK Look up ODI 10091605 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10161690 · 11,500 mi I'M REPORTING THE MANUFACTURER PROBLEM WITH BMW ON THE SUBFRAMES OF THE 1999 E46 323I. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS ON THIS MATTER. NM Look up ODI 10161690 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	122,250–180,450 mi	151,500 mi	6	ODI 10059672 · 30,560 mi NUMEROUS BALL JOINT REPLACEMENTS. PH THE CLOCK BULB, THERMOSTAT, CONVERTIBLE TOP TENSIONER AND POWER STEERING INTAKE WERE REPLACED. JB Look up ODI 10059672 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10409648 · 122,000 mi REAR SUB FRAME TEAR GREATER THEN 20 MM WHEN INSPECTED BY THE BMW DEALER Look up ODI 10409648 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10439853 · 180,000 mi THE SUBFRAME HAS RIPPED AWAY FROM THE FLOORPAN. THROUGH INVESTIGATION THIS HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE A VERY COMMON FAILURE ON E46 BMW 3 SERIES. THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL BY BMW TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE SUBFRAME SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF ANY CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10439853 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Too few reports for a range	75,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10066206 · 75,000 mi 1999 BMW 323I PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT COMING ON AROUND 75K MILES. COMPUTER FOR AIRBAG WAS DECLARED MALFUCTION. AIR BAGS WON'T DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT IF THIS PROBLEM PERSISTS. OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDE ENGINE HESITATION DUE TO FAULTY OXYGEN SENSORS. BMWNA WILL NOT ASSIST IN AIR BAG PROBLEM.AK Look up ODI 10066206 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10152778 · 93,000 mi DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30MPH THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION, THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE AIRBAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES BEFORE BY THE DEALER. Look up ODI 10152778 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	72,000–182,000 mi	85,000 mi	5	ODI 10045490 · 85,000 mi I HAVE HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 323I SINCE 4/30/2003 THAT THE BMW SERVICE TECHNICIANS CANNOT RESOLVE AT TWO SEPARATE BMW DEALERS IN MARYLAND, TISCHER BMW (WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR), AND TOWSON BMW. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CHECK ENGINE, EML AND DSC (TRACTION) LIGHTS ALL COME ON AT THE SAME TIME, AND THE CAR LOSES POWER NOT ABLE TO GO ABOVE 40 MPH (APPARENTLY GOES INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE). THE LIGHTS THEN GO OUT ONE BY ONE AFTER TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF ABOUT FOUR TIMES, AND POWER IS RESTORED TO THE CAR. ALL IS WELL SEEMINGLY UNTIL IT … Look up ODI 10045490 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10343030 · 72,000 mi I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1999 BMW 323I, PURCHASED NEW AND WHICH TODAY HAS A LITTLE MORE THAN 72,000 MILES ON IT. 1. NO SPECIFIC EVENT(S) OTHER THAN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS SEEM TO LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE; 2. THE FAILURE IS THAT THE RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB REPEATEDLY BURNS OUT, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, A FAILURE THAT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST TWICE EACH YEAR OVER THE LAST 11 YEARS. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE THAT I HAVE BEEN RECEIVED WARNINGS AND/OR CITATIONS, SOME COSTLY, WHEN I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO HAVE THE BULB IMMEDIATELY REPLACED. OTHER CONSE… Look up ODI 10343030 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2010	0	0	0
2011	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2010	1	0	0
2011	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Air Bags:Side/Window	Air Bags:Frontal	Structure:Frame And Members	Suspension	Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	Electrical System
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10090624 · 104,000 mi CRACKED SUB-FRAME AT 104,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY POT HOLES, I DO NOT DRIVE OVER POTHOLES AND TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE VERY MUCH SO. I AM NOT WRECKLESS, AND I HAVE EVERY MAINTENANCE RECORD AVAILABLE AS WELL AS OTHER WARRANTIES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AT 75,000 MILES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND LIGHT INDICATORS TURNING ON FOR NO REASON, AIRBAG LIGHTS LIGHT UP AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, AND FINALLY A CRACKED SUB FRAME. THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10090624 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	0	—	0	0	0	0	0	0
Air Bags:Side/Window	0	0	—	3 ODI 10115713 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, BUT NOT INFLATE. THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS HAPPENED WAS UNDETERMINED.AK THE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS, HEADLINER AND SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BF NM Look up ODI 10115713 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10171697 · 110,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT DOOR AND FRONT LEFT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. Look up ODI 10171697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 735032 ON A CLEAR NIGHT I WAS TURNING AND WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR BY A DRIVER TRAVELING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT AND NONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE RESULT: BACK INJURIES AND TIME AWAY FROM WORK Look up ODI 735032 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal	0	0	3 ODI 10115713 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH CONSUMER RAN OVER A POTHOLE. THIS CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY, BUT NOT INFLATE. THE CAUSE OF WHY THIS HAPPENED WAS UNDETERMINED.AK THE CURTAIN AND SIDE AIR BAGS, HEADLINER AND SEAT BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. BF NM Look up ODI 10115713 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10171697 · 110,000 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE FRONT LEFT DOOR AND FRONT LEFT SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. Look up ODI 10171697 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 735032 ON A CLEAR NIGHT I WAS TURNING AND WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR BY A DRIVER TRAVELING BETWEEN 45-50 MPH. MY CAR WAS HIT AND NONE OF THE 6 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE RESULT: BACK INJURIES AND TIME AWAY FROM WORK Look up ODI 735032 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Structure:Frame And Members	1 ODI 10090624 · 104,000 mi CRACKED SUB-FRAME AT 104,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY POT HOLES, I DO NOT DRIVE OVER POTHOLES AND TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE VERY MUCH SO. I AM NOT WRECKLESS, AND I HAVE EVERY MAINTENANCE RECORD AVAILABLE AS WELL AS OTHER WARRANTIES. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH AT 75,000 MILES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND LIGHT INDICATORS TURNING ON FOR NO REASON, AIRBAG LIGHTS LIGHT UP AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR, AND FINALLY A CRACKED SUB FRAME. THIS VEH… Look up ODI 10090624 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	1 ODI 10093295 · 57,561 mi I BELIEVE THAT CARMAX SOLD ME A LEMON. IT IS A 1999 BMW 323CI, WAS PURCHASED USED AT THE INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD STORE ON NOV 28, 2003, WITH 57,097 MILES. THE PURCHASE PRICE WAS $21,420 INCLUDING A $1,699 EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 3YRS/36000. AUTOMOBILE WARRANTY AGREEMENT NUMBER: 7106508410. *AK SINCE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, THERE HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE AND EXPENSIVE DEFECTS, INCLUDING SAFETY ITEMS. THE CAR HAS BROKEN DOWN, FAILED TO START, REQUIRED TOWING, AND THE CONTROL PANEL FLASHES SPURIOUS WARNINGS. DESPITE THE WARRANTY, AND DESPITE MY R… Look up ODI 10093295 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

12 mentions · 8.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,500 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10014228

Look up ODI 10014228 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10045490 · 85,000 mi

Look up ODI 10045490 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10047299 · 63,000 mi

AT APPROXIMATELY 64,000 MILES THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING POORLY. ENGINE WOULD QUIT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP UNLESS THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPED AND WOULD MISFIRE INTERMITTENTLY DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A HUNDRED PLUS MILES OF DRIVING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A CHECK OF THE FAULT CODES INDICATED MISFIRES ON CYLINDERS NO.1, 2, & 6. A CHECK OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM REVEALED VERTICAL CRACKS IN THE INSULATORS OF ALL SIX, 100,000 MILE, FACTORY BMW NGK R5 SPARK PLUGS. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO SERVICE DEPARTMENTS AT BOTH BMW NORTHW…

Look up ODI 10047299 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10376325

SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, NEW, THE REVERSE GEAR FAILS IN MY 1999 BMW 323I. IN ADDITION, THE CAR SEEMS TO, INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING, RAPIDLY ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES, I HAVE TO APPLY ALL THE PRESSURE I CAN TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND EVEN WITH THAT I CAN FEEL THE ACCELERATION FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE IT STOPS. AS FOR THE REVERSE GEAR FAILURE, I HAVE TO SHIFT TO EACH GEAR ONCE OR TWICE BEFORE I CAN GET THE CAR INTO REVERSE, AND/OR I JUST HAVE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND W…

Look up ODI 10376325 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 764803

ABS IS NOT ACTIVATED EVEN THOUGH WHEELS ARE LOCKED UP AND TIRES ARE SLIDING ON WET PAVEMENT. ABS MAY ACTIVATE IF EXTREME PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO BRAKE PEDAL. LOTS OF LUCK FIGURING THIS ALL OUT IN AN EMERGENCY. THE HAYNES REPAIR MANUAL #18021 (BMW 3 SERIES) PG 9-10 STATES THAT "THE PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM IS TO PREVENT THE WHEEL(S) FROM LOCKING UP DURING HEAVY BRAKING."*AK

Look up ODI 764803 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 849730

WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE OUT OF CONTROL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Look up ODI 849730 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,365 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10029223 · 75,365 mi

Look up ODI 10029223 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 30,560 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10059672 · 30,560 mi

NUMEROUS BALL JOINT REPLACEMENTS. *PH THE CLOCK BULB, THERMOSTAT, CONVERTIBLE TOP TENSIONER AND POWER STEERING INTAKE WERE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10059672 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b