2001 Bmw 325IT: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
4 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
40,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2001 model year. Data updated: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 4 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 25.0% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 1 |
| Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment | 1 |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | 1 |
| Suspension:Rear | 1 |
| Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs | 1 |
Air Bags: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly: 1; Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment: 1; Suspension:Front:Control Arm: 1; Suspension:Rear: 1; Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 0 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2015 | 1 |
2006: 3; 2015: 1
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 1 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 10150193 · 2006-02-13 (February 13, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT …
Owner-reported narrative. 29,223 miles reported. Look up ODI 10150193 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10153093 · 2006-03-18 (March 18, 2006)
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING…
Owner-reported narrative. 33,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10153093 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10160639 · 2006-06-23 (June 23, 2006)
BOTH REAR SPRINGS FAILED, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES WITH NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS ENDEMIC TO THE E46 BMW 3 SERIES. SHOULD THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE BECOME UNLOADED ON A BUMP, ETC. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED. IF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SPRINGS IS COMMON, IT COULD REPRESENT A DESIGN DEFECT. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 48,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10160639 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10694737 · 2015-03-16 (March 16, 2015)
BMW CONTACTED ME IN SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCING A SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE, INDICATING THEY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AND BMW WOULD CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE THE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL. OVER SIX MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO ACTION BY BMW TO CORRECT THIS URGENT SAFETY DEFECT. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. BMW NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10694737 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
Reported: 2001-06-21 (June 21, 2001)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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 ↗02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan
Reported: 2002-05-16 (May 16, 2002)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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 ↗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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
4 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
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.
| Component | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10694737 · 120,000 miBMW CONTACTED ME IN SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCING A SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE, INDICATING THEY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AND BMW WOULD CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE THE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL. OVER SIX MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO ACTION BY BMW TO CORRECT THIS URGENT SAFETY DEFECT. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. BMW NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. *TR | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 10883061TAKATA RECALL: DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY ARE "WORKING" ON GETTING A REPLACEMENT FOR MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. I THINK I AM GETTING A "RUN AROUND" BECAUSE MY AUTO IS A 2004 MODEL. PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS REPLACED. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 266.7%ODI 10644107 · 50,000 miMY 2003 BMW 325IT STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, I LOOSE POWER STEERING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN IN 2011 AND NOW OCCURS WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN 2014, INCLUDING TODAY OCTOBER 11, 2014, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND HOPE TO HAVE AN EARLY RESPONSE FROM YOU ABOUT THIS CRITICAL MATTER. I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO BMW … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10644107 · 50,000 miMY 2003 BMW 325IT STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, I LOOSE POWER STEERING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN IN 2011 AND NOW OCCURS WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN 2014, INCLUDING TODAY OCTOBER 11, 2014, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND HOPE TO HAVE AN EARLY RESPONSE FROM YOU ABOUT THIS CRITICAL MATTER. I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO BMW … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10644107 · 50,000 miMY 2003 BMW 325IT STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, I LOOSE POWER STEERING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON AND HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I THEN PUT IT IN PARK AND START THE ENGINE AGAIN. THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN IN 2011 AND NOW OCCURS WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN 2014, INCLUDING TODAY OCTOBER 11, 2014, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AT ABOUT 40 MPH. I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND HOPE TO HAVE AN EARLY RESPONSE FROM YOU ABOUT THIS CRITICAL MATTER. I HAVE ALSO WRITTEN TO BMW … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension:Rear | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 125.0%ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo 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 | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | Too few reports for a range | 120,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10694737 · 120,000 miBMW CONTACTED ME IN SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCING A SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE, INDICATING THEY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AND BMW WOULD CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE THE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL. OVER SIX MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO ACTION BY BMW TO CORRECT THIS URGENT SAFETY DEFECT. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. BMW NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. *TR |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | Too few reports for a range | 29,223 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … |
| Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment | Too few reports for a range | 33,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | Too few reports for a range | 33,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… |
| Suspension:Rear | Too few reports for a range | 29,223 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … |
| Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs | Too few reports for a range | 48,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10160639 · 48,000 miBOTH REAR SPRINGS FAILED, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES WITH NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS ENDEMIC TO THE E46 BMW 3 SERIES. SHOULD THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE BECOME UNLOADED ON A BUMP, ETC. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED. IF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SPRINGS IS COMMON, IT COULD REPRESENT A DESIGN DEFECT. *JB |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
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
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | 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.
2004: 0 complaints · 2005: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 | 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 | Air Bags | Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment | Suspension:Front:Control Arm | Suspension:Rear | Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … | 0 |
| Steering:Linkages:Arm:Idler And Attachment | 0 | 0 | — | 1ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension:Front:Control Arm | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 10153093 · 33,000 miAT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING… | — | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension:Rear | 0 | 1ODI 10150193 · 29,223 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT … | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.