Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Bmw E46: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

18 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

74,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 18 complaints (27.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting15.6%
Engine operation15.6%

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.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
5
Structure:Frame And Members
5
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
2
Electrical System
1
Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission5
Structure:Frame And Members5
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields2
Electrical System1
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System1
Exterior Lighting1
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal1

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Structure:Frame And Members: 5; Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields: 2; Electrical System: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
7
75,000 to 99,999
5
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9997
75,000 to 99,9995
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 2 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.

2003
2
2004
2
2005
1
2006
5
2007
4
2008
2
2009
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20032
20042
20051
20065
20074
20082
20092

2003: 2; 2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2006: 5; 2007: 4; 2008: 2; 2009: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Engine operation 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 10016799 · 2003-04-30 (April 30, 2003)

RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE. TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY HELD IN PLACE INSIDE THE FENDER BY ONLY ONE THIN PLASTIC FINGER. THE FINGER SNAPPED OFF THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING, ALLOWING THE ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 50,074 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016799 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037019 · 2003-09-01 (September 1, 2003)

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 4YR 50,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS AROUND 53,000 MILES. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 52,890 miles reported. Look up ODI 10037019 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10064280 · 2004-03-31 (March 31, 2004)

2000 BMW 328CI STALLS EVERY NOW AND THEN AND WHEN I RESTART IT I FEEL A POWER LOSS. COMES AND GOES. VERY PESKY PROBLEM, MAKES YOU FEEL SCARED YOU MIGHT GET STRANDED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10064280 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10078873 · 2004-06-27 (June 27, 2004)

MY BMW 328CI YEAR 2000 HAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEPERATION OF REAR UNDER CHASIS, MY CAR IS IN THE DEALER NOW AT BMW SAN FRANCISCO AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND THEY ARE CHARGING ME $22000 FOR REPAIR. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS IN AUGUST AND ITS ONLY 37K MILES ON IT. I TALKED TO THE BODY SHOP OF BMW SAN FRANCISCO AND THEY SHOWED ME 3 CARS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM . A $45K CAR EASY TO SEPERATED THE UNDERCHASIS AND SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I HOPE…

Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10078873 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10126538 · 2005-06-24 (June 24, 2005)

1) NORMAL STREET AND HIGHWAY DRIVING 2) REAR SUBFRAME FAILURE 3)CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED, REPLACED CROSS MEMBER

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10126538 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10163758 · 2006-07-27 (July 27, 2006)

AT APPROXIMATE 73,000 MILES I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME AROUND THE LEFT REAR BUSHING. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS CAR AND MODEL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SO FAR ARE SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 73,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163758 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10170218 · 2006-10-08 (October 8, 2006)

AT ABOUT 106K MILES I NOTICED A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. UPON INSPECTION, THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNT HAS MULTIPLE STRESS FRACTURES AND SEPARATIONS AT THE POINT WHERE THE MOUNT IS WELDED TO THE UNIBODY. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ALL REQUIRED MAINT. AT NORMAL INTERVALS. THIS CAR IS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY 90% OF THE TIME AND THE REST IN RESIDENTIAL STREETS. IT IS A FAMILY CAR AND HAS HAD NO MODIFICATIONS PERIOD. THIS SITUATION IS VERY DANGEROUS AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. THE SUSPENSION SHOULD NEVER SEPERATE …

Owner-reported narrative. 106,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170218 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10170593 · 2006-10-11 (October 11, 2006)

SUBFRAME DAMAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON AT 68,000 MILES, CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE DURING OPERATION. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, STILL WORKING WITH BMWNA TO STOP WITH THE "RUN AROUND" STORY. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10170593 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

88.9%Usable mileage16 / 18 records
100.0%Valid incident date18 / 18 records
100.0%Valid filing date18 / 18 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates18 / 18 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component19901993199419951996199719992000200220032004
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10201654 · 110,000 mi

I WAS RECENTLY DRIVING A 1994 BMW 740I WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES ON IT, IT HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF VERY WELL, AND UNEXPECTEDLY THE TRANSMISSION WILL "REST" IN A NEUTRAL STATE WHEN IT IS PUT INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THIS MEANS IT WILL GO BACKWARDS WHEN IT IS ON AN INCLINE, MAKING IT VERY UNSAFE. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST PREVIOUSLY WITH THE VEHICLE, AND AFTER MANY MANY HOURS OF RESEARCHING ONLINE, THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS MANY DIFFERENT MODELS OF VEHICLE THAT BMW MAKES. *JB

Look up ODI 10201654 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

527.8%
ODI 10037019 · 52,890 mi

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 4YR 50,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS AROUND 53,000 MILES. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR.*AK

Look up ODI 10037019 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10177629 · 124,000 mi

I OWN A 2000 BMW 323I AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO I HAD STARTED TO NOTICE A FAINT SQUEAKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEN MY CAR WAS MOVING, THE SQUEAKING PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE AND WORSE UNTIL THE SOUND WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT COULD BE HEARD EVEN WITH ALL THE WINDOWS UP. I TOOK IT IN TO A MECHANIC WHO IDENTIFIED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INDEED THAT SUB FRAME SEPARATING FROM THE BODY. AS I FURTHER INVESTIGATED THIS ISSUE, I FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE STERLING BMW NEWPORT BEACH COLLISION CENTER WHERE THEY …

Look up ODI 10177629 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

527.8%
ODI 10163758 · 73,000 mi

AT APPROXIMATE 73,000 MILES I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME AROUND THE LEFT REAR BUSHING. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS CAR AND MODEL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SO FAR ARE SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Look up ODI 10163758 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
150.0%
ODI 10188169 · 213,000 mi

DAUGHTER DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 1990 BMW 735I CALLED ME ON CELL PHONE SAID SMELLED HOT WATER AND SOMETHING BURNING. TOLD HER TO PULL OVER AND PARK CAR I WAS ON THE WAY EARLY MORNING COLD. GOT TO CAR INSIDE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE WINDOWS HAD WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THEM AND THE DRIVERS AIRBAG HAD TRIGGERED. FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE SITE SAID IT APPEARS THAT THE HEATER CORE/SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED SHORTING OUT DRIVERS SIDE PANEL AND ELECTRONICS STARTING THE FIRE. DAUGHTER WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE SINCE THE DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND NO WAY TO OPEN THEM SINC…

Look up ODI 10188169 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10159770 · 106,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SEAT STARTED TO CATCH FIRE. I PANICKED. I HOPPED OUT AND HAD TO SUFFOCATE THE FIRE OUT BY CLOSING THE WINDOWS. I TOOK IT TO BMW AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, I FELT LIKE THEY DIDN'T REALLY TRY, SO I LEFT THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT FOR NOW BECAUSE THEY SAID THE DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE TOTALED MY CAR. *JB

Look up ODI 10159770 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.6%
ODI 10255568

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10255568 at NHTSA ↗

150.0%
ODI 10693755 · 45,000 mi

LOOK AT THIS - ANOTHER BMW RECALL IS IN ORDER MY BATTERY KEEPS GETTING FLOODED WITH WATER AND THEN THE CAR WON'T START UNDER SNOW THE ICE MELTS AND SOMEHOW GETTING INTO THE COMPARTMENT WITH THE BATTERY IN THE BOOT NOTHING ELSE IN THE BOOT IS WET - NOT EVEN ON THE PLASTIC PLATE THAT COVERS THE BATTERY BUT IT GETS INTO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND THERE IS NO DRAIN FOR THE WATER TO GO SO MY CAR FAILS TO START MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ONE WEBSITE IS THIS ALSO CHECK ON BIMMERFEST - TOO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION AND COMP…

Look up ODI 10693755 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10444127 · 80,000 mi

I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW STSTING THERE WAS NOW A RECALL FOR THE BAD GROUND WIRE ON THE REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSED THE METLING OF THE CONNECTOR. I HAD ALREADY SPENT $400 FOR THE FIX, NOW THEY RECALL THE PART. BMW NORTH AMERICA TOOK TOO LONG TO DO THIS, AND I AM GOING INTO THE DELAERSHIP TO SEE ABOUT GETTING A REFUND FOR THE SERVICE I PAID FOR THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER.

Look up ODI 10444127 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10441493 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW E46. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY FOR MODEL YEARS 2001-2003. UPDATED 02/08/12

Look up ODI 10441493 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 10255568

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10255568 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10357440 · 90,127 mi

PLEASE LET THIS NOTICE SERVE AS A FORMAL PETITION FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF A SAFETY-RELATED DESIGN DEFECT. THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULBS AREN'T WORKING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE GROUND WIRE IN THE CONNECTOR, CONNECTING TO THE BULB CARRIER SEEMS TO BE DAMAGED DUE TO A BAD GROUND. I HAVE BEEN REPLACING BULBS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. *TR

Look up ODI 10357440 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 10448204 · 77,000 mi

FACTORY BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS GRADUALLY DIMMED. BY 77K MILES THE LIGHT OUTPUT WAS TOO DIM TO SAFELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. COMPARED TO A NEW MODEL AT DEALER WITH XENON LIGHTS AND FOUND VERY NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE. MECHANIC ANALYSIS FOUND METALLIZED PLASTIC REFLECTORS ON XENON BULBS HAD BURNED AND LOST THEIR REFLECTIVITY. REPLACEMENT REFLECTORS ARE NOT SOLD AS SERVICE PARTS BY BMW, SO REMEDY INVOLVES COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10448204 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
150.0%
ODI 10188169 · 213,000 mi

DAUGHTER DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 1990 BMW 735I CALLED ME ON CELL PHONE SAID SMELLED HOT WATER AND SOMETHING BURNING. TOLD HER TO PULL OVER AND PARK CAR I WAS ON THE WAY EARLY MORNING COLD. GOT TO CAR INSIDE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE WINDOWS HAD WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THEM AND THE DRIVERS AIRBAG HAD TRIGGERED. FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE SITE SAID IT APPEARS THAT THE HEATER CORE/SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED SHORTING OUT DRIVERS SIDE PANEL AND ELECTRONICS STARTING THE FIRE. DAUGHTER WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE SINCE THE DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND NO WAY TO OPEN THEM SINC…

Look up ODI 10188169 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10873665 · 131,000 mi

AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHEN HITTING POT HOLE AT AROUND 30MPH. THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH MANY E46'S THAT THE AIRBAG IS TOO SENSITIVE.

Look up ODI 10873665 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
150.0%
ODI 10188169 · 213,000 mi

DAUGHTER DRIVING TO WORK IN MY 1990 BMW 735I CALLED ME ON CELL PHONE SAID SMELLED HOT WATER AND SOMETHING BURNING. TOLD HER TO PULL OVER AND PARK CAR I WAS ON THE WAY EARLY MORNING COLD. GOT TO CAR INSIDE WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE WINDOWS HAD WATER ON THE INSIDE OF THEM AND THE DRIVERS AIRBAG HAD TRIGGERED. FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE SITE SAID IT APPEARS THAT THE HEATER CORE/SYSTEM HAD EXPLODED SHORTING OUT DRIVERS SIDE PANEL AND ELECTRONICS STARTING THE FIRE. DAUGHTER WAS LUCKY TO ESCAPE SINCE THE DOOR LOCKS LOCKED AND NO WAY TO OPEN THEM SINC…

Look up ODI 10188169 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.6%
ODI 10064280

2000 BMW 328CI STALLS EVERY NOW AND THEN AND WHEN I RESTART IT I FEEL A POWER LOSS. COMES AND GOES. VERY PESKY PROBLEM, MAKES YOU FEEL SCARED YOU MIGHT GET STRANDED. *AK

Look up ODI 10064280 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10176394 · 217,000 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT SMELLS GAS COMING FROM HER ENGINE ON HER 1993 525I. THE CONTACT STATES THAT WHEN SHE CRANKS HER VEHICLE ON SHE CAN SMELL THE GAS. THE SMELL GETS WORSE WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. SHE STATES THAT SHE SMELLS THE GAS WHILE SHE IS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CITY OR WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THE FIRST TIME CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SECOND TIME WHERE THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOCATED. THEY ARE CURRENTLY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHA…

Look up ODI 10176394 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

116.7%
ODI 10166453

PROBLEMS RUNNING THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD HAD OIL LEAK DUE TO FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET REQUIRING $ 3000 REPAIR. *JB

Look up ODI 10166453 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Seats
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10204833 · 125,000 mi

FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS ARE TWISTED. SEAT BACKS ARE SEVERELY TWISTED. THEREFORE I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN DRIVING. I COULD FIND MANY CASES SAME AS MINE IN THE WEBSITE. I THINK THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN 93-94 BMW 740I. *JB

Look up ODI 10204833 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10191866

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS SLIDE (DO NOT LOCK IN POSITION). THIS IS IRRITATING AND UNSAFE IN MY OPINION. I ALSO BELIEVE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL YEAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10191866 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission65,000–109,520 mi72,000 mi5
ODI 10037019 · 52,890 mi

VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM DEALER. VEHICLE DOES NOT DRIVE IN REVERSE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 4YR 50,000 MILES WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS AROUND 53,000 MILES. THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR.*AK

Look up ODI 10037019 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10197258 · 65,000 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10197258 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10215376 · 109,520 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10215376 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Frame And Members73,000–84,000 mi76,000 mi5
ODI 10163758 · 73,000 mi

AT APPROXIMATE 73,000 MILES I NOTICED A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM MY CAR, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND CRACKS IN THE SUBFRAME AROUND THE LEFT REAR BUSHING. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS CAR AND MODEL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SO FAR ARE SAYING IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *JB

Look up ODI 10163758 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10170593 · 68,000 mi

SUBFRAME DAMAGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON AT 68,000 MILES, CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE DURING OPERATION. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED, STILL WORKING WITH BMWNA TO STOP WITH THE "RUN AROUND" STORY. *NM

Look up ODI 10170593 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10174979 · 76,000 mi

THIS CAR IS MY DAILY DRIVING CAR AND THAT IS ITS SOLE PURPOSE. THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNT HAS BEGUN TO RIP OUT OF THE CAR ON THE DRIVER SIDE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, BUT BMW HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND I AM AWAITING THEIR REPLY. *JB

Look up ODI 10174979 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody ShieldsToo few reports for a range44,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10078873 · 37,000 mi

MY BMW 328CI YEAR 2000 HAS A FACTORY DEFECT AND THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. SEPERATION OF REAR UNDER CHASIS, MY CAR IS IN THE DEALER NOW AT BMW SAN FRANCISCO AND THEY TOLD ME THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND THEY ARE CHARGING ME $22000 FOR REPAIR. THE CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS IN AUGUST AND ITS ONLY 37K MILES ON IT. I TALKED TO THE BODY SHOP OF BMW SAN FRANCISCO AND THEY SHOWED ME 3 CARS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM . A $45K CAR EASY TO SEPERATED THE UNDERCHASIS AND SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. I HOPE…

Look up ODI 10078873 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10205743 · 51,000 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10205743 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemToo few reports for a range81,518 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10181739 · 81,518 mi

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 PRO…

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Exterior Lighting:Turn SignalToo few reports for a range50,074 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10016799 · 50,074 mi

RIGHT FRONT TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY FELL OFF DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF VEHICLE. TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY HELD IN PLACE INSIDE THE FENDER BY ONLY ONE THIN PLASTIC FINGER. THE FINGER SNAPPED OFF THE TURN SIGNAL HOUSING, ALLOWING THE ENTIRE TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY TO FALL OFF THE VEHICLE. *JB

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Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2003: 0 complaints · 2004: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2003000
2004000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2003100
2004400

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
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionStructure:Frame And MembersStructure:Frame And Members:Underbody ShieldsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemExterior LightingExterior Lighting:Turn Signal
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—0000000
Structure:Frame And Members0—000000
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields00—00000
Electrical System000—00
1
ODI 10255568

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10255568 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System00000—00
Exterior Lighting000
1
ODI 10255568

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10255568 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal0000000—

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.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 5.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10064280

2000 BMW 328CI STALLS EVERY NOW AND THEN AND WHEN I RESTART IT I FEEL A POWER LOSS. COMES AND GOES. VERY PESKY PROBLEM, MAKES YOU FEEL SCARED YOU MIGHT GET STRANDED. *AK

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