2001 BMW 320: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While doing 55 mph on the expressway my vehicle engaged the brakes on it's own bringing us to a screaching, skidding stop in the middle of oncoming traffic. This was an extremely scary situation especially when traveling with your children in the car. The car was towed in to the dealership where they discovered the yaw rate sensor had to be replaced. I can not believe mercedes is not recalling this vehicles to be fixed with such a huge safety issue affecting this car. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2012
“Vehicle cooling fan failed, many other bmw owners have experienced the same problem. The fan, made by siemens is defective and needs to be replaced by all vehicles which have this defect. Will cause people to be stranded due to engine overheating.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“This is a brand new vehicle, yet the engine overheats at 1828 miles. A lot of smoke came out of the hood and hindered visibility. The overheating happened very quickly and allowed me very little time to realize and to stop the vehicle. Once stopped, there appeared to be major leakage of coolant/anti-freeze under the car. The car dealer and their service department were notified immediately. The short time it took the engine to overheat can potentially be dangerous as it allows the driver very little time to stop and exit the vehicle before any fire is ignited. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
Show 2 more owner reports
“This is an acknowledeged problem from bmw. The manufacturer has claimed that the problem is not big enough to warrant a recall. Unfortunately many of us are being left stranded when the problem surfaces. Even though the problem is acknowledged bmw does not have the parts required to fix the problem. I believe bmw needs to be contacted and forced to officially issue a recall on the 3.0 liter engines. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2001
“I complained to bmw na of reported failures of the fan. They agreed that they have had problems with siemens manufactured fans. They left a phone message (I have a copy) agreeing to pay for a vehicle inspection to determine if the fan is the type prone to failure due to safety concerns I have for my son who will be driving this vehicle, but they will charge me to replace the fan because it has not yet failed. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
Recalls - 1 campaign
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your exact 320 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2001 BMW 320 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 BMW 320. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2001 BMW 320 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.