2001 BMW 328I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 4 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Rear differential failure at 33k miles while traveling at 65mph, causing loss of control and near accident with other vehicles. Bmwna states no liability for incident and ignores the factory warranty on a 2000 module year 3 series. I was required to pay for all damages and new parts. I have the original differential showing the shattered pinion gear. I was lucky someone else might kill someone on the road because bmw refuses to accept a problem. *ph”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2003
“While driving, tire blewup and the whole outer wall of the tire fell apart at its entire circumference. The car became difficult to control and luckily we prevented a major crash due to it.*ak (dot number: lmujp5b7 tiresize: 245/40zr17)”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2001
“Ambient temp was 75 degrees. Traffic was stop and go. Steam was streaming from under the hood. Service engine light and low coolant line illuminated. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
Show 1 more owner reports
“Vehicle overheated while seating in traffic at a red light, with the a/c on. The car had not been running for more than 10 minutes. The car was exactly one month old when this occured.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2001
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 328I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 BMW 328I reliable?
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 BMW 328I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2001 BMW 328I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have 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.