2000 BMW E46: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 1999 and 2001 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2009
“2000 bmw 323i will not go into reverse. Called bmw na their response " this is no bmw problem. I wrote the president of bmw and you should do this as well here is the info you need. President josep kerscher address: bmw of north america 300 chestnut ridge rd. Woodcliff lake, nj 07677. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2008
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2007
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2007
“I drive a 2000 328ci bmw with 84,000 miles on it. 1. It has been a daily driver for 3 years. 2. The subframe has torn behind the driver side rear wheel. 3. Bmw is not recognizing this as an engineering defect and is giving a hard time covering the fix. *nm”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2006
“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”Owner report · Structure · Nov 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 report · Structure · Jul 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 report · Structure · May 2006
“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 you take a chance to take a look on this problem. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2004
Recalls - 4 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
How other years compare
Check your exact E46 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 2000 BMW E46 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 BMW E46. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 2000 BMW E46 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.