Model year record

2000 BMW 328i recalls & problems

The 2000 BMW 328i has 7 safety recalls and 112 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (36 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints112filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths7 · 0reported in complaints

2 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsMay 27, 2021

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 21V4010004,511 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsJan 15, 2020

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 20V018000292,948 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsNov 26, 2019

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 19V85200034,396 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk: 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.
Fix: BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bagsNov 26, 2019

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 19V85300074,185 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsJun 11, 2018

Air bags

Recall 14V428000574,007 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Air bagsAug 9, 2002

Side/window

Recall 02V22300020,500 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.
Fix: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. 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.

Exterior lightingFeb 17, 2000

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 00V04800017,700 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

328i

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

328i

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

328i

19mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.8 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsSide/window; Frontal	36	3	1	7	93,000 mi
StructureFrame and members; Body	31	1	1	2	115,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	27	0	0	0	128,524 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm; Rear	12	0	0	0	137,500 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Sun/moon roof assembly	7	0	0	0	56,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system; Engine › Gasoline	6	0	0	0	—
Electrical system	5	0	0	0	90,000 mi
Tires	4	1	0	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc	3	1	0	0	—
Engine	3	1	2	2	167,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	2	1	0	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bags1 injury
May of 2019 my driver door airbag, driver side front to rear pillar airbag bursted open while driving 30mph on a flat smooth road. Took to BMW dealer and they informed me that there was a recall and they'd look into it. Days later picked up my car and they said they went off from aftermarket items on my car. Which is absurdly inaccurate. I'm an auto mechanic of 10 years and nothing I've done to my car has any effect on the airbag or safety systems of my car period. They were extremely rude, didn't want to fix the over $5000 of damage that was done to my interior. Treated me like I was some idiot. And didn't offer me a loaner vehicle for the 3 days they had my car either like they guarantee…
May 27, 2019
Air bags
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE EARLY MORNING STILL DARK ON A STATE ROAD AND RAINING VERY HARD COULD NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE I HIT A POT HOLE. THAT'S WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYED ON THE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEADLINER AND A PILLAR POST. UNKNOWN WHY IT WENT OFF. I KNOW THERE'S A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AIRBAGS AND SOME FORUMS STATED THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM AS WELL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND I COULD NOT SEE ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
Mar 16, 2021 · 96,000 miles
Air bags
SAFETY RECALL ON BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES (MODEL YEAR 1999-2001) FOR DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR (NADI) . SINCE FEBRUARY 18,2020 I'VE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE BMW AGENT DEALER / CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN CONCORD CA TO PERFORM THE REMEDY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE WITH NO RESULTS ( IT'S ALWAYS THE SAME REASON : SPARE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE)
Feb 18, 2020
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAG) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO TULLEY BMW OF NASHUA (147 DANIEL WEBSTER HWY, NASHUA, NH 03060; 603-888-5050) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 6, 2020
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE LINKED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF ROCHESTER HILLS (45550 DEQUINDRE RD, SHELBY CHARTER TWP, MI 48317) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE…
Nov 1, 2019 · 170,000 miles
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE POWER CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID NEEDED FREQUENT TOP OFFS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Jun 11, 2019 · 96,000 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 30, 2020
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY BMW OF DECATUR (1606 CHURCH ST, DECATUR, GA 30033, (404) 994-4329) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Sep 17, 2018 · 130,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.