Bmw 320 problems
The BMW 320 was a car manufactured by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG also known as BMW in Germany from 1937 to 1938, the successor to the 319-based BMW 329. It was offered in 2 door saloon and convertible versions. Approximately 4,200 cars were made, of which 1,835 were cabriolets.
The car was first presented in July 1937. It showed a very similar resemblance to the 329. It was a high performance car with many admirers. The 320 was built on a shortened BMW 326 frame and used a 326 engine with a single carburettor and an output of 45 hp (34 kW). The 320 had a top speed of 65mph. The suspension, which was carried over from the 329, consisted of an independent front suspension with a high-mounted transverse leaf spring acting as upper control arms and a conventional live axle on semi-elliptic springs at the rear. It had a slightly greater displacement 6-cylinder engine. It was available as a two-door sedan or two-door convertible and stayed until 1938. The BMW 320 was smaller, less expensive, and lighter than its predecessor. It offered easy handling, a fine finish, and a good power-to-weight ratio.
The 320 was replaced by the BMW 321 in 1938.
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Bmw 320 model years
Common Bmw 320 problems
The BMW 320i is a popular entry-level luxury sedan known for its speed, safety features, and overall performance. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems based on complaints from its owners.
One common issue is the sensitivity of the BMW 320i, which has numerous sensors. If one sensor fails, it can grind the car to a halt.
Another issue is the vehicle's computer system, located right under the wipers compartment. This system is rarely spared when exposed to a lot of rainwater, often due to manufacturer defect. Replacing the computer box can cost at least Sh45,000.
The BMW 3 Series, including the 320i, also has issues with excessive car vibrations. This problem is often caused by a worn flex disc or a worn support bearing on the drive shaft. In most cases, the two faults occur at the same time. If the flex disc is not replaced with a new one, it can damage the pinion flange on the differential.
Oil on the engine block is another common problem, particularly in the 3 Series. This issue is caused by the soft engine gasket and the oil filter housing gasket, which is one of the more common failures. In extreme cases, the leak can be large enough to affect the belt, causing it to slip off before jamming in the main seal behind the crank pulley.
Finally, the BMW 3 Series, including the 320i, has issues with coolant leaks. This problem is often caused by light switch circuits, which are prone to fail on any 3 Series built in the latter half of 1999. Replacement circuits are available, and installation is a fiddly but doable DIY task.
In summary, the BMW 320i is a high-performance luxury sedan with some common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues include sensitivity to sensor failure, expensive computer system replacement, excessive car vibrations, oil on the engine block, and coolant leaks. Regular maintenance and careful driving can help prevent these issues and ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
Is the BMW 3 Series 320i reliable?
Reliability Survey, the BMW 3 Series ranked 18th out of 24 cars in our most reliable executive car class with a score of 87.5%. This was above the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Skoda Superb, but below the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and the Mercedes C-Class.
What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?
Most BMW 320i owners interviewed by The Standard said the vehicle's downside was “too much sensitivity”. “It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor.
How long does a BMW 320i engine last?
You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.
What are the known faults of the BMW 3 Series?
20 Most Common Problems BMW 3 Series
- 20 Common BMW 3 Series Issues. ...
- Oil Leaks. ...
- Transmission Problems. ...
- Suspension Noises. ...
- Electrical Gremlins. ...
- Door Actuator Failures. ...
- Ignition Coil Issues. ...
- Turbocharger Problems.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 320 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 320 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 320 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 320 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 320 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 320 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 320 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 320 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 320 model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 320 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 320 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 39 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 320 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 320 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2012-08-21
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: 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
Bmw 320 1981
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2002-06-27
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING 65-70 MPH TIRE BLOWOUT AND RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO RIGHT FRONT FENDER. CONSUMER STATES WHEN THE TIRE BLOWOUT THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT, NO TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *YD
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-21
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-22
- VIN: WBABN53481J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-19
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-22
- VIN: WBAAV53431J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLING FAN FAILURE CAUSED RAPID OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LOSS, DISABLING VEHICLE. *AK
Bmw 320 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-18
- VIN: WBABG1334WE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIS IS 2ND FAILED TRANSMISSION IN 58577 MILES. ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILED AT APPROX 21000 AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BY BMW. CREVIER BMW WAS INFORMED OF PROBLEMS WITH 2ND TRANSMISSION MAY 2000 AND STATED THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THOUGH MADE NOTE OF ISSUE. ON JUNE 17, 2001 TRANSMISSION FAILED AND CAR TOWED TO SAVAGE BMW, ONTARIO CA, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED FAILED TRANSMISSION. STATED CAR NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THOUGH WOULD CONTACT BMW CORPORATE. I FIND IT INCONCEIVABLE THAT A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WILL FAIL APPROXIMATELY EVERY 30,000 MILES. SERVICE DEALER AT SAVAGE BMW STATED THIS IS ONLY THE 3RD MANUAL TRANSMISSION HE'S HAD TO REPLACE SINCE 1968. BMW HAS A SERIOUS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *AK
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-17
- VIN: WBABS53411E
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-09
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-13
- VIN: WBAAV53451J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-07
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-12
- VIN: WBABN53481J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE OVERHEATS: 9 DAYS AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF MY BRAND NEW CAR, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGINS REGISTERING ABNORMALLY HIGH UNDER NORMAL CITY DRIVING CONDITIONS. I IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE A/C, TURN ON THE HEAT TO THE MAXIMUM SETTING, AND ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS. THIS SEEMS TO HAVE NO IMPACT ON THE TEMPERATURE, AND THE RED TEMP INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. I PROMPTLY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND, WHILE DOING SO, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS. BMWSF SERVICES MY VEHICLE BY INSTALLING AN UPGRADED AUX FAN UNIT ON 5/15/01. PROBLEM 1: BMWNAS LACK OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN DETECTING A DEFECTIVE PART IN MY VEHICLE AND WILLFUL NEGLECT TO INFORM SERVICE/SALES PERSONNEL ABOUT THE KNOWN PROBLEM. EXPLANATION 1: I AM APPALLED THAT BMWNA WOULD JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF ITS CUSTOMERS BY NEGLECTING TO OFFER PRELIMINARY INFORMATION TO DEALERSHIPS ABOUT A KNOWN PROBLEM. BMWNA HAS DEMONSTRATED A CONSISTENT PATTERN OF IGNORING, OBFUSCATING, OR DENYING PROBLEMS WITH THE AUXILIARY FAN WHEN MOST BMW MESSAGE BOARD SITES ARE LITTERED WITH THESE COMPLAINTS. BMWNAS RECKLESS NEGLIGENCE IN OFFERING SUCH INFORMATION CAUSED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ALLOW POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS VEHICLES BACK ON THE ROAD. PROBLEM 2: BMWSF INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT PART ON MY CAR THAT THEY KNEW WAS DEFECTIVE. EXPLANATION 2: IN RESPONSE TO MY LETTER TO BMWNA REGARDING THIS MATTER, A BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS REP NOTIFIES ME THAT I AM TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO HAVE A NEWLY DESIGNED AND UPGRADED AUX FAN UNIT INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE. THE REP IS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHY THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE IN THE INITIAL ATTEMPT TO SOLVE THE OVERHEATING PROBLEM. ON 6/9/01, I CONFIRM WITH A BMWSF SERVICE ADVISOR THAT 1) THE NEW (2ND) REPLACEMENT PART IS MANUFACTURED BY BOSCH AND THAT IT IS THE UPGRADED PART WHICH REPLACES THE DEFECTIVE SIEMENS FAN AND 2) THAT THE INITIAL (1ST) REPLACEMENT PART INSTALLED IN MY CAR ON 5/15/01 IS THE SAME PART NUMBER OF THE SIEMENS FAN UNIT THAT INITIALLY FAILED.
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-12
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAAV53451F
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-11
- VIN: WBABN53481J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-10
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-10
- VIN: WBABN53451J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
Bmw 320 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-02
- VIN: WBAA2316LAE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND SHE WENT TO PARK VEHICLE, AND FEW MINUTES LATER MIDDLE OF REAR WINDOW JUST CAVED IN. GLASS JUST FELL OUT. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Bmw 320 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-12-02
- VIN: WBABN53481J
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: IMAGE DISTORTION THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. *AK
Bmw 320 1999
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-28
- Date Complaint: 1999-12-18
- VIN: WBSBG9330XE
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: MY SON AND I WERE TRAVELING SOUTH ON THE 405 FREEWAY IN THE CARPOOL LANE IN MODERATE/HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN WITHOUT WARNING THE RIGHT FRONT PLASTIC GRILL FLEW UP OVER THE HOOD AND STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING. IT WASN'T UNTIL I RETURNED HOME THAT I DISCOVERED THE GRILL PIECE MISSING AND REALIZED WHAT HAD ACTUALLY HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM REPLACE BOTH THE GRILL AND THE WINDSHIELD(THE IMPACT HAD SCRATCHED THE WINDSHIELD). WHEN I DETAILED THE INCIDENT I WAS INFORMED THAT BMW WOULD NOT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. I EXPRESSED MY OPINION ABOUT HOW DANGEROUS THIS COULD BE AND WAS STILL MET WITH RESISTANCE. THE SERVICE MANAGER DEMONSTRATED TO ME THAT WITH A SMALL BUMP OF THE PALM THAT THE GRILL WOULD POP OUT VERY EASILY. IT WAS AT THIS POINT I LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND DECIDED TO CONTACT NHTSA. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL. THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED AS OF THIS TIME. MY GREATEST CONCERN IS THAT THE GRILL COULD IMPACT THE WINDSHIELD, CRACK OR SHATTER THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSE A MAJOR DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER(THAT BEING ME) AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND CAUSE A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. I AM ALSO SUPRISED THAT BMW WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND BE RELUCTANT TO FIX IT AND ANY RELATED DAMAGE AT THEIR EXPENSE. I WOULD BE VERY INTERESTED TO KNOW IF THIS IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT OR A MORE COMMON PROBLEM THAT BMW IS UNWILLING TO ADDRESS. THANK YOU.
Bmw 320 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-08-04
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Recalls Bmw 320
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Bmw 320.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 320 2001
- Report Received Date: 2017-01-20
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
- Model: Bmw 320 1979
- Report Received Date: 1979-01-12
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: TO PREVENT VAPOR LOCK, AN AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP IS INCORPORATED IN THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. THE WIRING CONNECTIONS AT THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP MAY NOT MAKE PROPER CONTACT, RENDERING THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP INOPERATIVE. DRIVING UNDER CONDITIONS OF EXTREMELY HIGH ALTITUDE, HIGH TEMPERATURES, OR FUEL CONTAMINATION, WITH THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP INOPERATIVE COULD ALLOW VAPOR BUBBLES TO FORM. THIS MAY LEAD TO ROUGH ENGINE RUNNING AND POSSIBLE ENGINE STALLING.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL HAVE THE WIRING CONNECTIONS TO THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP SOLDERED AT NO COST TO OWNER.
- Model: Bmw 320 1978
- Report Received Date: 1978-03-13
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DUE TO A MATERIAL STUCTURAL DEFECT, THE RUBBER SEAL BETWEEN THE METAL VALVE STEM AND RIM ALLOWS SLOW SEEPAGE OF AIR AROUND THE VALVE BASE.
- Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE DEFECTIVE METAL TIRE VALVE STEMS AND RUBBER SEALS WITH NEW ONES, AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 320?
