1978 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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Common 1978 Bmw 320 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems reported by owners of the 1978 BMW 320i:
- Rust Issues: The BMW 320i, like many older cars, is prone to rust problems. Owners have noted surface rust on bolts, nuts, and other areas. This issue is common in older vehicles and can affect the structural integrity and aesthetics of the car over time.
- Fuel System Maintenance: The K-Jetronic fuel injection system in the BMW 320i is relatively simple but requires regular maintenance. Many owners have highlighted the importance of proper upkeep to prevent issues with the fuel system. Lack of maintenance can lead to fuel system problems, affecting the car's performance.
- Air Conditioning System: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system in the BMW 320i. Specifically, the system may not blow cold air, requiring a recharge with R12 refrigerant. This problem can impact the comfort of driving, especially in warmer climates.
- Cosmetic Imperfections: The BMW 320i may exhibit cosmetic imperfections, as noted by owners. These imperfections can include minor dents, scratches, or other aesthetic issues. While they may not affect the car's performance, they can impact its overall appearance.
- Availability of Replacement Parts: One significant concern raised by owners is the availability of replacement parts, particularly for components like the fuel distributor. Finding specific parts for older models like the 1978 BMW 320i can be challenging, affecting maintenance and repairs.
- Seal Deterioration: With age, seals in the BMW 320i can deteriorate, leading to leaks in various components such as the transmission. Addressing seal issues may require extensive repairs, including removing the transmission for maintenance.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have experienced small electrical problems with the BMW 320i. These issues can range from minor electrical malfunctions to more complex wiring issues, impacting the car's overall reliability and functionality.
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance, owners can enhance the longevity and performance of their 1978 BMW 320i.
How reliable is BMW 320?
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%.
How much horsepower does a 1978 BMW 320i have?
110hp
BMW 320i Sedan Manual, 110hp, 1978.
What is the common problem with BMW 3 Series?
One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.
What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?
“It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor. The owners said, unlike most Japanese cars that can run on “check-engine” lights for a considerable distance, or even days, the BMW 320i series would only give you little room to manoeuvre before breaking down completely.
How reliable is BMW 320?
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%.
How much horsepower does a 1978 BMW 320i have?
110hp
BMW 320i Sedan Manual, 110hp, 1978.
What are the disadvantages of the BMW 320i?
“It has a lot of sensors, and when one fails, it could grind the car to a halt,” said Oduor. The owners said, unlike most Japanese cars that can run on “check-engine” lights for a considerable distance, or even days, the BMW 320i series would only give you little room to manoeuvre before breaking down completely.
What engine is in the 320?
The suppliers providing turbofan engines for the A320ceo family were CFM International with the CFM56, International Aero Engines offering its V2500, and Pratt & Whitney's PW6000 engines available only for the A318, while for the A320neo family are CFM International LEAP-1A or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines.
1978 Bmw 320 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 320 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1978 Bmw 320 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1978 Bmw 320 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1978 Bmw 320.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE RUPTURED WHILE I WAS DRIVING., CAUSING COOLANT TO B E EXPELLED. RESULTED IN SEVERE SCALDING TO MY RIGHT FOOT AND LEG , ALONG WITH DAMAGE TO THIS AUTO. ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 98V178000, "A MALFUNCTION OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT...CAN RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANTLY INCRESED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE...IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT...OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER, 1998..." THE HEATER CORE RUPTURE WHICH SCALDED ME OCCURRED IN JULY, 1998, WHICH WAS MONTHS BEFORE NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER WAS TO BEGIN. THUS, I WAS NOT FOREWARNED AND TO THIS DATE I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO NEGOTIATE RELIEF FROM BMW. PLEASE HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS CONCERNING THIS, THE INVALID VIN ON THE CAR (ONLY 7 DIGITS), EXPLANATION OF THE BREAKDOWN OF THE PRICE SUBMITTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT, THE HEATER CORE MANUFACTURER'S LIABILITY, ETC. PLEASE GIVE A REPRESENTATIVE'S NAME AND ADDRESS THAT I MAY ALSO SEND A LETTER TO FURTHER CLARIFY THIS HORRIFIC SITUATION. YOUR TIMELY RESPONSE IS REQUESTED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU, MR. BEN WATSON. *AK
1978 Bmw 320 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1978 Bmw 320.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1978 Bmw 320 problems:
Advice on buying a 1978 320i
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