1981 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 1981 Bmw 320 problems
Based on the information from the provided sources, here are common problems reported by owners of the BMW 320i from 1981:
- Rust Issues: The BMW E21 3 Series, including the 320i, is known to be prone to rust in various areas such as the sills, rear arches, front wings, front chassis legs, boot floor corners, sunroof panel, jacking points, rear axle mounting points, and the rear panel around the tail lights and boot seal. This issue is common due to the age of the vehicles and can lead to structural integrity problems if not addressed promptly.
- Electrical Problems: Some owners have reported small electrical problems with the BMW 320i, which can range from issues with the wiring harness to faulty components like sensors, switches, or relays. Electrical issues can be challenging to diagnose and repair, requiring expertise to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle's electrical system.
- Fuel System Concerns: Fuel lines in the BMW 320i, especially in injected cars, have been highlighted as a potential fire risk. This problem underscores the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of the fuel system to prevent safety hazards and ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
- Heating and Ventilation: While not a major mechanical issue, some owners have noted concerns with the heating and ventilation systems of the BMW 320i. Problems in this area can affect the comfort of the vehicle's interior and may require troubleshooting to identify and resolve any issues related to heating or cooling functions.
- Transmission Problems: Owners have occasionally reported transmission issues with the BMW 320i, which can manifest as difficulties shifting gears, unusual noises during operation, or transmission fluid leaks. Addressing transmission problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of the vehicle's drivetrain.
By addressing these common problems proactively and seeking professional assistance when needed, BMW 320i owners can maintain the performance, safety, and longevity of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these issues and keep the BMW 320i running smoothly for years to come.
Is BMW 320 Series 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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1981 BMW 320i get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 177 fuel-ups and 36,708 miles of driving, the 1981 BMW 320i gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.76 with a 0.42 MPG margin of error.
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.
Is BMW 320 Series 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?
“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 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 is the biggest issue with BMW?
Cooling System Failures: BMWs are notorious for cooling system issues, including water pump failure, leaking coolant hoses, and radiator problems. The cooling system is crucial for maintaining the engine's temperature, preventing overheating and significant engine damage.
1981 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:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1981 Bmw 320 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1981 Bmw 320 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1981 Bmw 320.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-19
- 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
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1981 Bmw 320 problems:
STARTING PROBLEMS 1981 320i
Apr 11, 2011 ... STARTING PROBLEMS 1981 320i. Thread ... There are a few common failure points that ... Bimmerforums.com is not affiliated with BMW NA or BMW AG.
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STARTING PROBLEMS 1981 320i
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Other years of Bmw 320
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