Bmw 320i problems

General information about Bmw 320i
Bmw 320i years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.

The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback ("Gran Turismo") and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series, styles no longer included in the 3 Series.

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales, and has won numerous awards throughout its history.

The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986.

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Common Bmw 320i problems

The BMW 320i, a popular entry-level prestige machine, is known for its good looks, build quality, and engineering. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. This article will discuss some of the most frequently reported issues with the BMW 320i, based on complaints from owners.

Transmission Issues: One of the most common problems with the BMW 320i is transmission failure. This can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or delays when shifting. Transmission issues can be caused by worn-out or damaged connectors, which can result in problems starting or charging the vehicle.

Electrical Problems: The BMW 320i has been known to have electrical issues, including problems with the central locking system and dashboard lights. These issues can be caused by defective wiring, switches, controls, or sensors. Regular maintenance and using only top-quality parts and accessories can help prevent these issues.

Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common problem with the BMW 320i. These leaks can be caused by a defective seal or gasket, a damaged or cracked engine block, a damaged oil pan, filter housing, worn piston rings, or a blocked oil passageway. If left unchecked, oil leaks can lead to decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine damage.

Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner is responsible for maintaining the correct tension on the timing chain in the BMW 320i engine. Over time, the tensioner can wear out or become damaged, leading to failure. This can cause the timing chain to shift or break, resulting in severe engine damage and costly repairs.

Battery Problems: The BMW 320i has been known to have battery issues, particularly with the positive battery cable connector and the matching fuse box terminal. These issues can cause the car to lose electrical power, resulting in a stall or an inoperable vehicle. Battery problems can also occur when an external device is plugged into the car, sapping its energy.

Air Conditioning Problems: The BMW 320i's air conditioning system can experience problems, such as leaks in the A/C system or a malfunctioning A/C fan. These issues can be caused by a leak in the cooling fluid or a problem with the A/C fan.

Petrol Engine Problems: The BMW 320i's petrol engine can experience problems, particularly with the fuel pumps. These issues can cause the engine to stall, have a rough idle, run rough, and take a long time to crank. The variable valve timing arrangement can also be a source of frustration, as the timing system's sensors can become clogged and unclean, forcing the vehicle to enter "limp mode".

Suspension Problems: The BMW 320i's suspension system can experience problems, particularly with the shock mount, which is a weak spot on the vehicle. These issues can cause the car to feel every imperfection on the road, making for a bumpy driving experience.

In conclusion, while the BMW 320i is a popular and well-regarded vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Regular maintenance, using top-quality parts and accessories, and addressing issues promptly can help 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 320i years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 320i cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 320i model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 320i model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 320i years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 320i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 320i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Engine problems
Unknown or other problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems
Electrical system problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 320i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 320i model years

A total of 5 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 320i model years

There were a total of 2 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 320i model years

There were a total of 7 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 97 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 320i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 320i vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
Date Complaint: 2024-10-09
VIN: WBA3C3G50FN
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 320I. The contact stated that after his wife had refueled the vehicle, he noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel on the driver's side rear. There was a puddle of fuel on the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic who stated that the failure was due to the pressurized fuel system. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

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Bmw 320i 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
VIN: WBA3C3G55EN
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: The contact owns a 2014 BMW 320I. The contact stated that after pulling into a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH and shifting the vehicle into park(P), the message that the engine was overheating was displayed on the instrument panel. After waiting a while for the engine to cool down the contact restarted the vehicle and exited the parking lot. The contact stated that the vehicle began hesitating and sputtering as if the vehicle was going to stall. The contact pulled into another nearby parking lot to park and turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been officially diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

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Bmw 320i 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-10
Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
VIN: WBA3C3G58EN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: The electrical water pump that was just recalled on over 720,000 bmws is the same water pump on the 320is. My vehicle as of now has had issues with the pump completely going out causing high temperature issues with the motor while driving.

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Bmw 320i 2014

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-20
Date Complaint: 2024-08-20
VIN: WBA3C3G55EN
Components: ENGINE
Summary: I own a 2014 BMW 320IX and first time today, August 20th the Engine Overheat message came on my dashboard and then started to go idle and appear that it was about to die. Upon letting the car sit for a few hours to cool off, within a quarter of a mile of driving the car again the light came up and started to idle and felt like it was going to die again. Twice today, I was left stranded in parking lot and to call a tow truck to have it towed to an independent auto mechanic that fixes BMW. This evening I noticed a recall for 2012 - 2014 BMW 328 and 328IX. This is also an issue with the 2014 BMW 320IX models too. I need this recall to also include the 320IX model. How can this be updated and approved as soon as possible to include this car model and year? Prior to today, there was no indication of an engine or have I ever seen the over heat message come on today. I need to know if I need to take it to a BMW dealership or can it be fixed through the independent car mechanic? Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-21
Date Complaint: 2024-05-21
VIN: WBA3B1G54FN
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: Fuel tank leaking, matches previous service bulletin for other models build in this year range [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-04-10
Date Complaint: 2024-05-12
VIN: WBA3C3C56FP
Components: ENGINE
Summary: Timing chain guide failure, causing engine to stop working

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-11-10
Date Complaint: 2024-05-10
VIN: WBA3B1G52FN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: The engine would completely shut down while driving you had to completely take foot off gas petal because it would not excellent to make the car run it would almost come to complete slow down and stop you could then push gas and it would pick up and start running again.was worse when raining. Then the brakes got to where they would not stop and would lock up.Iwas on busy road and on interstate when it happened several times I could have been hit in the rear end and it would have caused a major collision. There was no warning lights come on at any point and timethen the brakes started where they would get hot and start smoking and eventually they locked up could not even drive the car . I didn't have the money to try to get it fixed so my 2015 BMW 320i sit for months before I could get it looked at had to replace frount and back rotors,calipers and brakes, ABS system replaced. When they checked it out the man at KADENZA AUTO REPAIR SHOP said that was only the second BMW that they had worked on that had this problems and didn't know why or what caused the problem. They did the repairs but couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't happen again said it could be a manufacturer defects. It was really dangerous when it started doing it because I could have been hit in the back of the car and it would have caused a major car pile up accident. It started doing it several months back because I wasn't able to drive it for several months had to tow it in when I took it to KADENZA AUTO REPAIR .They specialize in foreign and domestic cars.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2022-01-19
Date Complaint: 2024-03-24
VIN: WBA3C3C57FK
Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: I have been getting P0420 code over 2 years now. Loss of power while driving caused multiple times sudden stop and slow speed. I328 has recall but mine is not on the recall list. I tried everything to fix it but the light still comes on. And also my car is having the Navigation display delaminating. It seems like common problem for bmw owners. There are no recalls.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2024-01-13
Date Complaint: 2024-03-21
VIN: WBA3B1G52FN
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 320i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH the passenger side headlight stopped illuminating the road. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that about one month later the driver's side headlight stopped illuminating and the "headlight" symbol illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the headlights illuminated when she used the high beam setting but would not function on the low beam setting. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The contact had replaced both headlamp bulbs and the low beams would not illuminate. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-11-11
Date Complaint: 2024-03-03
VIN: WBA3B1G50FN
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: My car shut off on the highway due to my fuel pump delivery system . My gauge is not reading I have enough gas leading me to believe I had gas in my car until it completely shut off . I was able to safely get my car out of the road due to the fact it was early morning and very minimal cars were on the road . I also now currently as well have an issue with the engine,coolant and oil having a leak . According to bmw I need to completely change my intake manifold there is too much leakage and just changing certain components won’t fix it . The whole things needs to be removed and replaced. Once I crank my car up within 10 seconds you can see the smoke start to build up under the hood . I’m pretty sure if I leave it running it will catch fire it’s thick white smoke and it has melted something silver inside as u can see the silver is now black due to it burning .So I write this due to me doing research as to what could have caused these issue and I see there is a recall for the same vin but my not specific car . I anm having the EXACT same issues with my car as the recall. I have 3 of the issues that the recall is for but my model I guess is not included. also have lighting issues .. my back lights tend to work when they want according to pep boys a board of some sort needs to be replaced because the bulbs will not stay in place . Is there a way to add my model to the recall list as it needs to be fixed my car is not operational at this time due to the risk of a fire under the hood

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-26
Date Complaint: 2023-12-27
VIN: WBA3C3G55FN
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the front driver's side airbags and passenger side airbags deployed unintendedly, causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and drive over the curb. The contact stated that there was no crash to cause the airbags to deploy. During the failure, the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side tires became deflated. The vehicle was later towed away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-09-05
Date Complaint: 2023-09-21
VIN: WBA3B1G57FN
Components: ENGINE
Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 320I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started overheating. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The contact stated that he observed a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,588.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-25
Date Complaint: 2023-07-28
VIN: WBA3C3G53FN
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: On 7/25/2023, I left my car keys inside the trunk. The 2015 BMW 320i xDrive does not have access from the cabin passenger to the trunk to open manually. Even the locksmith cannot open it. This is the bad design and may create safety issue. I called BMW road assistance and they cant help me instead told me to tow my car to dealership.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
Date Complaint: 2023-07-07
VIN: WBA3B1G55FN
Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: The screen in the car faded all of a sudden. I cannot view my backup camera due to this issue.

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Bmw 320i 2015

Date Of Incident: 2023-07-04
Date Complaint: 2023-07-07
VIN: WBA3B1G55FN
Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Summary: On July 4, 2023, my kids and I were in Tifton, GA shopping. My car just cut off in the middle of the road. The only way I could get it to turn back on was by turning the car completely off and then turning the car back on. I was in the middle of the road and almost got run over. My car had gas in it and wasn't acting up prior to this happening. I believe that this problem has to do with the fuel pump which causes an engine failure. Also, my parking sensors are not working properly anymore as well.

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Latest 5 recalls Bmw 320i

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 22 recalls for different components of the Bmw 320i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Bmw 320i 2014
Report Received Date: 2024-07-11
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 320i 2015
Report Received Date: 2024-07-11
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 320i 2014
Report Received Date: 2024-04-24
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD:INFLATOR
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed the end of October 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 320i 2015
Report Received Date: 2024-04-24
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD:INFLATOR
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed the end of October 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 320i 2002
Report Received Date: 2020-01-15
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.