Bmw 323 problems

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The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model codes E90 (saloon), E91 (estate, marketed as 'Touring'), E92 (coupé) and E93 (convertible). The model was introduced in December 2004, and produced by BMW until October 2013 and is often collectively referred to as the E90 or E9x.

The E9x saw the introduction of run-flat tyres to the 3 Series range. Models with run-flat tires are not equipped with a spare tyre. The E92 335i was the first 3 Series model produced with a turbocharged petrol engine. It was also the first 3 Series to include the iDrive operating system, which consists of navigation, infotainment and essential vehicle functions.

The E90/E92/E93 M3 is the only generation of M3 to be powered by a V8 engine. Introduced in 2007, it uses the BMW S65 naturally aspirated V8 engine and was produced in saloon, coupé and convertible body styles.

Following the introduction of the F30/F31 3 Series in February 2012, the E90/E91 saloons and estates were phased out. However due to their later introduction, the E92/E93 coupés and convertibles remained in production through the 2013 model year, after which they were replaced by the F32/F33 4 Series models.

photo of Bmw 323 car production

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Bmw 323 model years

bmw 323 2002 photo
323 2002
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bmw 323 2000 photo
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Common Bmw 323 problems

The BMW 323i is a popular model of the BMW 3 Series, known for its performance and luxury features. However, like any car, the BMW 323i has its share of common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most common issues reported by owners of the BMW 323i sedan is related to the engine. Many owners have reported issues with the engine misfiring or stalling, which can be caused by a faulty fuel injector or ignition coil. These components should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary to prevent further damage to the engine. Another issue reported by owners of the BMW 323i sedan is related to the transmission. Many owners have reported that the transmission can become stuck in a single gear, or may shift erratically. This can be caused by a faulty transmission control module, which should be checked and replaced if necessary.

Owners of the BMW 323i sedan have also reported issues with the suspension system. Many owners have reported a rough ride, which can be caused by worn suspension components. Additionally, owners have reported that the rear suspension may sag over time, which can cause handling issues and may require the replacement of the rear springs. Finally, owners of the BMW 323i sedan have reported issues related to the cooling system. Many owners have reported leaks from the radiator, which can cause the engine to overheat and result in serious damage if not addressed promptly. Additionally, owners have reported issues with the water pump, which can also lead to overheating and engine damage.

The BMW 323i Convertible is another popular configuration of this vehicle, and it has its own set of common issues. One common issue reported by owners of the BMW 323i Convertible is related to the convertible top. Many owners have reported issues with the top not closing properly or becoming stuck in the open or closed position. This issue can be caused by a faulty convertible top motor or hydraulic system, which should be checked and replaced if necessary. Another issue reported by owners of the BMW 323i Convertible is related to the electrical system. Many owners have reported issues with the electrical components, such as the power windows, locks, and mirrors, not functioning properly. This issue can be caused by faulty wiring or a malfunctioning control module, which should be checked and replaced if necessary.

In addition to these common issues, the BMW 323i has several known problems that are specific to certain model years or configurations. For example, the 1999 BMW 323 has the most overall complaints, and it is rated as the worst model year due to issues such as overheating and engine damage. The 6-cylinder cars from the facelift (1995) up to about March 1998 had a Nikasil lined engine block, which caused problems right from the start with the nikasil wearing off and resulting in a lack of compression and a dead engine. Many engines were replaced under warranty, but quite a few weren't, so there are still quite a few around.

To address these issues, owners of the BMW 323i should regularly check for issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, and cooling system. Any faulty components should be replaced promptly to prevent further damage. Additionally, owners may wish to consider upgrading the suspension or cooling system components to aftermarket options for improved performance and reliability.

Bmw 323

How reliable is a 323i?

BMW 323i Ratings Overview

The average rating is a 3.9 out of 5 stars.

How many miles can a 2000 BMW 323i 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.

Is a BMW 323i rare?

Launched as the 325i, it offered improved reliability and performance at no extra fuel cost, and shouldered the 323i into a chrome-bumpered retirement. While it remains a rare beast, some of the most cherished E30s in existence are 323i models, and a well-maintained example can be a real retro joy.

Are 2008 BMW 323i reliable?

Reliability ratings are above average.

Models from 2007 have a few more mechanical issues, but nothing widespread, so models from 2007–2012 are good choices. Performance is above average from the standard 6-cylinder, and the twin-turbo 6-cylinder offers excellent power.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 323 years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 323 cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Bmw 323 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 323 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 323 years

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

Bmw 323 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 323 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 323 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 323 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 323 vehicles.

List of Bmw 323 complaints

Bmw 323 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-10
  • Date Complaint: 2020-02-20
  • VIN: WBAAM3331YK
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 323I. 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 REPAIRS. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Bmw 323 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2019-08-19
  • VIN: WBABR3347YE
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 323CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). BMW OF LOUISVILLE (2200 BLANKENBAKER PKWY, LOUISVILLE, KY 40299, (502) 287-1501) WAS CONTACTED AND DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER ONLY REPAIRED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AGAIN AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE DEALER RAN A CODE AND SIMPLY TURNED THE WARNING INDICATOR OFF, WHICH WAS WHY THE FAILURE RECURRED SOON AFTER IT WAS RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE AND THEN LEFT ON HOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 317,000.

Recalls Bmw 323

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the Bmw 323.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 323 2000
  • Report Received Date: 2019-10-02
  • 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 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that 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. The frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.
  • Model: Bmw 323 2002
  • Report Received Date: 2019-10-02
  • 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 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that 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. The frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.
  • Model: Bmw 323 2000
  • 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 323 2002
  • 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.

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