2001 Bmw 323i problems

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The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a five-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade as compared to the previous generations of the 3 Series. All-wheel drive was not available for the E36, unlike the previous (E30) and successive (E46) generations.

The E36 was named in Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.

Following the introduction of its successor, the E46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.

2001 Bmw 323i

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Common 2001 Bmw 323i problems

The BMW 323i 2001 is known for various issues that have been reported by its owners. The following are the most common problems with this car:

  • Rear Subframe Mounts: Cracked or torn subframe mounts can make the car shift while on the move, making it completely unpredictable and unsafe. This is definitely something you want to be looking at when buying an E46 or an E46 M3. Repairs are not easy and cheap.
  • PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) Failure and Clogging: A clogged crankcase vent valve is recognized by leaky, oil weeping seals of the timing cover, oil pan, and the PCV valve cover. This is a result of unreleased pressure and it can lead to serious engine issues. Make sure to check for all and any oil leaks on the 6 cylinder inline petrol engines.
  • Vanos Issues: The double Vanos engines (320i, 325i, 330i) are known for their Vanos issues.
  • Rear Light Failures: E46s BMWs also suffer from common rear light failures which is a thing you will commonly see illuminating the dashboard. The cause for this is either a burned-out rear light bulb or a faulty taillight housing assembly.
  • Faulty Blower Resistor: If you notice uneven heater fan speeds, regardless of the setting, the common problem is a faulty blower resistor. It is also common that the fan will not turn off when you turn off the ignition or on the other hand, the fan will not start at all.

These are the most common problems with the BMW 323i 2001 based on complaints from owners of this car.

2001 Bmw 323i engine

Is the 323i reliable?

I agree....they are all very reliable if you put in a subframe support kit, replace every electronic sensor in the car, replace the DME, replace every belt pulley on the engine and keep a spare transmission handy. Otherwise, they are bulletproof. "Racing is life.

What problems did the 2001 BMW E46 have?

Common Issues on E46 BMWs

  • Oil Filter Housing. ...
  • VANOS Issues. ...
  • Throttle Body Actuator. ...
  • S54 Engine Bearings. ...
  • Combi Valve Problems. ...
  • Cooling System Leaks. ...
  • Cold Weather Crank Vent Kit. ...
  • Window Regulators.

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.

Is the 323i reliable?

I agree....they are all very reliable if you put in a subframe support kit, replace every electronic sensor in the car, replace the DME, replace every belt pulley on the engine and keep a spare transmission handy. Otherwise, they are bulletproof. "Racing is life.

What problems did the 2001 BMW E46 have?

Common Issues on E46 BMWs

  • Oil Filter Housing. ...
  • VANOS Issues. ...
  • Throttle Body Actuator. ...
  • S54 Engine Bearings. ...
  • Combi Valve Problems. ...
  • Cooling System Leaks. ...
  • Cold Weather Crank Vent Kit. ...
  • Window Regulators.

What is the fuel consumption of BMW 323i?

The BMW 323i currently offers fuel consumption from 8.4 to 9.2L/100km.

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.

2001 Bmw 323i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 323i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw 323i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw 323i complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 323i.

2009-04-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2009-04-12
  • VIN: WBAAM3342YC
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: FOR NO REASON THE REVERSE WENT OUT ON MY 2001 BMW 323I. I TOOK IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH THAT IS OCCURRING IN THOUSANDS OF BMW'S FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN THE STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION THAT BMW PUT IN THE CARS IN DEFECTIVE. WHY WON'T BMW RECALL THIS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND I CANNOT AFFORD THE $3700 THE REPAIR SHOP WANTS TO FIX A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. *TR
2008-07-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2008-04-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WBAAM3330YF
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 2001 BMW 323I DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN PLACED INTO REVERSE GEAR. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF WARNING OR NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT, SINCE IT WILL COST ME 40% OF THE CARS CURRENT VALUE TO REPAIR THE CAR. *TR
2001-06-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-27
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBAB933461J
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 60 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD OF VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS.*AK

2001 Bmw 323i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2001 Bmw 323i.

2021-05-27
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
2019-11-26
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw 323i problems:

I'm buying a 2003 BMW 323i, what are the common issues I can ...
I'm buying a 2003 BMW 323i, what are the common issues I can ...
https://www.quora.com/Im-buying-a-2003-BMW-323i-what-are-the-common-issues-I-can-expect-Only-83k-miles-and-well-cared-for-with-receipts

Mar 29, 2019 ... Outside of normal maintenance things, the only issue I've seen is that plastic parts, screws fasteners, etc have become brittle over time and ...

Pros and Cons of 2000 BMW 323i
Pros and Cons of 2000 BMW 323i
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1347020-Pros-and-Cons-of-2000-BMW-323i

Nov 17, 2009 ... Tail lamp wiring faults. · The cooling system · VANOS unit wear and failure. · Many E46 models have erratic HVAC fan speed condition · Front control ...

2000 323ci reliability | E46 Fanatics Forum
2000 323ci reliability | E46 Fanatics Forum
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/2000-323ci-reliability.193779/

Sep 7, 2004 ... Common problems to look for and expect on 2000 323i/323Ci: -Window regulators. Poorly designed part (steel cable running through plastic pulley) ...

2000 BMW 323i issues I should look for
2000 BMW 323i issues I should look for
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1925049-2000-BMW-323i-issues-I-should-look-for

Nov 30, 2012 ... Hey guys, I have been looking to purchase a 2000 BMW 323i for a while and want to know common issues that I should be looking for and or how ...

BMW 323i (2000) Q&A: Common Problems, Battery Issues & More
BMW 323i (2000) Q&A: Common Problems, Battery Issues & More
https://www.justanswer.com/bmw/icuvz-alright-so-odd-2000-bmw-323i-every.html

Dec 20, 2021 ... Alright so this very odd, I have a 2000 bmw 323i and every now and then it'll start just fine no issues but when I turn - Answered by a ...

Other years of Bmw 323i

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323i 2007
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323i 2008
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323i 2010
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323i 1985
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323i 1998
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2001 Bmw 323i photo