2001 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 36 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 1 involved a crash.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 27, 2021
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 21V401000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel system
4 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 19, 2014
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, THE PASSENGER-SIDE FUEL TANK RETAINING STRAP BRACKET BROKE FROM THE FLOOR PAN OF THE CAR. IT WAS NOT ENTIRELY CLEAR TO ME IF IT WAS STRUCK BY SOMETHING ON THE ROAD OR IF THE WELDS JUST FAILED, HOWEVER I DO KNOW THAT I DIDN'T HIT A POTHOLE OR OTHER ROAD IRREGULARITY. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM ON ~2001 BMW 3-SERIES COUPES AND IT APPEARS THAT IT IS FAILING WELDS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 22, 2012
DROVE THROUGH A PARKING LOT EARLIER TODAY WHEN I HEARD SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED LIKE SCRAPING METAL COMING FROM THE REAR OF MY CAR. PULLED OVER AND FOUND THE PASSENGER SIDE GAS TANK STRAP HANGING DOWN TOUCHING THE GROUND. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 22, 2011
FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT BEHIND DRIVER'S SEAT LEAKING FUEL IN A STREAM ONLY WHEN TANK IS FULL. WHEN VIEWED FROM THE TOP, THERE IS AN ENCLOSED PLASTIC COLUMN, APPROXIMATELY 3/4 OF AN INCH IN DIAMETER THAT IS LEAKING AT A "SEAM" THROUGH PINHOLES. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF YET IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/13/11*LJ UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 01/04/2012 *LN *TR