2000 BMW 323CI: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2000 BMW 323CI: 4 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V852000 · 2019 · 34,396 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the nadi inflators May absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Bmw mailed interim notices informing owners…
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V853000 · 2019 · 74,185 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V018000 · 2020 · 292,948 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #21V401000 · 2021 · 4,511 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (5): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Suspension (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2000 BMW 323CI has 31 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 323CI model years for complaints (7.0× the average 323CI year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 14 years old, at a median of 121,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (0 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2000 BMW 323CI.
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FAQ
Does the 2000 BMW 323CI have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2000 BMW 323CI. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2000 BMW 323CI problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (11), transmission & drivetrain (6), body & structure (5).
What gas mileage does the 2000 BMW 323CI get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2000 BMW 323CI repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.