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BMW 323i Repair and Maintenance

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BMW 323i Questions and Answers

NoriMac, 2000 BMW 323i, Barstow, CA

I was driving my car the other day and out of no where the rpm's started moving up and down all by its self. Even when I pressed the gas pedal it would meander around two. Then all of a sudden it w...

Misty, 1999 BMW 323i, Folsom, CA

It seems that the leak from my car's resevoir is not the brake fluid, sorry about that. It appears that it is transmission fluid. The mechanic says he has to have some kind of special tool to get t...

Shane72, 2000 BMW 323i, Bloomfield, NJ

I have BMW 2000 323i. It is showing Engine Light on dash board. All of sudden, When I start car, car does not go into reverse. After putting into drive, Sometime It makes vey squeaky noise. Anyone ...

picklEd, 1998 BMW 323i, Nye, MT

I have a BMW 323 and during the recent snow, the read windscreen wiper stopped working. The blade doesn't move, nor does water spray when I depress the stalk. However, I can hear the washer whirr...

picklEd, 1998 BMW 323i, Nye, MT

The radio/cd player in my BMW 323i only works intermittently. Sometimes it stays on and even switching the car off doesn't turn it off. I have to then remove the fuse in order to switch the radio...

hdriver, 1999 BMW 323i, San Diego, CA

why isn't the reciever drier included?

fr5401, 2000 BMW 323i, Arlington, TX

My engine light comes on & goes off intermittenly. It usually stays on 2 to 7 days, then goes off. This scenario started approx 3 years after purchase & local dealer advised me not to worry...

gilsbmw, 2000 BMW 323i, Fort Lauderdale, FL

My cooling fan runs all the time draining the battery, I have to unplug it whenever i stop.

hamrt, 2000 BMW 323i, Apple Valley, CA

Driveline is noisy and clunky at times. Can a worn flex disc cause driveline noise/vibration? Can the center carrier bearing be replaced without replacing the entire driveshaft? 133,000 miles.

mazda626, 2000 BMW 323i, Bear, DE

My 00 bmw started to over flow with a coffe w/cream color substance after I took it to the detail shop. They turned on the heat and didn't get warm at all necthing the car started to over heat and ...

mlfs323, 2000 BMW 323i, Clermont, FL

My radiator fan runs constantly even when the car is off. I checked the coolant and it was good, so I pulled the fuse. where is the fan relay so I can troubleshoot the electrical system?

323i BMW, 2000 BMW 323i, San Diego, CA

During the hot summer days, my car door locks "lock-up" and cannot be unlocked. Using the key, I can unlock the driver's door only, but the other locks will not unlock. After the the ai...

tylerv, 2000 BMW 323i, Everett, WA

i recently bought a 200 bmw 323i and my front drivers side window doesnt work, it doesnt move at all and is stuck in the up position, is there any way to know if its the motor or regulator?

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

check engine light would not come on during smog test. is there a lightbulb for that?

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

is there one single bulb for the check engine light and what does a dealership usually charge for just the bulb &what is the diagnostic code

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

when i told bmw dealer did not pass smog because of check engine light,I was told light bulb was burned out they found it by doing a diagnostic &said it was only $5.00&I was being charged $...

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

battery was not staying charged,on the top of the battery there was three colors the color it was reading was black which said insufficent charge when i would charge it putting the cables on the gr...

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

what is usually the life span on a battery from bmw.{makeof battery is BMW}

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

what is a micro filter

paco123, 1998 BMW 323i, Bakersfield, CA

i replaced my battery in april 2007&was just told i need another new battery, that battery only lasted 2years,it was a bmw battery it would charge but the top of the battery said insufficent ch...

BMW 323i Car Reviews (1)

2000 BMW 323i, hamrt, Apple Valley, CA, September 08, 2009 09:09

Engine performs well while maintaining excellent fuel effeciency. 28-30MPG on the highway! Good acceleration. Five-speed automatic transmission is responsive to the demands of the engine, but the gap between 3rd and 4th gear is a bit too wide. RPM's drop from 5000 to about 3000 and cause a slight drop in the rate of acceleration. Not a big concern. Excellent braking and handling and this from a car that is not even equipped with either Sport Package or Premium Package. Steering has just enough assist and maintains a feel for the road. Quiet, solid, smooth ride.

Most of the the common problems listed on this site have occurred with my car, e.i. expansion tank, head cover gasket, water pump, power steering hoses, blower final stage resistor and control arm bushings. Parts were not too expensive, but I did the repairs myself. Labor would have made these repairs expensive. Driveline is noisy and occasional vibration. This may be caused by the flex disk, in my opinion, but has not been checked.

Interior design is the best BMW has ever done. Dash flows and everything just seems to be where it belongs. Beautiful wood trim in all the right places. Seats are comfotable and supportive for long drives but maybe a bit too firm for some. Back seat typical for a small car; not too comfortable for adults, but not too bad.

Sunroof would not close but this was caused by the sunroof track becoming dry. It had to be cleaned and lubricated to restore proper operation. All four window regulators have been replaced. Again, I did the repairs myself with genuine BMW parts, but labor would have made these repairs expensive.

Overall, a great car. Performance, effeciency, looks, quality, style... It's got it all!

BMW 323i Problems

Engine
Suspension & Steering Power steering hoses are known to fail occasionally, and it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be leaking at the same time.
Heating & Air Conditioning The blower final stage fan resistor is known to fail. Symptoms are the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all.

BMW 323i Recalls and TSBs

BMW 323i Recalls (Recent)

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign Number: 02V223000
Dates Manufactured: 04/1999 to 08/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 20,500
Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000
Date Owner Notified: 10/2002

Defect Summary: ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Recall Notes: ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Body, Interior & Misc.: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Campaign Number: 99V063000
Dates Manufactured: 06/1998 to 03/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 34,701
Model Years Affected: 1999
Date Owner Notified: 04/1999

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.

Consequence Summary: THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 30, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Brakes: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Campaign Number: 99V100000
Dates Manufactured: 06/1998 to 03/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 31,067
Model Years Affected: 1999
Date Owner Notified: 05/1999

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 14, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign Number: 06E026000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 61,944
Model Years Affected: 1998
Date Owner Notified: 04/2006

Defect Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence Summary: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Corrective Summary: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign Number: 06E044000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 1,215
Model Years Affected: 1998
Date Owner Notified: 07/2006

Defect Summary: CERTAIN J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES COMBINATION HEADLAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence Summary: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Corrective Summary: J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AT 310-327-4981.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO J & A AUTO ACCESSORIES AFTERMARKET HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED ¿LAMP MODEL NUMBERS.¿CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign Number: 06E064000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 4,029
Model Years Affected: 1998

Defect Summary: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence Summary: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO TRADESONIC AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED ¿LAMP MODEL NUMBERS.¿CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Campaign Number: 00V048000
Dates Manufactured: 09/1999 to 10/1999
Number of Vehicles Affected: 17,700
Model Years Affected: 2000
Date Owner Notified: 05/2000

Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Consequence Summary: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Recall Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 15, 2000.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Electrical & Lights: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Campaign Number: 06E023000
Number of Vehicles Affected: 292,000
Model Years Affected: 1998
Date Owner Notified: 05/2006

Defect Summary: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.¿

Consequence Summary: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Corrective Summary: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Recall Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY ANZO AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BMW 323i Technical Service Bulletins (Recent)

None reported.

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Most Common BMW Repair Estimates

Door Window Regulator Replacement
$239 - $312