BMW 320 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the BMW 320, across 8 model years (1995–2002). The 2001 model year has the most complaints (10). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
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BMW 320 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 320 year: 2001. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common BMW 320 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All BMW 320 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 320 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2001 320 | 10 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2000 320 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 1999 320 | 2 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 1998 320 | 6 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1997 320 | 1 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 1996 320 | 1 | 0 | — | Seats | |
| 1995 320 | 2 | 0 | — | Steering |
More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 320 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2001 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 320 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the BMW 320?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 7 complaints across 1 model year.
How many recalls does the BMW 320 have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.