1999 BMW 323I — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

175

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 8 Fires 5 Deaths

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

1

Service Bulletin

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1999 BMW 323I

The 1999 BMW 323I has received a total of 175 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 1 technical service bulletin have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (32 complaints), Power Trainautomatic Transmission (28 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (8 complaints).

Recalls for the 1999 BMW 323I

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 1999 BMW 323I, potentially affecting up to 207,270 vehicles.

Recall 21V401000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 4,511 vehicles affected

Defect: 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,...

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.

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Recall 19V853000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 74,185 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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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Recall 19V852000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 34,396 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. 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...

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 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...

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Recall 19V851000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

| 7,910 vehicles affected

Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. 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...

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: Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.

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Recall 02V223000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 20,500 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: 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.

Remedy: 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...

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Recall 99V100000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

| 31,067 vehicles affected

Defect: 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: IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

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

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Recall 99V063000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

| 34,701 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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

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Owner Complaints for the 1999 BMW 323I

175 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 BMW 323I. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bags
Complaints: 32 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 28 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 8 4 Crashes 4 Injuries
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 6
Suspension
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 5
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 1 Fire
Tires
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 3 Deaths
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire 3 Injuries 1 Death
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 4
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 4
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 4
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
Complaints: 3 2 Fires
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structure
Complaints: 2 2 Injuries 1 Death
Structurebody
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11355523 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SANDIA BMW LOCATED AT 6001 PAN AMERICAN FWY, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109, WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
#11326052 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO BMW DEALERS, INCLUDING STEVE THOMAS BMW (411 DAILY DRIVE, CAMARILLO, CA 93010), AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
#11326075 | AIR BAGS | | 48,973 miles
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - REMEDY UNAVAILABLE FROM BMW. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD SINCE DECEMBER 19, 2019. THE NOTICE READ THAT "IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE AIRBAG HOUSING MAY EXPLODE AND COULD CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO PASS THROUGH THE AIR BAG CUSHION MATERIAL, STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS WHICH MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH." I SPOKE WITH BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS PROBLEM IS REMEDIED NOR SHOULD I BE EXPECTED TO. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN FIVE MONTHS SINCE I RECEIVED THE ORIGINAL NOTICE AND THERE IS STILL NO DATE GIVEN FOR THE EXPECTED REMEDY. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD PROVIDE ME WITH A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. WHY HASN'T A STOP DRIVING ORDER BEEN ISSUED BY BMW IF THIS PROBLEM COULD RESULT IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER? WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE? *TR
#11320142 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF OCALA (5145 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34474) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER LATER CALLED THE CONTACT AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL WOULD NOT BECOME AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF 2020. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT UNTIL THE PART WAS AVAILABLE THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT*JB
#11317641 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
AIRBAG RECALL, BMW DOESN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM UNTIL SEPT OF 2020. IN THE MEANTIME BMW WANTS MY CAR OFF THE ROAD UNTIL THEY FIX IT, WHICH WOULD BE UNREASONABLE. HAVE NOT OFFERED A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEN.

View all Air Bags complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1999 BMW 323I

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1999 BMW 323I in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1999 BMW 323I

BMW of North America, LLC has issued 1 technical service bulletin (TSBs) for the 1999 BMW 323I. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

360299 — TIRES

SUBJECT REGARDING TIRE PRESSURE PLACARDS. *TT

NHTSA Investigations for the 1999 BMW 323I

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the BMW 323I

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Other BMW Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report