2000 BMW 3 Series problems
Owners have filed 111 complaints about the 2000 BMW 3 Series with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 32.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of structure at 27%.
Complaints111
Crashes4
Fires3
Injuries4
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 32.4% · 36
Structure 27.0% · 30
Air bags 9.9% · 11
Engine and engine cooling 7.2% · 8
Suspension 3.6% · 4
Electrical system 3.6% · 4
Visibility 3.6% · 4
Unknown or other 1.8% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 4 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 3 model years of the BMW 3 Series in this data, 2000 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2006 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 10 in the last three years against 11 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 99,250 miles.
In owners' own words
Reverse gear (automatic transmission) stopped working without warning. Car acts as if it is neutral, engine just revs. Car has been well maintained. Was surprised to find it is a very common occurrence with this model, and that there is a website devoted to the problem (noreverse.Org). Also learned that a recall was issued for cadillacs that used the same transmission and had the same problem. Power train · reported at 132,000 miles
Great car until parked at grocery store and car would not back up when put in reverse. Only 75000 miles. BMW dealer wanted $6000 to replace with factory rebuilt transmission. Contacted BMW customer service and they refused to participate in repair. Offered to contact dealer and ask for 10% reduction. Never heard back. Last BMW for me. Very frequent failure per the internet and this site. Power train · reported at 78,000 miles
2000 BMW 323ci will not move when in reverse gear; the car behaves as if it is neutral. This happened suddenly, with no warning. The car had no issues leading up to this, no warning lights, etc. The car has been immaculately maintained and serviced. There are literally hundreds of complaints on the web, including at your forum, about this identical problem. Power train · reported at 106,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…