CarRecallWatchThe 1999 BMW 323i has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 7 fires, 12 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (53 reports).
1999 BMW 323i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode or Underinflate
The driver-side airbag inflator in these BMW 3 Series vehicles, made by Takata, may absorb moisture over time.
Driver air bag may rupture or underinflate in a crash
Certain 1999 BMW 323i and 328i vehicles have driver air bag inflators made by Takata at one production facility.
Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator may absorb moisture over time.
Driver airbag may rupture or underinflate in a crash
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator on these vehicles may have been replaced with a unit that absorbs moisture.
Most common 1999 BMW 323i problems
Problem areas named in the 136 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 53 |
| Power Train | 33 |
| Structure | 14 |
| Electrical System | 13 |
| Tires | 10 |
| Suspension | 9 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 8 |
| Visibility | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 5 |
| Seats | 4 |
What owners report
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.
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
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.
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
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.
1999 BMW 323i questions
Does the 1999 BMW 323i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 1999 BMW 323i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode or Underinflate; Driver air bag may rupture or underinflate in a crash; Driver Airbag Inflator May Rupture or Underinflate; Driver airbag may rupture or underinflate in a crash; Air Bags:Side/Window. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 BMW 323i?
Based on 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (53), Power Train (33), Structure (14).
How do I check if a recall on my 1999 BMW 323i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.