2001 BMW 3 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 134 of 530 complaints (25%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 692 in 2000 to 530 in 2001.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | vs. 2001 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–3,100 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,500–4,300 | 3,500–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–24 | 18–21 | 18–21 | 18–22 | 19–22 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–20 / 25–30 | 16–18 / 22–26 | 16–18 / 23–27 | 16–18 / 23–27 | 16–18 / 23–27 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–444 | 423–494 | 423–494 | 404–494 | 404–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 247 | 692 | 530 | 427 | 475 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 22 | 22 | 21 | 17 | 15 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 10 | 9 | 32 | 31 | 20 | |
| Injuries reported | 18 | 30 | 43 | 22 | 25 | |
| Deaths reported | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 10 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 3 Series have?
10 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2001 BMW 3 Series?
Airbags & Restraints: 134 of 530 NHTSA complaints (25%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA rates it 18–21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2001 BMW 3 Series?
EPA estimates $3,700–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (20)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 15 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg (high) | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 23 mpg (low) | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 18 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 18 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 19 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 23 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
Show 4 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 12 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S5) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 20 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 2.5L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 87 | 2 | 15 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 63 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 40 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 60 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 26 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 53 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 134 | 13 | 3 | 33 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 11 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 47 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 83 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 25 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (10)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 21V401000 · May 28, 2021
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, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 20V018000 · Jan 15, 2020
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V853000 · Dec 2, 2019
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 inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 19V698000 · Oct 3, 2019
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. The frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 17V047000 · Jan 26, 2017
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS · Campaign 14V428000 · Jul 16, 2014
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 07E023000 · Mar 29, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 02V138000 · May 20, 2002
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 01V206000 · Jul 2, 2001
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. 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.
WHEELS:RIM · Campaign 00V383000 · Nov 29, 2000
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.