2000 BMW 3 Series Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 BMW 3 Series, 5% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2000 Bmw 323 ci convertible and have problems with the remote trunk release. Neither the key fob nor the release button function; the only way to get into the trunk is with the key in the lock. I did some online research learned two things. 1. This is a very common problem. (type 'Bmw trunk release problem' into a search engine to see the extent.) while the problems I have are merely annoying, it is not hard to imagine them being far worse. 2. The problem is in the harness where the wiring goes from the body to the trunk lid. …”
NHTSA complaint #10363010, filed 2010-10, 125,000 miles“I experienced a typical problem with my 2000 Bmw 323ci , as the subframe began to tear after only 57000 miles of use. After some complaining, I was able to get Bmw to goodwill the repairs. But as soon as I picked up the car after the repairs were completed, the emergency brake parking light began to malfunction. It would come on when the brake was released etc. A couple weeks later the traction control light began to do the same thing. I didn't think too much of it, but now about 9 months later I have experienced severe electrical problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162038, filed 2006-07, 60,000 miles“While driving on highway heater setting on warm, smoke filled the cabin. Smoke was coming from center console and left side of glove box from underneath. Had to stop the vehicle in the middle of the highway and escape the smoke filled cabin the smoke turn to a flame from under the glove box. The car proceeded to totally burn from this incident. I reviewed the schematics to identify the only heating dissipating element located under there is the fsr blower motor control smoke appeared suddenly.”
NHTSA complaint #10542017, filed 2013-09, 200,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10037079Oct 1, 2014Bmw: service engine soon light is on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. *rm updated 5/19/15.
- 10051519Dec 1, 2012Bmw: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle is prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10040736Jul 1, 2011Bmw: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can…
- 10040049Apr 1, 2011Bmw: a software problem is causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies…
- 10040170Mar 1, 2011Bmw: a software error is causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10037078Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the airbag warning lamp is illuminated due to a software error.
- 10036985Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There is a software application error.
- 10030626Oct 2, 2009Bmw vehicles: doors will not unlock using the key fob or central locking button. *pe updated1/4/10. *pe updated 5/24/10.
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 7 | 33% |
| 2010 | 5 | 17% |
| 2009 | 8 | 15% |
| 2008 | 19 | 28% |
| 2007 | 31 | 27% |
| 2006 | 32 | 16% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 12 | 16% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 6 | 23% |
| 2001 | 6 | 17% |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2000 BMW 3 Series
35 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology