2000 BMW 3 Series Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 34%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the body and structure of the 2000 BMW 3 Series, 34% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I heard a squeaking noise coming from the rear end, took it to my mechanic, and was told the subframe has torn off of the rear suspension. He checked to see if there is a recall, but none has been found. He did notice online that this has been an ongoing problem, with many complaints, and that a class action lawsuit had been filed.”
NHTSA complaint #10436306, filed 2011-11, 128,000 miles“The technician discovered that my subframe has started to fail. Today I had my Bmw in for a normal brake service at my repair facility. They noticed my subframe is starting to crack along the mounting points. This is usually not found in an automatic transmission Bmw especially since the car is a non m3, it's just a 328ci coupe.”
NHTSA complaint #10413669, filed 2011-07, 161,000 miles“There was a clunking noise coming from the back. After taking the wheel off to investigate I saw where the rear suspension mounts to the frame it had pulled through. I have just found out about this and will e contacting Bmw about this shortly. An internet search will find that this is not a rare occurrence and I believe Bmw should be held responsible for this.”
NHTSA complaint #10184378, filed 2007-03, 94,000 miles“I have a 2000 323ci Bmw my problem is the weld from the straps that hold the gas tank detached from the metal there seem to be e defect on the weld and the gas tank dropped to the floor!! Please don't wait for someone to get hurt before something is done about it!! I drilled some holes and attached a metal plate through the inside of the body(metal to weak) then I used bolts and pressure washers to reattach it!”
NHTSA complaint #10328421, filed 2010-05, 76,000 miles“I own a 2000 Bmw 323ci with just over 80k on it and my rear subframe mounts have ripped through the bottom of the car and the whole rear of the car is about to fall off. After some searching I found around 200 fellow 3 SERIES owners who are in the same boat almost all of which are 99 and 2000 models. Bmwna insist this is not a defect but do to aggressive driving or suspenion modes none of which apply to me or the many others who are having the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192340, filed 2007-06, 83,883 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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.
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 30 | 34% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2000 BMW 3 Series
35 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsElectrical system
4 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