2000 BMW 3 Series Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 40%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 BMW 3 Series, 40% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“2000 Bmw 323 ci convertible. Reverse stop to work suddenly, I parked my car over the driveway yesterday them next day afternoon I went to the store to buy some groceries, I made a bad turn and I was trying to get on the road, my reverse did not work. I never feel a symptom about this problem on the car o gradual failure just stop to work, magic.”
NHTSA complaint #10325675, filed 2010-04, 110,000 miles“I own a 2000 Bmw 323ci. It has been very well maintained and just today the reverse gear went out just like that,without notice. I've been reading online and I have found out that this kind of problem should have been a recall from Bmw. I am in need of help to take care of this problem since I need this car for work.”
NHTSA complaint #10341714, filed 2010-07, 156,000 miles“The car all of a sudden stopped going into reverse. I had to push it to get our of the parking spot and went straight home. The next morning, the reverse gear decided to work so I decided to take it for test drive again and it failed to go into reverse again. There are thousands of Bmw owners that complain about the same problem with the reverse gear. There needs to be a recall from Bmw to take care of this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10441425, filed 2011-12, 139,000 miles“2000 Bmw 323i no reverse gear...went to Bmw dealer and they didn't want to check what's wrong, all they wanted is to change the whole transmission for $5500...I looked on internet and it seems that thousands of people having same issue with this car...hope something can be done and Bmw will call our cars for recall...I thing they should repair it at no cost since it is there pure reverse clutch engineering. Thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10241608, filed 2008-09, 133,000 miles“My transmission stopped working in reverse on my Bmw 323ci which only has less than 68,000 miles. There were numerous complaints for the same problem. This should be recalled. I have never heard of a transmission failing so early.”
NHTSA complaint #10232770, filed 2008-06, 67,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10051459Dec 1, 2012Bmw: dsc warning light is on. The warning lamps for dsc, abs and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10036980Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process is being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10032827Nov 1, 2007Bmw vehicles: dsc disabling function. Dsc off function has been implemented in m5 and m6 vehicles equipped with the optional 6 speed manual transmissions. No model years listed.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | 29% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 35 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2000 BMW 3 Series
30 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 30, 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