2001 BMW 320 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 70%of 10 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 BMW 320, 70% of the 10 complaints for this model year.
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 complained to Bmw na of reported failures of the fan. They agreed that they have had problems with siemens manufactured fans. They left a phone message (I have a copy) agreeing to pay for a vehicle inspection to determine if the fan is the type prone to failure due to safety concerns I have for my son who will be driving this vehicle, but they will charge me to replace the fan because it has not yet failed.”
NHTSA complaint #746951, filed 2001-06“Vehicle overheats: 9 days after taking delivery of my brand new car, the temperature gauge begins registering abnormally high under normal city driving conditions. I immediately turn off the A/C, turn on the heat to the maximum setting, and roll down the windows. This seems to have no impact on the temperature, and the red temp indicator light comes on. I promptly pull over to the side of the road and, while doing so, the vehicle overheats. Bmwsf services my vehicle by installing an upgraded aux fan unit on 5/15/01. …”
NHTSA complaint #746726, filed 2001-06“This is an acknowledeged problem from Bmw. The manufacturer has claimed that the problem is not big enough to warrant a recall. Unfortunately many of us are being left stranded when the problem surfaces. Even though the problem is acknowledged Bmw does not have the parts required to fix the problem. I believe Bmw needs to be contacted and forced to officially issue a recall on the 3.0 liter engines.”
NHTSA complaint #746659, filed 2001-06“This is a brand new vehicle, yet the engine overheats at 1828 miles. A lot of smoke came out of the hood and hindered visibility. The overheating happened very quickly and allowed me very little time to realize and to stop the vehicle. Once stopped, there appeared to be major leakage of coolant/anti-freeze under the car. The car dealer and their service department were notified immediately. The short time it took the engine to overheat can potentially be dangerous as it allows the driver very little time to stop and exit the vehicle before any fire is ignited.”
NHTSA complaint #746762, filed 2001-06Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 7 | 70% |
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 320
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 320
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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