Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 BMW 328i owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
"Takata recall" I was hit by a driver going approx 100mph on highway 50e from behind and after being severally hit my tekata airbag damaged my chest, hurt my face, burned my clothes, arms, and made it impossible to breathe. This wouldn't have happened if BMW had more availability to inform, replace and fix such a horrific event.
Rear driver's side subframe mount point failure. The car has gone through class action suit in 2009, and was inspected by dealer in 2010. But it failed anyway. I was driving about 20mph on city streets going straight accelerating from a stop, but shifting gears from 2nd to 3rd (it's a manual transmission) when a loud explosive bang was heard from the rear with an alarming jolt. Inspection of undercarriage revealed that the floor pan where the rear driver side subframe mount attaches to has completely shattered, leaving that side of the rear axle floating. I have been advised by two independent mechanics that this is a dangerous failure and I should not be driving the car. I do not race this car, it has no rust in the undercarriage, and has never experienced snow. Mechanics believe this is a very dangerous failure and was shocked the car was never formally recalled for safety. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 BMW 328i. While driving 35 MPH, the contact drove over a pothole and the front passenger side curtain and headliner air bags partially deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side air bag head liner module, passenger side door air bag module, front passenger side door trim panel, battery, and battery cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 02V223000 (air bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
While driving on the on the freeway I felt and heard a popping or clunck noise while shifting like something was going to fall off and it became hard to control and steer so I took my 2000 328i BMW into a professional mechanic and he said the problem is the subframe is separating from the body of the car, I was also told this is a manufacturer defect. I looked up online and this exact same thing is happening to other models of the BMW , I dont drive my car hard and it is well maintained and I believe BMW should recall this factory error and pay for it
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle was coming apart. The vehicle was taken to nalley BMW of decatur (1606 church st, decatur, ga 30033, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that a new subframe needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 BMW 328i. While driving approximately 45 MPH, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle. After inspecting the vehcile, the contact discovered that the rear driver side subframe was cracked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
At about 112K miles I noticed a creaking noise coming from the rear suspension. Upon inspection, the drivers side rear differential mount had multiple stress fractures and separations at the point where the mount was welded to the unibody. This vehicle has had all required maintenance inspections at normal intervals. This car is driven on the highway 90% of the time and the rest in residential streets. It is a family car and has had no modifications period. The car was purchased with a BMW na cpo warranty that has since expired. The dealership refuses to cover any repair costs ( estimated at >3000 dollars) BMW na has ignored repeated requests from owners to fix this dangerous condition. In fact, BMW Germany has known about this problem and covers the cost of repairs, they even have a method of repair. This situation is very dangerous and requires immediate attention. …
In May '06 I purchased my (e46) 2000 BMW 328i. A couple of months later (I don't recall the exact date) I noticed a subtle squeak coming from the rear end. Thinking it was nothing serious, I ignored it for a while as my life was very busy at that time. After consulting some vehicle-savvy friends and a visit to motorsports of lexington (the place to go if you live near lexington, ky); they were unable to locate the source of the squeak as it was winter and just my luck, the squeak was almost non-existent that day. I was asked to bring it back during warmer weather. So today 3/13/2007 (70 degrees and sunny) I took it back to the shop. To my utter dismay I was shown that the rear driver-side differential mount had completely separated from the chassis. They told me this is a common problem with e46's. Total repair costs were estimated between $600-$1000. …
In May '06 I purchased my (e46) 2000 BMW 328i. A couple of months later I noticed a subtle squeak coming from the rear end. Thinking it was nothing serious, I ignored it for a while as my life was very busy at that time. After consulting some vehicle-savvy friends and a visit to motorsports of lexington (the place to go if you live near lexington, ky); they were unable to locate the source of the squeak as it was winter and just my luck, the squeak was almost non-existent that day. I was asked to bring it back during warmer weather. So today (70 degrees and sunny) I took it back to the shop. To my utter dismay I was shown that the rear driver-side differential mount had completely separated from the chassis. They told me this is a common problem with e46's. Total repair costs were estimated between $600-$1000. …
I was driving 20 MPH and accidentally hit a pot hole in the road. After doing so the 2000 BMW 328i drove normally. However after this incident I began to hear a clunking noise in the rear area of the vehicle every time I put the vehicle in drive. I took it to the repair shop for an analysis and was told there is a tear in the subframe. The mechanic told me the car is not repairable because the 1999 to 2006 BMW 3 series have a manufacturing subframe defect, and that once the differential begins to separate from the defective subframe the vehicle is rendered worthless. He said that the vehicle is totally unsafe to drive been with trying to repair it because of the inherent defect. I called my insurance company, usaa, explained the problem and filed a claim. Their adjuster looked at the vehicle and reported that it is a total loss and is unsafe to drive. …
Body complaints in other 328i years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2000 BMW 328i?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the body & structure of the 2000 BMW 328i, 28% of the model year's 112 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 BMW 328i body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2000 BMW 328i, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 BMW 328i body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.