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BMW 320I (1975–2015) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1975–2015 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 Turbo N20 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
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An independent value score for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability3.7
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & support7.3
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Bmw 320I (1975–2015) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Bmw 320I (1975–2015) uses BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group H6 (BCI), rated at 600A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.0L I4 Turbo N20 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (25)
NHTSA 15V189000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Date: 31/03/2015
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi G…
NHTSA 13V454000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Date: 26/09/2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and m…
NHTSA 13V454000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Date: 26/09/2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and m…
NHTSA 13V454000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Date: 26/09/2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and m…
NHTSA 24V288000
Air Bags › Side/Window
Date: 24/04/2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series …
NHTSA 24V288000
Air Bags › Side/Window
Date: 24/04/2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series …
NHTSA 78V061000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Date: 24/03/1978
DUE TO THE HIGH FUEL FLOW RATE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, CONDITIONS OF EXTREME ALTITUDE, TEMPERATURES, OR FUEL CONTAMINATION, MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF FUEL VAPOR BUBBLES.
NHTSA 78V061000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System
Date: 24/03/1978
DUE TO THE HIGH FUEL FLOW RATE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM, CONDITIONS OF EXTREME ALTITUDE, TEMPERATURES, OR FUEL CONTAMINATION, MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF FUEL VAPOR BUBBLES.
NHTSA 80V076000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 19/06/1980
WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE DAMPER SLEEVES WHICH COVER THE RETURN SPRINGS OF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM CAN DEFORM AND PREVENT THEIR RETURNING THE THROTTLE TO IDLE POSITION AFTER RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PE…
NHTSA 80V076000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 19/06/1980
WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE DAMPER SLEEVES WHICH COVER THE RETURN SPRINGS OF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM CAN DEFORM AND PREVENT THEIR RETURNING THE THROTTLE TO IDLE POSITION AFTER RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PE…
NHTSA 80V076000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 19/06/1980
WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE DAMPER SLEEVES WHICH COVER THE RETURN SPRINGS OF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM CAN DEFORM AND PREVENT THEIR RETURNING THE THROTTLE TO IDLE POSITION AFTER RELEASE OF THE ACCELERATOR PE…
NHTSA 25V871000
Air Bags › Side/Window › Head
Date: 17/12/2025
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air …
NHTSA 15V520000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 17/08/2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-201…
NHTSA 15V520000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 17/08/2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-201…
NHTSA 15V520000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 17/08/2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-201…
NHTSA 15V520000
Exterior Lighting
Date: 17/08/2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-201…
NHTSA 77V092000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 16/06/1977
THE INVOLVED VEHICLES DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS". THE TWO ACCELERATOR RETURN SPRINGS LOCATED ON TOP OF ENGINE MAY OSCILLATE AT HIGH ENGINE SPEEDS, WHICH MAY CAUSE VIBRATION NOISE AND LEAD TO PREMATURE SPRING FATI…
NHTSA 78V056000
Tires
Date: 13/03/1978
DUE TO A MATERIAL STUCTURAL DEFECT, THE RUBBER SEAL BETWEEN THE METAL VALVE STEM AND RIM ALLOWS SLOW SEEPAGE OF AIR AROUND THE VALVE BASE.
NHTSA 24V527000
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Date: 11/07/2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 …
NHTSA 24V527000
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module
Date: 11/07/2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 …
NHTSA 14V627000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 07/10/2014
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehi…
NHTSA 14V627000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 07/10/2014
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehi…
NHTSA 14V627000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 07/10/2014
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehi…
NHTSA 78V074000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Date: 04/04/1978
THE HEX HEAD BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO TERMINAL #30 MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE.
NHTSA 78V074000
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Date: 04/04/1978
THE HEX HEAD BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS TO TERMINAL #30 MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1555
powertrain
CRITICALP1553
powertrain
MODERATEP1525
powertrain
HIGHP1521
powertrain
HIGHP1397
powertrain
HIGHP1396
powertrain
HIGHP1352
powertrain
HIGHP1348
powertrain
HIGHP1347
powertrain
HIGHP1346
powertrain
HIGHP1188
powertrain
HIGHP1085
powertrain
MODERATEP1084
powertrain
MODERATEP1083
powertrain
MODERATEP1755
powertrain
MODERATEP1612
powertrain
HIGHP1570
powertrain
CRITICALP1086
powertrain
MODERATEP1519
powertrain
MODERATEP1747
powertrain
HIGH
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
58 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Run-Flat Warning (BMW) (Bmw)Tyres
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
CBS — Brake Fluid (BMW) (Bmw)Brakes
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
CBS — Oil Service (BMW) (Bmw)Engine
iDrive System Fault (Bmw)Electrical
DSC OFF (BMW) (Bmw)Chassis
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
103 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Bmw 320I across model years 1975–2015. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
5 crash reports 2 fires 7 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 201451
Model year 201533
Model year 20139
Model year 19803
Model year 20123
Model year 19782
Model year 19791
Model year 19821
Most reported components (all years)
Engine23
Fuel/Propulsion System17
Unknown Or Other17
Electrical System16
Exterior Lighting13
Power Train10
Sample reports
RENTAL OF 2014 BMW 320I IN JUNE 2014. PARKED AUTO IN LEVEL PARKING LOT BY PLACING FOOT ON BRAKE AND DEPRESSING "PARK" BUTTON ON GEAR SHIFT, AFTER WHICH WIFE EXITED PASSENGER SEAT TO RETRIEVE PACKAGE IN REAR SEAT. WHEN BRAKE RELEASED TO T… (MY 2014)
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the front driver's side airbags and passenger side airbags deployed unintendedly, causing the driver to lose control of the steering wheel and… (MY 2015)
IT A WHISTLING NOISE COMING FROM MY VALVE COVER . AND I HAD TO ALSO REPLACE MY THERMOSTAT ABOUT A MONTH AGO. (MY 2015)
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVABLE AND COULD ONLY BE COASTED TO A SAFE POSITION. THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRONICS ON THIS C… (MY 2014)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1975–2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bmw 320i have any safety recalls?
Yes — 25 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD, FUEL SYSTEM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Bmw 320i?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Bmw 320i?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Bmw 320i?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are fuel system problems common on the Bmw 320i?
Yes — 14 of 95 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the fuel system. One owner reported: “1980 BMW 320I FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE TUNED AND REPLACED, NEEDS AUX AIR VALVE, IGNITION HAS MISFIRE, BATTERY BOX NEEDS TO BE WELDED. *TS THE STARTER AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Bmw 320i?
Yes — 29 of 95 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “1980 BMW 320I FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE TUNED AND REPLACED, NEEDS AUX AIR VALVE, IGNITION HAS MISFIRE, BATTERY BOX NEEDS TO BE WELDED. *TS THE STARTER AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Bmw 320i?
Yes — 32 of 95 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “1980 BMW 320I FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE TUNED AND REPLACED, NEEDS AUX AIR VALVE, IGNITION HAS MISFIRE, BATTERY BOX NEEDS TO BE WELDED. *TS THE STARTER AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What is the right battery for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015)?
The battery specified for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015) is group H6 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 600A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Bmw 320I (1975–2015)?
The engine oil specification for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015) is BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Bmw 320I (1975–2015) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Bmw 320I (1975–2015) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Bmw 320I (1975–2015).