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1978 BMW 320iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1978 BMW 320i, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints22 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage60kVisibility, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 2, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1978 BMW 320i has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility22
Seat belts11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1978 BMW 320i recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1978 vs. every other 320i year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 320i median. How we score

'77'78'79'80'82'00'01'02'03'04'05'12'13'14'15'16'17'18
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1978 BMW 320i, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SPARK PLUG FOULINGDP78034 · closed Jul 24, 1978
    No recall
In owners' words

What 320i owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

AFTER DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND SITTING AT A STOP SIGN HEATER CORE EXPLODED. SCALDING HOT WATER GUSHED FROM BENEATH THE DASH BOARD. CONSUMER SUSTAINED THIRD DEGREE BURNS ON THE LEGS AND FEET. THE SEAT BELT LATCH WOULD NOT COME UNDONE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *AK
Complaint 10049897 · Dec 2, 2003 · 60,000 miles

Own a 1978 320i?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.