Service Brakes Related Problems of the 2000 BMW 323

Table 1 shows three common service brakes related problems of the 2000 BMW 323.

Table 1. Service Brakes related problems of BMW 323

Problem Category Number of Problems
Brake Electric Antilock problems
1
Brake Foundation Components problems
1
Brake Light On problems
1

Brake Electric Antilock problem #1

I brought my vehicle in to have a problem fixed with the sun roof and mentioned that I had a problem with steering the vehicle during braking at slow speeds. When I got the repair list back from the dealer I noticed that they had replaced a major portion of the braking and steering system. The service seemed rather familiar with the problem and didn't hesitate to replace all of the componets which leads me to believe that they are aware of a signifigant problem with these vehicles and have not reported it. I have been checking the BMW websites on the 3 series and have found that a large number of these cars have the same defect in their vehicles. The manufacturer is paying for the full replacement of the defective systems, but, only if you ask about the problem. They are not currently notifying individual owners of this problem to have this condition corrected prior to the complaint.

Brake Foundation Components problem #2

When applying the brakes in wet conditions pedal becomes stiff and vehicle makes a loud noise, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer has vehicle currently.

Brake Light On problem #3

After having the control arm bushings replaced and a 4 wheel alignment completed at a BMW service dealership in tyler, TX, apparently the steering angle sensor (located at the bottom of the steering column) failed which caused the dynamic stability control (dsc), brake and abs lights to illuminate. When the incident occurred, I was driving 70 mph on a dry highway using the cruise control. When this sensor failed, all three lights illuminated and the cruise control ceased to work. According to the BMW service department, there is no requirement to re-calibrate the steering angle sensor after an alignment is completed. Additionally, per the service manager at the BMW service department, they are replacing steering angle sensors in a variety of BMW automobiles at "3 to 4 per week". Estimated cost to repair is between $500 - $1000.


Service Brakes related problems in other BMW 323 model year vehicles:



323 Service Bulletins
323 Safety Recalls