1980 BMW 320I
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1980: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 3 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 34 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2018 | 21 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Order factory recall immediately and notify all owners,they have makers of these new pumps,current oil pump at idle is 10 psi, insufficent to shut off oil light, make BMW put in legal oil pump, one that provides sufficent lubrication at idle and...
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-24
Tires
1 of 3 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Firestone, affinity,DOT VDE8AIA265 on a BMW 320I 1980. Replacements tires. When driving could hear a noise like a flat tire makes. Took to the dealer and they stated the tire was inproperly inflated. 3 months later, right rear tire came apart.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-02-05
Power train
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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 fuel injectors were replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-02-16
Also filed under Electrical system
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Electrical system
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1980 BMW 320I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1980 BMW 320I reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1980 BMW 320I?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1980 BMW 320I have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.