1979 BMW 320i recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. 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 PEDAL.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE RETURN DAMPER SLEEVES WITH NEW SLEEVES OF HIGH TEMPERATURE-RESISTANT PLASTIC MATERIAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1979 320I.
- Book a repair at any authorized BMW dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 80V076000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:SPRINGS
Summary: 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 PEDAL.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE RETURN DAMPER SLEEVES WITH NEW SLEEVES OF HIGH TEMPERATURE-RESISTANT PLASTIC MATERIAL.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES.SYSTEM: THROTTLE CONTROL; ACCELERATOR; CONTROL RETURN SPRING.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNUSUALLY EXCESSIVE (HIGH) IDLESPEED WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.NOTE: IF VEHICLE MUST BE DRIVEN PRIOR TO REPAIR, MODERATE SPEED AND INCREASETHE FOLLOWING DISTANCES.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
12/04/2003 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER HEARD A NOISE. WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THE HEATER CORE EXPLODED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON THE FEET. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH