U.S. public vehicle records

2006 Bmw 325I problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

515 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

77,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2006 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 409 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 209 of 515 complaints (40.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	56	10.9%
Steering behavior	52	10.1%
Braking behavior	24	4.7%
Transmission and shifting	10	1.9%
Engine operation	9	1.7%
Fuel system concerns	7	1.4%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags

209

Electrical System

Engine

Latches/Locks/Linkages

Steering

Seat Belts

Air Bags:Frontal

Unknown Or Other

Air Bags: 209; Electrical System: 80; Engine: 50; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 43; Steering: 39; Seat Belts: 38; Air Bags:Frontal: 37; Unknown Or Other: 32

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

101

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 42; 25,000 to 49,999: 51; 50,000 to 74,999: 101; 75,000 to 99,999: 97; 100,000 to 149,999: 87; 150,000 and above: 31

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (101). 106 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2005: 3; 2006: 20; 2007: 13; 2008: 11; 2009: 10; 2010: 38; 2011: 57; 2012: 50; 2013: 55; 2014: 58; 2015: 36; 2016: 37; 2017: 39; 2018: 32; 2019: 13; 2020: 7; 2021: 6; 2022: 16; 2023: 5; 2024: 3; 2025: 5; 2026: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 56 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 52 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 24 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10188932 · 2007-04-26 (April 26, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE PAINT PEELING. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONSOLE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE PEELING PAINT. IN MARCH 2007 THE STEERING WHEEL SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED TWICE. IN ADDITION, THE SUN ROOF FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUN ROOF WERE BOTH CAU…

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10188932 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10247577 · 2008-11-03 (November 3, 2008)

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM…

Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10152618 · 2006-03-13 (March 13, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ON ROUGH ROADS, THE VEHICLE DRIVES VERY UNSTEADY. THE VEHICLE DRIVES AS IF IT IS RIDING ON THE RIMS. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD AND THE CONSUMER COULD NOT TAKE HIS HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND WAS TEST DRIVEN. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 03/28/06.

Owner-reported narrative. 6,025 miles reported. Look up ODI 10152618 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10156695 · 2006-05-03 (May 3, 2006)

SEAT BELT FAILED TO PREVENT ME FROM HITTING STEERING WHEEL AFTER ANOTHER CAR HIT MINE FROM THE REAR WHILE AT A STOP SIGN. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 4,826 miles reported. Look up ODI 10156695 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10155639 · 2006-04-18 (April 18, 2006)

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2006 BMW 330 XI WITH A MANUAL GEAR SHIFT. THE DESIGN OF THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDALS IS SUCH THAT ONE CAN ACCIDENTALLY STEP ON BOTH THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE ARM OF THE BREAK PEDAL WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO STOP SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. IT HAS OCCURRED TO ME WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS AND MOST RECENTLY, WHILE MY WIFE WAS MERGING INTO EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC, THIS IS A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE CAR WAS REVIEWED BY THE DEALER AND I SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM BMW, THEY INSIST THAT THIS I…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10155639 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10161373 · 2006-07-04 (July 4, 2006)

PURCHASED NEW 330I FROM DEALER IN 9-05. ON 4-06 AT 12,500 MILES CALLED DEALER TO REQUEST SERVICE SINCE VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAKING A "ROARING & WA-WA" SOUND WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME & SINCE DRIVER WAS WAITING FOR COMPUTER TO INDICATE SERVICE NEEDED KEPT ON DRIVING. DEALER AGREED TO SEE CAR AND UPON INSPECTION CALLED DRIVER & INFORMED THAT TIRES WERE WORN ERRATICALLY & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (EST AT $1500). SINCE DRIVER QUESTIONED NEED FOR NEW TIRES AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE, DEALER FINALLY SUGGESTED TO CALL CORPOR…

Owner-reported narrative. 12,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10161373 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10177192 · 2006-12-28 (December 28, 2006)

THIS COMPLAINT REFERS TO THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (BRIDGESTONE EL-42, 205/55-16 RUN FLAT) SUPPLIED ON THE 2006 BMW 325I WITH 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. AFTER ONLY 13,000 MILES ON A BRAND NEW CAR, I HAVE FOUND THIS TIRE TO BE ENTIRELY UNSAFE AND UNSUITABLE TO THIS VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT BOTH BMW AND BRIDGESTONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THIS TIRE ON ALL EXISTING VEHICLE. THIS TIRE EXHIBITS UNSAFE CHARACTERISTICS IN WET WEATHER, WITH NOTICEABLE DRIFT AND HYDROPLANING IN ANY AMOUNT OF STANDING WATER, EVEN AS LITTLE AS 1/16 IN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10177192 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10182975 · 2007-02-19 (February 19, 2007)

BMW 325I HAS AN ACCELERATION DELAY PROBLEM. WHEN THE DRIVER DEMANDS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ACCELERATION, THE CAR HESITATES ANYWHERE FROM 1.5 TO 3 SECONDS. I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM ON MY RECENTLY PURCHASED 325I. INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION, HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO WORK FINE IN MANUAL AND SPORT MODE. I ONLY EXPERIENCE THIS DEFECT DURING AUTOMATIC MODE. AS STATED THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION WHEN SOMEONE IS MAKING A LEFT TURN IN TRAFFIC, OR GETTING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR PASSING ON A 2 LANE COUNTRY ROAD, ETC. PROBLEM …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10182975 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10154906 · 2006-04-09 (April 9, 2006)

I JUST PURCHASED A BMW 330 WITH AN OPTION CALLED "COMFORT ACCESS". THIS OPTION ALLOWS THE DRIVER (WITH THE KEY ON HIS/HER PERSON) TO UNLOCK & START THE CAR AS WELL AS AND KILL THE ENGINE (BY PRESSING THE START/STOP BUTTON) & LOCK THE VEHICLE, ALL WITHOUT USING A KEY....JUST NEED IT IN YOUR POCKET ETC. THE RISK IS THAT YOU CAN EXIT THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS W/O KILLING THE ENGINE. MY CONCERN IS BEING DISTRACTED OR FORGETFUL AND LEAVING THE CAR RUNNING IN OUR GARAGE AND HAVING EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE HOUSE! A SIMPLE FIX WOULD BE TO HAVE …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10154906 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10164838 · 2006-08-07 (August 7, 2006)

2006 BMW 325I MILES: 5K ON JULY 19TH, 2006 APPROX 9:00 AM, WHILE I WAS PARKING AT MY OFFICE PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 5 TO 10 MPH, AFTER I ENTERED THE PARKING STALL, I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SOFT (NORMALLY THE PEDAL IS STIFF), AND IT WASN'T STOPPING, SO I PRESSED IT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT SPED UP A BIT AND HIT THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR AND THE DAMAGE WAS MINOR FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE, BOTH TO MINE AND THE OTHER VEHICLE. AFTER I HIT OTHER VEHICLE, I PUT IT IN …

Owner-reported narrative. 4,995 miles reported. Look up ODI 10164838 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10357934 · 2010-09-27 (September 27, 2010)

I HAVE A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CAR HAS AUTOMATIC LOCKS THAT CAN BE TRIGGERED WITH A REMOTE KEY OR INSIDE THE CAR WITH A LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE DASHBOARD. THE "UNLOCK" FEATURE HAS FAILED AND I AM UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH EITHER THE REMOTE OR THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE UNLOCKED FROM EITHER INSIDE THE CAR OR OUTSIDE THE CAR IS THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR. ALL THE OTHER PASSENGER DOORS ARE LOCKED AND CANNOT BE UNLOCKED OR OPENED. THIS OBVIOUSLY CREATES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE GAS TA…

Owner-reported narrative. 29,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10357934 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10420111 · 2011-08-19 (August 19, 2011)

WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE USING THE REMOTE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY ONE MANUAL UNLOCK LATCH FOR KEY INSERT INTO THE DOOR ON THE DRIVERS DOOR. WAS ABLE TO UNLOCK ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR. THE REMAINING THREE DOORS CANNOT BE UNLOCKED AT ALL, NOT EVEN WHEN OPENING FROM THE INSIDE. ALSO THE GAS TANK DOOR WILL NOT OPEN EITHER. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM NUMEROUS VEHICLES OF THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY, THERE IS NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE THREE LOCKED DOORS. H…

Owner-reported narrative. 70,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10420111 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

515 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

79.4%Usable mileage409 / 515 records

100.0%Valid incident date515 / 515 records

100.0%Valid filing date515 / 515 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates515 / 515 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Air Bags	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11033466 · 180,000 mi I'M TRYING TO GET THE TAGS FOR THIS BMW IT'S BEING PART FOR ONE YEAR BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY AND NOW THAT I DO THE DMW IS MAKING IT A BIG DEAL IT'S NEVER BEING IN A JUNKYARD Look up ODI 11033466 at NHTSA ↗	3321.9% ODI 10144814 · 59,600 mi AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *NM Look up ODI 10144814 at NHTSA ↗	4527.8% ODI 10095611 · 33,000 mi INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH (DUE TO RAIN) AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT AND THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO BOTTOM OF CAR FROM DEBRIS, BUT IT IS UNCLEAR IF BLOWOUT AND DEBRIS DAMAGE HAPPENED BEFORE OR AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. EITHER WAY, THERE WAS NO IMPACT WITH ANY OBJECT THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DEPLOYMENT. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR NEARLY 4 WEEKS NOW AND IT SHOULD HAVE ONLY NEEDED A TIRE REPLACEMENT. AN… Look up ODI 10095611 at NHTSA ↗	6030.2% ODI 10101261 CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. UPON IMPACT,IT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WAS A FOUL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE.*AK Look up ODI 10101261 at NHTSA ↗	6141.5% ODI 10423032 · 95,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE WHETHER THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE ON REMEDYING THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. Look up ODI 10423032 at NHTSA ↗	3346.5% ODI 10402923 · 116,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 72 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRASH TEST SENSOR HAD ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN WITH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE M… Look up ODI 10402923 at NHTSA ↗	20940.6% ODI 10159607 · 200 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11073857 · 30,142 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD AND BOTH ARMS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HERRIN-GEAR BMW OF JACKSON, 1685 HIGH ST, JACKSON, MS 39202, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,142. Look up ODI 11073857 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1711.3% ODI 10010507 · 5,000 mi WHILE MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BREAK, MY 2001 BMW 325I SEEMED TO SPEED UP AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO THE BUILDING I WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF. SEVERE DAMAGE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF MY RIGHT FOOT( A BRUISE THE SHAPE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL } ALONG WITH OTHER FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES INDICATE MY FOOT WAS INDEED ON THE BRAKE AND NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AS ONE MIGHT THINK. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR $ 5,000.00. NO ANSWER FOR WHAT HAPPENED FROM DEALER. APPROX SEVEN MONTHS LATER, WHILE ON AN OPEN ROAD APPROACHING STOP LIGHT AGAIN WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR REVVED … Look up ODI 10010507 at NHTSA ↗	169.9% ODI 10039540 FROM DAY ONE , I ALREADY EXPERIECED A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AT FIRST THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING, SHELLY BMW TOOK CARE OF IT FOR OVER A WEEK , THEY SAID THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER, AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE ALARM GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING ,I TOOK THE CAR TO CUNNINGHAM BMW BECAUSE I LIVEDHERE IN SAN DIEGO IT TOOK THEM ALMOST A WEEK BUT THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM THEY'RE SAYING THAT THEYNEED MORE TIME TO FIGURE WHAT REALLY THE PROBLEM AND WHAT CAUSING THE ALARM SIREN GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING .I TOOK IT TO DIF… Look up ODI 10039540 at NHTSA ↗	3618.1% ODI 10023814 · 1,143 mi THE COMPUTER FIRST FAILED ON MY 2003 BMW 325I ON JUNE 15, 2003, (THREE WEEKS AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BMW OF MANHATTAN), CAUSING ME TO LOSE ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE HAPPENED TO BE A VERY SMALL SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC WAS … Look up ODI 10023814 at NHTSA ↗	2013.6% ODI 10263031 · 85,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAULTY LAMP WARNING INDICATOR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO THE REAR OF THE LAMP HARNESS FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING HAD A FAULTY GROUND IN THE CONNECTOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRES COULD NOT TAKE THE HEAT DISTRIBUTION, WHICH CAUSED THE WIRES TO FRY INSIDE THE CONNECTOR. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS AND REAR LAMPS TO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE CON… Look up ODI 10263031 at NHTSA ↗	1014.1% ODI 10167257 · 10,404 mi THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A FREEWAY EXIT RAMP, NEAR NOON TIME IN A SUNNY ~80 F WEATHER. DURING THE DRIVING, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD SUDDENLY STARTED TO FLASH, ACCOMPANIED WITH BEEPING WARNING SOUND. THE WHOLE FLASHING AND BEEPING LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL, HOWEVER. AFTER THE INCIDENT, CAR'S MEMORY OF CLOCK TIME AND TRIP ODOMETER WERE LOST. MADE A CHECK IN LOCAL BMW DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER COULD NOT RETRIEVE ERROR CODE FROM THE ON BOARD COMPUTER, AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SYMPTOM DURING THE CHECK. … Look up ODI 10167257 at NHTSA ↗	8015.5% ODI 10176056 · 850 mi CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, CAR INTERIOR, DELIVERS 110 DEG F AIR TO FLOOR VENTS WHEN IN AUTOMATIC MODE. THE REQUESTED TEMPERATURE IS 70F AND THE ACTUAL TEMPERATURE IS 79F. THIS IS A CONSTANT DEFECT, NOT A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE. BMW ADVISES THE SYSTEM WORKS AS DESIGNED. 2006 BMW 325XI, CAR MILEAGE - 850 MI. *JB Look up ODI 10176056 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2013.2% ODI 10241773 · 93,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, THE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS LEARNED OF MULTIPLE ISSUES REGARDING BMW BRAKE LIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. Look up ODI 10241773 at NHTSA ↗	3823.5% ODI 10265065 · 60,000 mi REAR LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE CONNECTORS SHORTING OUT. I READ ONLINE THAT IT IS A BMW DESIGN DEFECT AND IS GROUND WIRE PROBLEM COMMON TO E46 MODEL BMWS. *TR Look up ODI 10265065 at NHTSA ↗	4321.6% ODI 10262925 · 30,000 mi RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR Look up ODI 10262925 at NHTSA ↗	4329.3% ODI 10275613 · 47 mi I HAVE A 2004 BMW 325I. THE REAR INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME THE LIGHT WAS OUT. THE LIGHT WAS NOT OUT. I HAD TO GET A STATE INSPECTION AS I LIVE IN VIRGINIA. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PASS MY CAR DUE TO THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR BEING ON. THE ESTIMATE WAS $367. I DECLINED THE WORK AND TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG ON MY OWN. I DISCOVERED YOU ALL STARTED AN INVESTIGATION ON 4/9/09 ON THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND INTERNAL DOCUMENTS FROM BMW ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THE "DEFECT". THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH GROUNDING WIRES AND IT CAUSES MELTING AND… Look up ODI 10275613 at NHTSA ↗	1723.9% ODI 10376868 · 22,800 mi INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYS PICTURE OF CAR IN ORANGE, ALONG WITH LEFT, RIGHT OR BOTH TAIL LIGHTS. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT RECENTLY BECAME PERMANENT. LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ALSO FLASHES QUICKLY. LEFT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT OPERATING (NO TAIL, BRAKE LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT). *LN Look up ODI 10376868 at NHTSA ↗	81.6% ODI 10356200 · 38,000 mi PURCHASED USED 2006 BMW 325I NOV 2009. CONDENSATION LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT. JUNE - JULY 2010 TOOK CAR IN TO REPLACE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL WHICH RECEIVED NOTICE ON. SEPT 2010 TURN SIGNAL OUT AGAIN 2 MONTHS LATER. ADVISED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HAVE READ OTHER POSTING ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX ASK FOR OUT OF POCKET OF $ 500+ TO CORRECT PROBLEM . *TR Look up ODI 10356200 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	64.0% ODI 10663670 I AM HORRIFIED. I HAVE 135K MILES ON MY 2001 BMW 325I AND IT WILL NO LONGER REVERSE. I TOOK IT INTO THE TRANSMISSION GUY AND HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $4K TO REPAIR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, WITH BARELY ANY PROBLEM. HE ALSO SENT ME TO A WEBSITE WHERE APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THERE IS A WELL KNOWN FAILURE ESP WITH THE 2001 MODEL 3-SERIES. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR RECALL SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST BMW. *TR Look up ODI 10663670 at NHTSA ↗	42.5% ODI 10514886 · 119,170 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MECHANICAL MAIN BELT TENSIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A HYDRAULIC VERSION ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,170 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,300. *TR Look up ODI 10514886 at NHTSA ↗	52.5% ODI 10651391 · 91,200 mi WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF AND CONTINUES TO DO SO EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. SO, MY BRAKES AND STEERING LOCK UP BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL DME MS45 - FC28B2, 28AA, 28AC; INTERNAL RAM FAULTS MODEL E46 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/00 TO 7/06 E83 M54 WITH MS45.0/MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 9/06 E85 M54 WITH MS45.0 FROM 10/04 TO 1/06 E60 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 3/05 SITUATION CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A CRANK/NO START OR A ROUGH START SITUATION. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON… Look up ODI 10651391 at NHTSA ↗	64.1% ODI 10461989 · 49,000 mi THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE AND WATER WAS ENTERING THE ENGINE. THE DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $12,000. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10461989 at NHTSA ↗	11.4% ODI 11129525 · 140,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OR ENGINE WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14… Look up ODI 11129525 at NHTSA ↗	509.7% ODI 10474532 · 144,300 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ALUMINUM BOLTS HOLDING THE ENGINE MELTED AND WERE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,300...UPDATED 01/30/13 BF UPDATED 2/5/2013 JS Look up ODI 10474532 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11054512 · 113,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND SPARKS APPEARED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THROUGH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN ON DECEMBER 4, 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT [phone removed]. THE CONTACT LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES AN… Look up ODI 11054512 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Latches/Locks/Linkages	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	42.6% ODI 10280901 · 101,800 mi THE AUTOMATIC POWER DOOR LOCKS ON A BMW 3-SERIES (E46) ARE KNOWN TO RANDOMLY FAIL, RESULTING IN IT BECOMING IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OCCUPANTS TO GET OUT OF A VEHICLE. THIS IS APPARENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY GM5 RELAY (GENERAL MODULE #5) SUPPLIED AS AN OEM COMPONENT IN THE VEHICLE BY BMW (SEE HTTP://HTTP://WWW.BMWGM5.COM/). FAILURE OCCURS ABOUT 1 OUT OF 3 ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. IT IS KNOWN THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GM5 RELAY SOLVES THE PROBLEM. SOMEONE EVENTUALLY WILL BE BURNED ALIVE DUE TO THIS FAULTY COMPONENT. *TR Look up ODI 10280901 at NHTSA ↗	31.9% ODI 10356155 · 90,000 mi THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER WITH THE KEYLESS REMOTE OR BY PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLE INSIDE THE CAR (THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN SO I COULD REACH INSIDE) I HAD TO OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR AND CLIMB ACROSS THE SEAT TO GET INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE BUTTON BETWEEN THE SEATS TO UNLOCK ALL OF THE DOORS ALSO FAILED TO OPEN ANY OF THE LOCKS. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH BESIDE IT STILL WORKED, SO I KNOW THE PROBLEM ISN'T DUE TO THAT FAULTY SWITCH. THIS DOOR LOCKS RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND IT HASN'T YET RETURNE… Look up ODI 10356155 at NHTSA ↗	126.0% ODI 10293413 · 70,000 mi 2003 BMW 325I 4-DOOR SEDAN - PROBLEM: ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK WITH KEY FOB. PERSISTENT WITH COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (LESS THAN 65 DEGREES F). I CAN UNLOCK DRIVERS DOOR WITH KEY, BUT NO OTHER DOORS UNLOCK. ISSUE: THE DOOR LOCKS DOUBLE-LOCK MEANING WHEN DOORS ARE LOCKED, THEY CAN'T BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE (BY PULLING ON HANDLE). THE ONLY DOOR THAT UNLOCKS WITH INTERIOR HANDLE PULL IS DRIVERS DOOR. IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THEIR DOORS TO EXIT VEHICLE! THEY ARE BASICALL… Look up ODI 10293413 at NHTSA ↗	42.7% ODI 10360593 · 40,000 mi OFTEN, THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK ON OUR 2004 BMW 325I SEDAN, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE CONSISTENTLY LOCKABLE. THIS INCLUDES USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB, THE CENTRAL CONSOLE UNLOCK BUTTON AND ALSO MANUALLY PULLING THE DOOR LATCHES FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS MEANS THAT ONLY BY BREAKING A WINDOW WILL WE BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. REPEATEDLY TOGGLING THE UNLOCK BUTTONS WILL EVENTUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, BUT SOMETIMES ONLY AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. WE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BMW'S GM5 MODULE, BUT … Look up ODI 10360593 at NHTSA ↗	11.4% ODI 10512667 · 22,378 mi WED MORNING WENT TO SCHOOL WITH MY DAUGHTER. WHEN I WALKED BACK TO THE CAR I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE CAR. CANNOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE KEY. CANNOT OPEN GAS TANK. CANNOT UNLOCK OR OPEN PASSANGER DOORS. POWER LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE KEY BUT NOT SUCCESSFUL. *TR Look up ODI 10512667 at NHTSA ↗	438.3% ODI 10223136 · 38,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK IN 2007. ALL OF THE LOCKS ARE ELECTRONIC AND THERE IS A MASTER UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO DRIVE TO THE SERVICE DEALER IN ORDER TO BE LET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAD TO RESET THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE LOCKS. ON MARCH 22, 2008, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE DOOR LOCKS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE ELECTRIC MIRRORS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT… Look up ODI 10223136 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	42.6% ODI 10318867 · 142,000 mi IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR. I GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, I TRIED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE SPOT, MEANWHILE I WAS USING ALL OF MY STRENGTH BUT THEN I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO HAVE A BY-STANDER HELP PUSH THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT WHILE I TR… Look up ODI 10318867 at NHTSA ↗	31.9% ODI 10056072 FOLLOW-UP TO NOVEMBER 20, 2003 CORRESPONDENCE TO MR. SEAN HAGGARD OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ON THREE OCCASIONS. PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASION TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER. NM (NAR) Look up ODI 10056072 at NHTSA ↗	63.0% ODI 10235189 · 95,000 mi 2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING OUR BMW, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NOT VISIBLE LEAKS, VIBRATIONS, OR UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE PUMP WAS REMOVED AND DISASSEMBLED, THERE APPEARED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE IMPELLER BLADE/BLADES INSIDE THE PUMP. SHARDS OF METAL FROM THE IMPELLER BLADE(S) ALSO WENT INTO THE POWER STEERING RACK. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND PERHAPS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. WE STILL HAVE THE OLD PUMP. *TR Look up ODI 10235189 at NHTSA ↗	32.0% ODI 10122469 THE OE BRIDEGSTONE TURANZA ER30 TIRES ON MY 2004 BMW 325I ARE DEFECTIVE ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE SIDEWALLS ARE WAY TOO WEAK TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD. MY SIDEWALLS HAVE A BUBBLE AFTER 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY NEW CAR. THIS IS INCREDIBLY A RIPOFF SINCE IF IT CAN'T EVEN LAST A YEAR, THEN IT SHOULD ONLY BE MADE FOR TOYS. Look up ODI 10122469 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	397.6% ODI 10353644 · 81,000 mi 2006 BMW 325I STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILURE OCCURRED IN MAY 2007. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPLACED MAY 2007. JULY 2010 CAR MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AUG 2010 GOT WHEEL LOCK SYMBOL AGAIN---STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILING AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $130.00 JUST TO CHECK IT OUT--NOT INCLUDING REPAIRS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006 325I SERIES. *TR Look up ODI 10353644 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags:Frontal	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	64.0% ODI 10115628 · 74,000 mi AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK Look up ODI 10115628 at NHTSA ↗	21.2% ODI 10056316 RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERE EYE INJURY AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN A CRASH. PASSENGER SUFFERS PARTIAL BLINDNESS. UNDERGONE SEVERAL SURGERIES. PASSENGER WAS FEMALE AND SMALLER IN STATURE. *JB Look up ODI 10056316 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	377.2% ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	32.0% ODI 10501741 · 177,600 mi I OWN A 2001 BMW 325I. THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD INCLUDE ADDING A GROUND WIRE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TEH CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. Look up ODI 10501741 at NHTSA ↗	10.6% ODI 10822491 · 95,000 mi THIRD WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE ON MY 2002 BMW 325 - THREE DIFFERENT WINDOWS. I FINALLY GOT SICK OF IT AND CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE WINDOWS GO DOWN & YOU CAN'T GET THEM BACK UP. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND EASILY FOUND TONS MORE COMPLAINTS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT BMW SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE GOOD ON - IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND ANYONE WHO ALREADY PAID TO FIX IT SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. CHEAP ROTTEN PARTS. HERE'S ONE EXAMPLE OF WHAT I SAW WHEN I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET -. HTTP://REPAIRPA… Look up ODI 10822491 at NHTSA ↗	10.5% ODI 10884446 · 10,075 mi TAKATA RECALL MY CAR AS I WAS DRVING WAS HARD TO TURN MAKING ANOISE Look up ODI 10884446 at NHTSA ↗	32.0% ODI 11266642 · 180,000 mi CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT. MY FRONT END WAS SERVERLY DAMAGED IN THE FIRE. IT WAS TOTALED. Look up ODI 11266642 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	326.2% ODI 10161214 · 6,000 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 BMW 325I ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH A SMALL OBJECT SUCH AS A BOTTLED WATER BOTTLE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF MY CAR AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHERE I DROVE OVER IT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF MY CAR YET THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE "ACCIDENT INDICATORS" HAD FIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE RECEIVER OF MY SEAT BELT REPLACED AT A COST OF $350 DESPITE THERE BEING NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THIS B… Look up ODI 10161214 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	62,000–110,000 mi	85,000 mi	163	ODI 10159607 · 200 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10285031 · 17,000 mi AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT RELEASE WERE SUDDENLY DISABLED. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE REAR LOWER BELT RELEASE MODULE (PART # 72116975363) HAD BEEN MADE NON-OPERATIONAL DUE TO A LIQUID SPILL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR SEAT. THIS CAUSED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND SEAT BELT SYSTEM TO FAIL. THIS ALSO SHORT CIRCUITED THE CABLE (PART #61129130173) BMW STATES THAT THESE PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO " OUTSIDE INFLUENCES". SPILLS INSIDE THE CAR SHOULD NOT DISABLE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT TO THE AIRBAG AND… Look up ODI 10285031 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	60,082–127,000 mi	86,000 mi	57	ODI 10176056 · 850 mi CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, CAR INTERIOR, DELIVERS 110 DEG F AIR TO FLOOR VENTS WHEN IN AUTOMATIC MODE. THE REQUESTED TEMPERATURE IS 70F AND THE ACTUAL TEMPERATURE IS 79F. THIS IS A CONSTANT DEFECT, NOT A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE. BMW ADVISES THE SYSTEM WORKS AS DESIGNED. 2006 BMW 325XI, CAR MILEAGE - 850 MI. JB Look up ODI 10176056 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10188932 · 8,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED DUE TO THE PAINT PEELING. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. ALSO, THE CONSOLE WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE PEELING PAINT. IN MARCH 2007 THE STEERING WHEEL SENSOR FAILED AND WAS REPLACED TWICE. IN ADDITION, THE SUN ROOF FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUN ROOF WERE BOTH CAU… Look up ODI 10188932 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	77,500–143,291 mi	104,500 mi	42	ODI 10474532 · 144,300 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ALUMINUM BOLTS HOLDING THE ENGINE MELTED AND WERE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,300...UPDATED 01/30/13 BF UPDATED 2/5/2013 JS Look up ODI 10474532 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10500042 · 100,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET BOLT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. Look up ODI 10500042 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10500981 · 90,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THAT MULTIPLE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET COVER BOLTS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,197. Look up ODI 10500981 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	38,000–76,250 mi	54,000 mi	40	ODI 10223136 · 38,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK IN 2007. ALL OF THE LOCKS ARE ELECTRONIC AND THERE IS A MASTER UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO DRIVE TO THE SERVICE DEALER IN ORDER TO BE LET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAD TO RESET THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE LOCKS. ON MARCH 22, 2008, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE DOOR LOCKS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE ELECTRIC MIRRORS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT… Look up ODI 10223136 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10235914 · 34,300 mi I WAS INSIDE MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT AND THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE SWITCH ON THE DASH WOULD UNLOCK THE DOORS NOR WOULD THE REMOTE. THE DOOR HANDLES INSIDE THE CAR WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR EITHER. LUCKILY I REMEMBERED THAT IF I HELD DOWN ON ONE OF THE BUTTONS ON THE REMOTE CONTROL THE WINDOWS WOULD OPEN. I THEN HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THE WINDOW. THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAR WAS MORE THAN 100 DEGREES. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. IF I HAD NOT HAD THE REMOTE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR! TR Look up ODI 10235914 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10244022 · 31,400 mi WHILE I WAS TRAVELING OUT OF TOWN MY 2006 BMW 325I HAD A MAJOR LOCKING FAILURE. I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS OF THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. THIS TO ME IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE ALL OTHER DOORS WHERE NOT OPERABLE, THUS NO ONE COULD SAFELY GET OUT OF THE CAR IF WE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, THE SAFETY UNLOCK WOULD NOT HAVE WORKED. *TR Look up ODI 10244022 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	55,000–98,765 mi	81,000 mi	33	ODI 10353644 · 81,000 mi 2006 BMW 325I STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILURE OCCURRED IN MAY 2007. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPLACED MAY 2007. JULY 2010 CAR MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AUG 2010 GOT WHEEL LOCK SYMBOL AGAIN---STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILING AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $130.00 JUST TO CHECK IT OUT--NOT INCLUDING REPAIRS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006 325I SERIES. TR Look up ODI 10353644 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10380077 · 41,600 mi STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON 2006 325I - CAR HAS ONLY 41000+ MILES. NEITHER KEY WOULD WORK TO START THE CAR. BATTERY IN GOOD CONDITION. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STUCK AND SO WAS THE GEAR. NEITHER OF THE KEYS WERE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ON BIMMERFEST.COM AND OTHER CONSUMER WEBSITES. TR Look up ODI 10380077 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10381059 · 84,000 mi STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN RED ON DASH. VEHICLE WHEEL COULD LOCK ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL. *LN Look up ODI 10381059 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	61,200–128,000 mi	90,000 mi	31	ODI 10159607 · 200 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10285031 · 17,000 mi AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT RELEASE WERE SUDDENLY DISABLED. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE REAR LOWER BELT RELEASE MODULE (PART # 72116975363) HAD BEEN MADE NON-OPERATIONAL DUE TO A LIQUID SPILL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR SEAT. THIS CAUSED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM AND SEAT BELT SYSTEM TO FAIL. THIS ALSO SHORT CIRCUITED THE CABLE (PART #61129130173) BMW STATES THAT THESE PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO " OUTSIDE INFLUENCES". SPILLS INSIDE THE CAR SHOULD NOT DISABLE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT TO THE AIRBAG AND… Look up ODI 10285031 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	42,875–70,000 mi	60,000 mi	36	ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10294991 · 66,000 mi MY VEHICLE IS A 2006 325 I BMW. AIR BAG LIGHT IN PASSENGER SEAT WOULD GO ON AND OFF. EVEN IF THERE IS AN ADULT SEATING ON THE SEAT. NOW BOTH THE AIRBAG LIGHT AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ARE ON AT ALL TIMES. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON SOME 2006 3 SERIES BMW FOR THE SAME REASON, BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *TR Look up ODI 10294991 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10310449 · 69,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE SEAT MAT SENSOR. THIS DEFECT LED TO THE FOLLOWING INDICATIONS IN THE VEHICLE: OVERHEAD AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE SYSTEM CHECK WINDOW (DIGITAL DISPLAY BETWEEN TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) INDICATED A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS FAILURE FOR 2006 3 SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST THAT NHTSA AND BMW NEGOTIATED. BM… Look up ODI 10310449 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	75,560–121,250 mi	97,800 mi	20	ODI 10161214 · 6,000 mi WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 BMW 325I ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH A SMALL OBJECT SUCH AS A BOTTLED WATER BOTTLE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF MY CAR AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHERE I DROVE OVER IT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF MY CAR YET THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE "ACCIDENT INDICATORS" HAD FIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE RECEIVER OF MY SEAT BELT REPLACED AT A COST OF $350 DESPITE THERE BEING NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THIS B… Look up ODI 10161214 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10391488 · 71,239 mi DOORS LOCK, BUT ONLY DRIVER DOOR UNLOCKS. USED KEY ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, USED BUTTON ON DASH ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, FOB ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR. OTHER THREE DOORS NOT UNLOCKING. Look up ODI 10391488 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10503258 · 63,000 mi CAR ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS FOR THE VALVE COVER AND THE HEAD BOLTS SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND CAR STARTS TO SHAKE, CHECK ENGINE SIGN LIGHTS, OIL SIGN LIGHTS, ONCE I GAVE IT GAS. OIL IS LEAKING FROM CAR. CAR IS TOWED AND MECHANIC SHOWS ME DAMAGE. BROKEN ALUMINUM BOLTS FELL INSIDE OF ENGINE. BOLT IS WEDGED BETWEEN TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR. THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. KNOWN DEFECT FOR 2006 MODELS, BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT COVER DAMAGE. HAVE CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA THREE TIMES NOW. BMW SWITCHE… Look up ODI 10503258 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	1	None	ODI 11623286 This compliant is regarding the cooling system of BMW 32d5i 2006. Experience overheating of the car. The BMW dealership service department has confirmed that the water pump is at fault. And the quote for water pump replacement is their system. Yes, this is the second recurrency of overheating. Yes, the dashboard indicated overheating. The second warning was October 23,2024. The first warning was several years prior. Look up ODI 11623286 at NHTSA ↗
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	2	None	ODI 11634322 · 130,000 mi The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer offered an inspection but declined to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer refer… Look up ODI 11634322 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11634581 · 140,000 mi The contact owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the A/C became inoperable and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact then noticed an abnormal burning wiring odor, and there was smoke coming out of the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she attempted to pull to the side of the road, but could not safely do so. The contact continued driving and came to a complete stop at the traffic light, where the cabin became engulfed in smoke. The contact then pulled into a business pa… Look up ODI 11634581 at NHTSA ↗
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	1	None	ODI 11669664 The passenger seat occupancy sensor (OC3 mat) on my 2006 BMW 3 Series (VIN: [XXX] ) has failed. As a result, the front passenger airbag is disabled, which poses a serious safety risk. BMW issued a 15-year warranty extension for this issue, acknowledging it as a common failure, but my vehicle is now slightly outside the coverage period. This part is vital for detecting front-seat occupants and enabling the airbag during a crash. I believe BMW should still be required to fix this safety-critical defect, especially in vehicles where the issue was… Look up ODI 11669664 at NHTSA ↗
2025-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	1	None	ODI 11687394 The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during acceleration. Driver safety and that of others is put at risk due to the vehicle suddenly losing power and stoping while being driven. The vehicle was evaluated by the dealer. Warning lamps were intermittent and inconsistent. To my knowledge there is no Valvetronic Actuator or Battery Cable specific warning lamps or messages. There was a 2017 recall for th… Look up ODI 11687394 at NHTSA ↗
2025-10	1	None	ODI 11695308 Since the airbag was not fixed, it has caused PVC meltings as well as leakage Look up ODI 11695308 at NHTSA ↗
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	1	None	ODI 11730424 While driving the vehicle, the blower (A/C) began to cycle on and off. Then I began to smell electrical smoke. Then I began to see smoke coming from vents and where the windshield meets the dashboard, closer to the passenger side. I pulled over and shut off the car as the smoke was getting worse inside the car. I popped the hood and saw smoke coming from the passenger side. I then called 911. Smoke was beginning to billow from engine compartment. As I was talking to the 911 dispatcher, I saw flames beginning in the engine bay close to the fir… Look up ODI 11730424 at NHTSA ↗
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2011: 0 complaints · 2012: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2011	0	0	0
2012	1	1	1

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2011	1	0	0
2012	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Engine	Latches/Locks/Linkages	Steering	Seat Belts	Air Bags:Frontal	Unknown Or Other
Air Bags	—	12 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10444884 · 62,000 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG / SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. THERE WERE MULTIPLE NHTSA RECALLS (PE07-045) AND (EA08-001) BUT MY VIN FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL BECAUSE APPARENTLY I HAVE SPORT SEATS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS SITES ABOUT THIS ISSUE. BMWNA STATED THEY WON'T OFFER TO FIX THE ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. DEALERS CHARGE $1000+ TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR Look up ODI 10444884 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493819 · 135,000 mi I HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE, AS DIAGNOSED BY THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE CODE IS 93C3, AND THE ISSUE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECOGNIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND PARTIALLY REMEDIED WITH EITHER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OR RECALL, ALLOWABLE ON ONLY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBERS. THE RECALL / EXTENDED WARRANTY APPLIES TO PARTICULAR 2006 3 SERIES BMW VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 2006. THE 93C3 SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY FAILURE IN MY VEHICLE CAUSES THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ON THE … Look up ODI 10493819 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10510391 · 74,000 mi 1. SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSORS ARE BROKEN. THE INDICATOR SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HAVE THEIR SEAT BELTS FASTEN. 2. OIL LEAKS FROM PAN GASKET DUE TO THE ALUMINUM BOLTS AND ETC. TR Look up ODI 10510391 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10854809 · 16,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE OIL LEAK FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ASSISTED IN REPAIRS DUE TO A WARRANTY. THE… Look up ODI 10854809 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11045335 · 125,000 mi TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS INC. INFORMING ME OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO AIRBAGRECALL.COM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS ALSO A RECALL FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. I CALLED A BMW DEALERSHIP IN IRVINE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN'T HELP ME BECAUSE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR SYSTEM. Look up ODI 11045335 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	33 ODI 10159607 · 200 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10162083 DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, HITTING A DEER WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO CONTACT'S NECK. AFTER DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE SEATBELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. Look up ODI 10162083 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	8 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10310449 · 69,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE SEAT MAT SENSOR. THIS DEFECT LED TO THE FOLLOWING INDICATIONS IN THE VEHICLE: OVERHEAD AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE SYSTEM CHECK WINDOW (DIGITAL DISPLAY BETWEEN TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) INDICATED A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS FAILURE FOR 2006 3 SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST THAT NHTSA AND BMW NEGOTIATED. BM… Look up ODI 10310449 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10405487 · 82,000 mi MY 2006 BMW 525I PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND IS A BAD SENSOR IN THE SEAT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS FOR OTHER 2006 BMW'S BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS. IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL OF THE OTHER RECALLED ONES. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# IS 08V384000. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDESPREAD THAN THE ONES RECALLED. *TR Look up ODI 10405487 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10557218 · 101,230 mi FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR MAT/PAD FAILURE. INITIAL INQUIRE WITH DEALER RESULTED IN NO COVERAGE OF REPAIRS DUE TO VIN BREAK. AS OF DECEMBER 25, 2013 NHTSA SHOWS THAT ALL EFFECTED BMW 325XI 2006 WILL BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO OWNER. NHTSA CAMPAIGN #: 13V-564 Look up ODI 10557218 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10762478 MY 2006 BMW 325I HAS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS THAT CONTINUE TO COME UP AFTER MUCH TIME & EFFORT HAS BEEN SPENT TO GET THEM FIXED. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT, & THE FLAT TIRE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT HAVE CAUSED MUCH STRESS & FRUSTRATION DUE TO THE ISSUES NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS OTHER INDEPENDENT COMPANIES. I AM WORRIED THAT IF AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR THAT MY SAFETY WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER & THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVERY CAR OWNER UNDERSTANDS. I AM AT A LOSS AT THIS POIN… Look up ODI 10762478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10896102 · 101,400 mi INTTELECTUAL PROPERTY 200.448 FEDERAL AWARD AND SEARCH OF SEARCHING ART FOR SUCH DISCLOSURE Look up ODI 10896102 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	12 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10444884 · 62,000 mi PASSENGER AIRBAG / SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULD NOT GO OUT. THERE WERE MULTIPLE NHTSA RECALLS (PE07-045) AND (EA08-001) BUT MY VIN FALLS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL BECAUSE APPARENTLY I HAVE SPORT SEATS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS SITES ABOUT THIS ISSUE. BMWNA STATED THEY WON'T OFFER TO FIX THE ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. DEALERS CHARGE $1000+ TO FIX THIS DEFECT. *TR Look up ODI 10444884 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493819 · 135,000 mi I HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE, AS DIAGNOSED BY THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE CODE IS 93C3, AND THE ISSUE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECOGNIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND PARTIALLY REMEDIED WITH EITHER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OR RECALL, ALLOWABLE ON ONLY PARTICULAR VIN NUMBERS. THE RECALL / EXTENDED WARRANTY APPLIES TO PARTICULAR 2006 3 SERIES BMW VEHICLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JANUARY 2006. THE 93C3 SEAT MAT OCCUPANCY FAILURE IN MY VEHICLE CAUSES THE AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE ON THE … Look up ODI 10493819 at NHTSA ↗	—	9 ODI 10519733 · 87,000 mi MY CAR WAS HAVING AN OIL LEAK WHEN I SENT MY CAR TO GET CHECK THEY FOUND OUT THE BOLTS ARE BROKEN WHICH I DID MY RESEARCH AND I FOUND OUT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT, BECAUSE THIS BOLTS ARE PLACE NO TO BE TAKEN OFF. THIS LEAKAGE HAS MY CAR GOING CRAZZZY WHEN I WASH MY CAR AND I TURN MY FOG LIGHTS ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH GO ON MY ENGINE GOES OFF AND SMELLS LIKE IS ABOUT TO BURN THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10519733 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11002673 · 271,900 mi CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE GARAGE 2 1/2 HOURS AFTER PARKING. TOTAL LOSS OF CAR WITH DAMAGE TO GARAGE. STARTED IN THE VERY FRONT ENGINE AREA UNDER THE HOOD. WAS BURNED SO BADLY THEY COULD NOT SAY EXACTLY HOW IT STARTED. FIRE MARSHALL SUSPECTED WAS DUE TO POSSIBLE COOLING FAN SHORTAGE. NO ONE WAS AROUND THE CAR AT THE TIME THE FIRE STARTED. AFTER READING OF MULTIPLE BMW FIRES, I WANTED TO REPORT OURS ALSO. Look up ODI 11002673 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11150720 · 190,000 mi I HAVE REPLACED THE CLUTCH, TRANSMISSION, FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, BATTERY, AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR STILL WON'T RUN. ITS BEEN PARKED FOR A YEAR NOW WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 15 DAYS. Look up ODI 11150720 at NHTSA ↗	8 ODI 10330735 · 54,000 mi 2006 BMW 325I DOOR LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE. THE FUSES RELATING THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM KEEP BLOWING OUT. THEY SHOULD RECALL FOR ACTUATOR CHANGE. *TR Look up ODI 10330735 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10396063 · 44,650 mi CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED PREVENTING ANY OF THE 4 DOORS AND FUEL DOOR FROM OPENING. PASSENGERS COULDN'T OPEN THEIR DOORS AND HAD TO CRAWL UP FRONT TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY FOR THEM TO EXIT THE CAR, THE DOORS WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. REPLACED 15A FUSE WITH 20A FUSE AS RECOMMENDED BY BMW DEALER WHICH WORKED FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. PROBLEM RESURFACED SO I INSPECTED THE FUSE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TO DISCOVER IT WAS BLOWN AGAIN. NOW ALL POWER DOOR LOCKS WORK EXCEPT FRONT PASSENGER. THIS ISSUE REALLY NEEDS … Look up ODI 10396063 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10425432 · 60,000 mi MY PASSENGERS AND I WERE TRYING TO GET BACK INTO MY PARKED CAR, BUT WHEN I USED MY KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOORS ONLY THE PASSENGER DOORS UNLOCKED WHILE THE DRIVER'S DOOR DIDN'T. I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR BY USING THE LOCK/ UNLOCK BUTTON LOCATED IN THE CAR. THIS DID NOT WORK, AND IT LOCKED THE PASSENGER DOORS AGAIN. I THEN TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SIMULTANEOUSLY BY TRYING THE KEY FOB AND THE MANUAL LOCK/ UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE OF THE CAR A FEW MORE TIMES, BUT NONE OF THE DOORS UNLOCKED THIS TIME. WE ALL HEARD THE CAR ATTEMPTING TO LOCK… Look up ODI 10425432 at NHTSA ↗	9 ODI 10465436 · 117,000 mi THE VEHICLES ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM HAS FAILED AND VEHICLE WILL NOT UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NOR START THE VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IN PLACE. HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE BOARD WITH MY SAME PARTICULAR MY (2006) CAN EASILY BE FOUND BY A SIMPLE SEARCH ON ANY GIVEN BMW BLOG/FORUM. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT HAD LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING?? NOT SAFE AT ALL AND WILL CERTAINLY TRY EVERYTHING I CAN TO RECOUP THE $1000+ I WILL BE SPENDING FROM BMW FOR THE LABOR/REPAIR THAT IT WILL … Look up ODI 10465436 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10472820 · 80,000 mi TRIED TO START CAR, PUT KEY IN, PRESSED START BUTTON AND AN AMBER PADLOCK ICON APPEARED OVER A STEERING WHEEL ICON - CAR WON'T START. TR Look up ODI 10472820 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10473274 · 82,000 mi THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK WAS YELLOW, THEN WENT RED AND WOULD NOT START. MY MECHANIC GOT HIT TO GO BACK TO YELLOW, TOOK IT TO BMW AND THEY SAID THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOOK THE CAR HOME AND TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE COLUMN, BUT IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. EVERYONE TELLS ME THE CASE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TR Look up ODI 10473274 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10547893 · 60,900 mi BATTERY WAS LOW AND WOULDN'T START JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT TENSIONER IS BAD. HAS A SEAT BELT WITH AIRBAG SYMBOL ON THE DASH...PLUS THE VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING A SYMBOL WITH A STEERING WHEEL WITH ARROWS THEN THE CAR WON'T START UNTIL I SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES...WAS STRANDED FOR HOURS THEN FINALLY IT STARTED. BMW HAS VERY LOW QUALITY AND PROBLEMS. THIS IS BECOMING VERY UNSAFE AND NOT SURE IF I WANT MY FAMILY IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. TR Look up ODI 10547893 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10548736 · 104,000 mi THE REAR DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING - THE HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE - THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ACTUATORS REPLACED. BMW WILL NOT FIX THE ACTUATORS EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT BEFORE, IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED TWO TIMES BY BMW. TR Look up ODI 10548736 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	8 ODI 10391488 · 71,239 mi DOORS LOCK, BUT ONLY DRIVER DOOR UNLOCKS. USED KEY ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, USED BUTTON ON DASH ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, FOB ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR. OTHER THREE DOORS NOT UNLOCKING. Look up ODI 10391488 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10789415 DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE THE CAR USING DOOR HANDLE OR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN DASH OR FOB UNLOCK BUTTON. INABILITY TO OPEN DOORS IN THE CASE OF FIRE, ACCIDENT, OR EMERGENCY CAN CAUSE INJURIES OR DEATH TO DRIVER. BMW DISCONTINUE THE PART NUMBERS FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AND SUGGEST IN THE SERVICE MANUAL IN CASE OF FRONT DOORS LOCKS FAILURE (EITHER ONE OR BOTH DOORS) TO REPLACE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK LACHES WITH NEW PART NUMBERS. OLD PART NUMBERS 51217202143 AND 51217202146; NEW PART NUMBERS 512172294… Look up ODI 10789415 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10944189 · 125,000 mi THE FUSES FOR THE DOOR LOCKS BLEW FOR SOME REASON WHICH MADE THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR DOORS INOPERATIBLE BASICALLY TRAPPING PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE MAIN DOOR LOCK OR PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE ONCE TO UNLOCK AND TWICE TOO OPEN AND EXIT THE CAR. Look up ODI 10944189 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	3 ODI 10510391 · 74,000 mi 1. SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSORS ARE BROKEN. THE INDICATOR SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER HAVE THEIR SEAT BELTS FASTEN. 2. OIL LEAKS FROM PAN GASKET DUE TO THE ALUMINUM BOLTS AND ETC. TR Look up ODI 10510391 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10854809 · 16,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM AN UNKNOWN SOURCE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT COULD NOT PROVIDE DETAILS OF THE OIL LEAK FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ASSISTED IN REPAIRS DUE TO A WARRANTY. THE… Look up ODI 10854809 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11045335 · 125,000 mi TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM TK HOLDINGS INC. INFORMING ME OF A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE. I WENT TO AIRBAGRECALL.COM AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS ALSO A RECALL FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. I CALLED A BMW DEALERSHIP IN IRVINE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY CAN'T HELP ME BECAUSE IT DOESN'T SHOW UP ON THEIR SYSTEM. Look up ODI 11045335 at NHTSA ↗	9 ODI 10519733 · 87,000 mi MY CAR WAS HAVING AN OIL LEAK WHEN I SENT MY CAR TO GET CHECK THEY FOUND OUT THE BOLTS ARE BROKEN WHICH I DID MY RESEARCH AND I FOUND OUT IS A MANUFACTURES DEFECT, BECAUSE THIS BOLTS ARE PLACE NO TO BE TAKEN OFF. THIS LEAKAGE HAS MY CAR GOING CRAZZZY WHEN I WASH MY CAR AND I TURN MY FOG LIGHTS ON ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH GO ON MY ENGINE GOES OFF AND SMELLS LIKE IS ABOUT TO BURN THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10519733 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11002673 · 271,900 mi CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE GARAGE 2 1/2 HOURS AFTER PARKING. TOTAL LOSS OF CAR WITH DAMAGE TO GARAGE. STARTED IN THE VERY FRONT ENGINE AREA UNDER THE HOOD. WAS BURNED SO BADLY THEY COULD NOT SAY EXACTLY HOW IT STARTED. FIRE MARSHALL SUSPECTED WAS DUE TO POSSIBLE COOLING FAN SHORTAGE. NO ONE WAS AROUND THE CAR AT THE TIME THE FIRE STARTED. AFTER READING OF MULTIPLE BMW FIRES, I WANTED TO REPORT OURS ALSO. Look up ODI 11002673 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11150720 · 190,000 mi I HAVE REPLACED THE CLUTCH, TRANSMISSION, FUEL PUMP, SPARK PLUGS, BATTERY, AND ALTERNATOR AND MY CAR STILL WON'T RUN. ITS BEEN PARKED FOR A YEAR NOW WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 15 DAYS. Look up ODI 11150720 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	2 ODI 10795200 · 125,000 mi BELT TENSIONER BOLT BROKE OFF CAUSING SERPENTINE BELT TO SLIP OFF CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL. CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE NO DOCUMENTATION YET BECAUSE CAR HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED AND IS IN REPAIR SHOP NOW. I FOUND ONLINE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AS WELL. Look up ODI 10795200 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11140467 · 172,000 mi ENGINE SUDDENLY SHOT OFF COMPLETE STALL - LOST POWER STEERING ON FREEWAY WHILE GOING 70 MPH Look up ODI 11140467 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	3 ODI 10503258 · 63,000 mi CAR ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS FOR THE VALVE COVER AND THE HEAD BOLTS SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND CAR STARTS TO SHAKE, CHECK ENGINE SIGN LIGHTS, OIL SIGN LIGHTS, ONCE I GAVE IT GAS. OIL IS LEAKING FROM CAR. CAR IS TOWED AND MECHANIC SHOWS ME DAMAGE. BROKEN ALUMINUM BOLTS FELL INSIDE OF ENGINE. BOLT IS WEDGED BETWEEN TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR. THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. KNOWN DEFECT FOR 2006 MODELS, BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT COVER DAMAGE. HAVE CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA THREE TIMES NOW. BMW SWITCHE… Look up ODI 10503258 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11174886 · 130,000 mi I WAS SITTING IN CLASS WHEN A RECEIVED A CALL THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE TO PUT IT OUT. THEY OPENED MY CAR WITH MY KEYS AND PUT OUT THE FIRE AS I RUSHED BACK TO MY HOUSE TO MEET THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DAMAGE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS POINT ALONG WITH HOW IT STARTED. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR TWO DAYS AND WAS PARKED ON THE STREET OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER/IN MY ENGINE AND THEY LUCKILY GO THERE FAST ENOUGH WHERE THE ONLY VISIBLE DAMAGE WAS SOME MELTING WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN GIVIN… Look up ODI 11174886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11254039 · 127,000 mi I HAVE A RECALL ON THE HEATER DEVICES, NOT QUIT SURE WHAT THAT IS BUT IT CAN CAUSE MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF OVER HEATING I'M VERY SCARED OF DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIXED A SOON AS POSSIBLE, ITS NICE CAR AND I'VE PUT A LOT OF MONEY IN IT ALREADY, TRYING TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD,ITS MY WORK TRANSPORTATION. Look up ODI 11254039 at NHTSA ↗
Latches/Locks/Linkages	0	8 ODI 10330735 · 54,000 mi 2006 BMW 325I DOOR LOCK SYSTEM FAILURE. THE FUSES RELATING THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM KEEP BLOWING OUT. THEY SHOULD RECALL FOR ACTUATOR CHANGE. *TR Look up ODI 10330735 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10396063 · 44,650 mi CENTRAL DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED PREVENTING ANY OF THE 4 DOORS AND FUEL DOOR FROM OPENING. PASSENGERS COULDN'T OPEN THEIR DOORS AND HAD TO CRAWL UP FRONT TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY FOR THEM TO EXIT THE CAR, THE DOORS WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. REPLACED 15A FUSE WITH 20A FUSE AS RECOMMENDED BY BMW DEALER WHICH WORKED FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. PROBLEM RESURFACED SO I INSPECTED THE FUSE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED TO DISCOVER IT WAS BLOWN AGAIN. NOW ALL POWER DOOR LOCKS WORK EXCEPT FRONT PASSENGER. THIS ISSUE REALLY NEEDS … Look up ODI 10396063 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10425432 · 60,000 mi MY PASSENGERS AND I WERE TRYING TO GET BACK INTO MY PARKED CAR, BUT WHEN I USED MY KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOORS ONLY THE PASSENGER DOORS UNLOCKED WHILE THE DRIVER'S DOOR DIDN'T. I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S DOOR BY USING THE LOCK/ UNLOCK BUTTON LOCATED IN THE CAR. THIS DID NOT WORK, AND IT LOCKED THE PASSENGER DOORS AGAIN. I THEN TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS SIMULTANEOUSLY BY TRYING THE KEY FOB AND THE MANUAL LOCK/ UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE OF THE CAR A FEW MORE TIMES, BUT NONE OF THE DOORS UNLOCKED THIS TIME. WE ALL HEARD THE CAR ATTEMPTING TO LOCK… Look up ODI 10425432 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	1 ODI 10548736 · 104,000 mi THE REAR DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING - THE HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE - THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ACTUATORS REPLACED. BMW WILL NOT FIX THE ACTUATORS EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT BEFORE, IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED TWO TIMES BY BMW. *TR Look up ODI 10548736 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Steering	0	9 ODI 10465436 · 117,000 mi THE VEHICLES ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MECHANISM HAS FAILED AND VEHICLE WILL NOT UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NOR START THE VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IN PLACE. HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE BOARD WITH MY SAME PARTICULAR MY (2006) CAN EASILY BE FOUND BY A SIMPLE SEARCH ON ANY GIVEN BMW BLOG/FORUM. THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL. WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF IT HAD LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING?? NOT SAFE AT ALL AND WILL CERTAINLY TRY EVERYTHING I CAN TO RECOUP THE $1000+ I WILL BE SPENDING FROM BMW FOR THE LABOR/REPAIR THAT IT WILL … Look up ODI 10465436 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10472820 · 80,000 mi TRIED TO START CAR, PUT KEY IN, PRESSED START BUTTON AND AN AMBER PADLOCK ICON APPEARED OVER A STEERING WHEEL ICON - CAR WON'T START. TR Look up ODI 10472820 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10473274 · 82,000 mi THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK WAS YELLOW, THEN WENT RED AND WOULD NOT START. MY MECHANIC GOT HIT TO GO BACK TO YELLOW, TOOK IT TO BMW AND THEY SAID THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TOOK THE CAR HOME AND TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE COLUMN, BUT IT DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. EVERYONE TELLS ME THE CASE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TR Look up ODI 10473274 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10795200 · 125,000 mi BELT TENSIONER BOLT BROKE OFF CAUSING SERPENTINE BELT TO SLIP OFF CAUSING ENGINE TO FAIL. CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN CAR STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE NO DOCUMENTATION YET BECAUSE CAR HAS JUST BEEN DIAGNOSED AND IS IN REPAIR SHOP NOW. I FOUND ONLINE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AS WELL. Look up ODI 10795200 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11140467 · 172,000 mi ENGINE SUDDENLY SHOT OFF COMPLETE STALL - LOST POWER STEERING ON FREEWAY WHILE GOING 70 MPH Look up ODI 11140467 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 11475609 Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out of the window, thank God it was not a fire or flood! I was able to fix that problem myself. note: Steering Lock Malfunction is a widespread problem! … Look up ODI 11475609 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	33 ODI 10159607 · 200 mi DT: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - NM Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10162083 DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, HITTING A DEER WHICH CAUSED INJURIES TO CONTACT'S NECK. AFTER DURING THE ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE ACCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE SEATBELT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. Look up ODI 10162083 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10547893 · 60,900 mi BATTERY WAS LOW AND WOULDN'T START JUMP STARTED THE CAR AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT TENSIONER IS BAD. HAS A SEAT BELT WITH AIRBAG SYMBOL ON THE DASH...PLUS THE VEHICLE STARTED SHOWING A SYMBOL WITH A STEERING WHEEL WITH ARROWS THEN THE CAR WON'T START UNTIL I SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL SEVERAL TIMES...WAS STRANDED FOR HOURS THEN FINALLY IT STARTED. BMW HAS VERY LOW QUALITY AND PROBLEMS. THIS IS BECOMING VERY UNSAFE AND NOT SURE IF I WANT MY FAMILY IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE. TR Look up ODI 10547893 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10548736 · 104,000 mi THE REAR DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING - THE HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE - THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ACTUATORS REPLACED. BMW WILL NOT FIX THE ACTUATORS EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT BEFORE, IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED TWO TIMES BY BMW. TR Look up ODI 10548736 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10548736 · 104,000 mi THE REAR DOOR LOCK IS NOT WORKING - THE HANDLES DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE - THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. SO FAR I HAVE HAD THE FRONT DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ACTUATORS REPLACED. BMW WILL NOT FIX THE ACTUATORS EVEN THOUGH THE PART HAS BEEN CHANGED OUT BEFORE, IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND THE ACTUATORS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED TWO TIMES BY BMW. *TR Look up ODI 10548736 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	1 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10762478 MY 2006 BMW 325I HAS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS THAT CONTINUE TO COME UP AFTER MUCH TIME & EFFORT HAS BEEN SPENT TO GET THEM FIXED. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT, & THE FLAT TIRE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT HAVE CAUSED MUCH STRESS & FRUSTRATION DUE TO THE ISSUES NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS OTHER INDEPENDENT COMPANIES. I AM WORRIED THAT IF AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR THAT MY SAFETY WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER & THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVERY CAR OWNER UNDERSTANDS. I AM AT A LOSS AT THIS POIN… Look up ODI 10762478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11063045 · 90,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHTS ON WITHOUT CRASH ALSO SEAT BELT LIGHT ON. Look up ODI 11063045 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags:Frontal	8 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10310449 · 69,000 mi I HAVE A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE SEAT MAT SENSOR. THIS DEFECT LED TO THE FOLLOWING INDICATIONS IN THE VEHICLE: OVERHEAD AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE SYSTEM CHECK WINDOW (DIGITAL DISPLAY BETWEEN TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) INDICATED A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS FAILURE FOR 2006 3 SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST THAT NHTSA AND BMW NEGOTIATED. BM… Look up ODI 10310449 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10405487 · 82,000 mi MY 2006 BMW 525I PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND IS A BAD SENSOR IN THE SEAT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS FOR OTHER 2006 BMW'S BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS. IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS ALL OF THE OTHER RECALLED ONES. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID# IS 08V384000. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS MORE WIDESPREAD THAN THE ONES RECALLED. *TR Look up ODI 10405487 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH IN TRAFFIC ON FRIDAY, OCT. 31, 2008, AT 5 P.M., IN HOUSTON,WHEN MY 2006 BMW 325I BEGAN SMOKING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND BURST INTO FLAMES BY THE TIME I GOT IT PARKED. I FIRST NOTICED THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN FILLING THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOTALED BY THE TIME THE HFD ARRIVED. THE CAR WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HAD NO RECENT SERVICE OR PROBLEMS. IT HAD NO PREVIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE AC JUST BEGAN BLOWING WARM AIR, AND SMOKE STARTED POURING INTO THE COM… Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Unknown Or Other	7 ODI 10557218 · 101,230 mi FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR MAT/PAD FAILURE. INITIAL INQUIRE WITH DEALER RESULTED IN NO COVERAGE OF REPAIRS DUE TO VIN BREAK. AS OF DECEMBER 25, 2013 NHTSA SHOWS THAT ALL EFFECTED BMW 325XI 2006 WILL BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO OWNER. NHTSA CAMPAIGN #: 13V-564 Look up ODI 10557218 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10762478 MY 2006 BMW 325I HAS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS THAT CONTINUE TO COME UP AFTER MUCH TIME & EFFORT HAS BEEN SPENT TO GET THEM FIXED. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT, & THE FLAT TIRE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT HAVE CAUSED MUCH STRESS & FRUSTRATION DUE TO THE ISSUES NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS OTHER INDEPENDENT COMPANIES. I AM WORRIED THAT IF AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR THAT MY SAFETY WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER & THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVERY CAR OWNER UNDERSTANDS. I AM AT A LOSS AT THIS POIN… Look up ODI 10762478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10896102 · 101,400 mi INTTELECTUAL PROPERTY 200.448 FEDERAL AWARD AND SEARCH OF SEARCHING ART FOR SUCH DISCLOSURE Look up ODI 10896102 at NHTSA ↗	8 ODI 10391488 · 71,239 mi DOORS LOCK, BUT ONLY DRIVER DOOR UNLOCKS. USED KEY ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, USED BUTTON ON DASH ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR, FOB ONLY UNLOCKED DRIVERS DOOR. OTHER THREE DOORS NOT UNLOCKING. Look up ODI 10391488 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10789415 DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK FROM INSIDE THE CAR USING DOOR HANDLE OR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IN DASH OR FOB UNLOCK BUTTON. INABILITY TO OPEN DOORS IN THE CASE OF FIRE, ACCIDENT, OR EMERGENCY CAN CAUSE INJURIES OR DEATH TO DRIVER. BMW DISCONTINUE THE PART NUMBERS FOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AND SUGGEST IN THE SERVICE MANUAL IN CASE OF FRONT DOORS LOCKS FAILURE (EITHER ONE OR BOTH DOORS) TO REPLACE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK LACHES WITH NEW PART NUMBERS. OLD PART NUMBERS 51217202143 AND 51217202146; NEW PART NUMBERS 512172294… Look up ODI 10789415 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10944189 · 125,000 mi THE FUSES FOR THE DOOR LOCKS BLEW FOR SOME REASON WHICH MADE THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR DOORS INOPERATIBLE BASICALLY TRAPPING PASSENGERS IN THE CAR. THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE MAIN DOOR LOCK OR PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE ONCE TO UNLOCK AND TWICE TOO OPEN AND EXIT THE CAR. Look up ODI 10944189 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10503258 · 63,000 mi CAR ONLY HAS 63,000 MILES. THE ALUMINUM BOLTS FOR THE VALVE COVER AND THE HEAD BOLTS SHEARED OFF WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND CAR STARTS TO SHAKE, CHECK ENGINE SIGN LIGHTS, OIL SIGN LIGHTS, ONCE I GAVE IT GAS. OIL IS LEAKING FROM CAR. CAR IS TOWED AND MECHANIC SHOWS ME DAMAGE. BROKEN ALUMINUM BOLTS FELL INSIDE OF ENGINE. BOLT IS WEDGED BETWEEN TIMING CHAIN AND GEAR. THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. KNOWN DEFECT FOR 2006 MODELS, BUT BMW NORTH AMERICA WILL NOT COVER DAMAGE. HAVE CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA THREE TIMES NOW. BMW SWITCHE… Look up ODI 10503258 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11174886 · 130,000 mi I WAS SITTING IN CLASS WHEN A RECEIVED A CALL THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS THERE TO PUT IT OUT. THEY OPENED MY CAR WITH MY KEYS AND PUT OUT THE FIRE AS I RUSHED BACK TO MY HOUSE TO MEET THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DAMAGE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS POINT ALONG WITH HOW IT STARTED. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR TWO DAYS AND WAS PARKED ON THE STREET OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER/IN MY ENGINE AND THEY LUCKILY GO THERE FAST ENOUGH WHERE THE ONLY VISIBLE DAMAGE WAS SOME MELTING WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN GIVIN… Look up ODI 11174886 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11254039 · 127,000 mi I HAVE A RECALL ON THE HEATER DEVICES, NOT QUIT SURE WHAT THAT IS BUT IT CAN CAUSE MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. I'VE ALREADY REPLACED THE COOLANT SYSTEM BECAUSE OF OVER HEATING I'M VERY SCARED OF DRIVING THE CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIXED A SOON AS POSSIBLE, ITS NICE CAR AND I'VE PUT A LOT OF MONEY IN IT ALREADY, TRYING TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD,ITS MY WORK TRANSPORTATION. Look up ODI 11254039 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 11475609 Vehicle Steering Lock Malfunction - Car does not start and stuck in Park. Cannot move steering wheel which is locked. This is a design defect that needs to be addressed. Vehicle is rendered inoperative! Cannot move or start it! approx. mileage 105k. This is a new problem besides the current recall which has not been available yet. I've also been locked out of this vehicle and had to climb out of the window, thank God it was not a fire or flood! I was able to fix that problem myself. note: Steering Lock Malfunction is a widespread problem! … Look up ODI 11475609 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10762478 MY 2006 BMW 325I HAS DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS THAT CONTINUE TO COME UP AFTER MUCH TIME & EFFORT HAS BEEN SPENT TO GET THEM FIXED. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT, THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT, & THE FLAT TIRE MONITOR WARNING LIGHT HAVE CAUSED MUCH STRESS & FRUSTRATION DUE TO THE ISSUES NOT BEING ADDRESSED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WITH THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS OTHER INDEPENDENT COMPANIES. I AM WORRIED THAT IF AN ACCIDENT DOES OCCUR THAT MY SAFETY WILL BE IN GREAT DANGER & THIS IS SOMETHING THAT EVERY CAR OWNER UNDERSTANDS. I AM AT A LOSS AT THIS POIN… Look up ODI 10762478 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11063045 · 90,000 mi AIR BAG LIGHTS ON WITHOUT CRASH ALSO SEAT BELT LIGHT ON. Look up ODI 11063045 at NHTSA ↗	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

8 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

89 mentions · 17.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 71,000 mi (81 usable records).

ODI 10132656 · 1,300 mi

DT: CONSUMER OWNS 2006 BMW 325I SEDAN. VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA TIRES, 205/55R16. A LOW PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT COULD BE DRIVEN UP TO 90 MILES AT 50 MPH. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, WHICH WAS ABOUT 8 MILES AWAY, AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND DROVE VERY CAREFULLY. DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT BMW TOLD HIM THAT RUN FLAT TIRES HAVE BEEN DRIVEN ON LOWER TIRE PRESSURE AND WERE NOT REUSABLE OR REPAIRABLE. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY $229.43 FOR A NEW TIRE. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE…

Look up ODI 10132656 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10206513 · 1,608 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE (MODEL UNKNOWN), SIZE 205/55R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE TIRE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE. FURTHERMORE, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS BLISTERED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. AS OF OCTOBER 22, 2007, THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE TIRES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,608 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,700. UPD…

Look up ODI 10206513 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10310449 · 69,000 mi

I HAVE A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES THAT HAD A DEFECTIVE SEAT MAT SENSOR. THIS DEFECT LED TO THE FOLLOWING INDICATIONS IN THE VEHICLE: OVERHEAD AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE RED AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND THE SYSTEM CHECK WINDOW (DIGITAL DISPLAY BETWEEN TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER) INDICATED A FAULT WITH THE AIRBAG. THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS FAILURE FOR 2006 3 SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS, CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE LIST THAT NHTSA AND BMW NEGOTIATED. BM…

Look up ODI 10310449 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Steering assistance concerns

24 mentions · 4.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 91,000 mi (21 usable records).

ODI 10353644 · 81,000 mi

2006 BMW 325I STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILURE OCCURRED IN MAY 2007. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REPLACED MAY 2007. JULY 2010 CAR MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. AUG 2010 GOT WHEEL LOCK SYMBOL AGAIN---STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAILING AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME. TOOK CAR TO DEALER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $130.00 JUST TO CHECK IT OUT--NOT INCLUDING REPAIRS. I THINK THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2006 325I SERIES. *TR

Look up ODI 10353644 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10380077 · 41,600 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON 2006 325I - CAR HAS ONLY 41000+ MILES. NEITHER KEY WOULD WORK TO START THE CAR. BATTERY IN GOOD CONDITION. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STUCK AND SO WAS THE GEAR. NEITHER OF THE KEYS WERE ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ON BIMMERFEST.COM AND OTHER CONSUMER WEBSITES. *TR

Look up ODI 10380077 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10381059 · 84,000 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN RED ON DASH. VEHICLE WHEEL COULD LOCK ACCORDING TO THE OWNERS MANUAL. *LN

Look up ODI 10381059 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

10 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,500 mi (10 usable records).

ODI 10164838 · 4,995 mi

Look up ODI 10164838 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168575 · 2,400 mi

2006 BMW 325I, APPROX. 2400 MILES. RETURNING TO OFFICE FROM LUNCH, SLOWED TO APPROACH SPEED BUMPS THAT ALIGN PARKING STALL THAT I WAS GOING TO PULL INTO. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE STALL (APPROX. 5-10 MPH), I STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL WAS SOFT (NORMALLY VERY STIFF). I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IT FELT LIKE IT INCREASED IN SPEED SLIGHTLY BEFORE CRASHING INTO THE WALL AND A 4" STEEL DOWNSPOUT. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES. TESTED BRAKES AFTERWARDS AND THEY FELT NORMAL. …

Look up ODI 10168575 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10458104 · 50,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT 76 MPH. AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL FAILED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. TH…

Look up ODI 10458104 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

8 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10401016 · 50,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE DEALER STATED THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Look up ODI 10401016 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10449088 · 98,000 mi

RED STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION THE CAR WON'T START DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION I HAVE TOO GET IT TOWED DOWN TO THE DEALER. *TR

Look up ODI 10449088 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10469243 · 92,000 mi

TODAY MY BMW 325I WAS GIVING ME A TROUBLE SYMBOL WITH A RED STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK WITH THE NUMBER 1 IN IT. I WAS PARKED AT GAS STATION GETTING GAS AND WHEN I TRIED TO CRANK THE CAR BACK UP IT WOULD NOT START. I HAVE BEEN READING HUNDREDS OF OTHER BLOGS ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE THE CAR 70 MILES TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS SHOULD CERTAINLY BE A RECALL!!! SHAME ON YOU BMW FOR NOT ADMITTING THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. WHAT IF THE STEERI…

Look up ODI 10469243 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Brake response concerns

5 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 15,522 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10164838 · 4,995 mi

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ODI 10168575 · 2,400 mi

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ODI 10202756 · 15,522 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE PEDAL BECOMES STUCK AT LOW SPEEDS. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURS WHEN STOPPING OR PARKING. THE PEDAL RELEASES SUDDENLY INSTEAD OF GRADUALLY AND OCCURS EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 15,522. THE CONSUMER STATED HE SENT DOCUMENTS AND ATTACHMENTS ALONG WITH THE QUESTIONNAIRE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND THEM ON THE WEBSITE. UPDATED 10/10/07. *JB

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Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

3 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 195,448 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11395176 · 161,000 mi

MY CAR IS LEAKING GAS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE GARAGE BECAUSE OF THE GASOLINE SMELL. MY SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AND MY MECHANIC SAID THAT I NEED NEW SEATBELTS.

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ODI 11481921

I'm starting to lose gas mileage and a very strong smell of gas inside and outside of car .

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ODI 11540074 · 229,896 mi

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325I. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance. The mechanic informed the contact that vehicles older than 2013 were not serviced by the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a fuel leak. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while adding fuel, he noticed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 229,896.

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Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 62,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10295315 · 58,000 mi

WITHOUT WARNING OR INDICATION OF A PENDING FAILURE, THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK ALL FOUR DOORS. THE LOCK/UNLOCK SWITCH ON THE DASH WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS NOR WOULD THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY REMOTE. THE ONLY DOOR THAT CAN BE UNLOCKED IS THE DRIVER?S DOOR AND ONLY WHEN USING THE INTEGRATED KEY DIRECTLY WITH THE EXTERIOR OF THE DOOR OR USING THE ?DOUBLE JERK? MECHANISM (MECHANICAL OVERRIDE) OF THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. NONE OF THE PASSENGERS DOORS HAVE THE ?DOUBLE JERK? MECHANISM (MECHANICAL OVERRIDE) AND ANYBODY RIDING AS A PASS…

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ODI 10373351 · 62,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE TRANSMISSION PAN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A TICKING SOUND AND JERKED WHEN IT WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN AND FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE PAN WAS MADE OF PLASTIC AND HAD A TENDENCY TO BECOME WARPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABOVE THE PAN FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL. THE FAILURE MILEA…

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ODI 11340277 · 154,000 mi

I WAS TRAVELING TO A LOCAL STORE. MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED,RADIO TURNED OFF WHILE LIGHTS ON DASH FLICKERED ON AND OFF. I LOST POWER TEMPORARILY AND I BEGAN SMELLING WIRES. I ALSO NOTICE A 'POP' AS I ATTEMPTED TO PULL OVER AND NOTICE NO BRAKE OPERATIONS SO I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP WITH MY 2 YEAR OLD IN THE BACKSEAT. I STARTED MY FLASHERS AND TURN OFF CAR TO SEARCH FOR SMELL. IT SEEMS LIKE DASH BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY SMOKE. I GET BACK IN CAR AND ATTEMPT TO START IT AND NOTHING! I STILL HAVE POWER SO I WAS CONFUSED, I CHECK TRUNK ULTIMATELY AND REMOVE…

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Matching rule

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 69,950 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10439239 · 69,950 mi

NOTICED ALUMINUM HEADBOLT HAD BROKEN OFF AND CAUSED AN OIL LEAK CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE HEAD ON THE OIL FILTER SIDE OF THE BLOCK, CAUSING A BURNING OIL SMELL AS OIL FOUND ITS WAY TO THE BURNING HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD, THANKFULLY, IT DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE BUT I FEEL THAT IT EASILY COULD WHILE DRIVING AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SHOULD I OR SOMEONE ELSE PANICKED AS IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED, BMW HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS ISSUE IN TSB'S AND ALREADY RECTIFIED THE ISSUE IN THE 2007 MODELS OF THE EXACT SAME CARS. IF BMW DOES NOT RECTIFY THIS ISSUE, M…

Look up ODI 10439239 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b