U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Bmw 325XI problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

68 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

67,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 53 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 15 of 68 complaints (22.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Electrical and battery issues	9	13.2%
Braking behavior	4	5.9%
Transmission and shifting	2	2.9%
Steering behavior	2	2.9%
Engine operation	1	1.5%

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.

Electrical System

Engine

Air Bags

Suspension

Exterior Lighting

Steering

Power Train

Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Electrical System: 15; Engine: 15; Air Bags: 12; Suspension: 9; Exterior Lighting: 8; Steering: 7; Power Train: 4; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights: 3

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

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 18; 75,000 to 99,999: 11; 100,000 to 149,999: 6; 150,000 and above: 6

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (18). 15 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.

2003

2004

2006

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2022

2003: 3; 2004: 3; 2006: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 6; 2010: 1; 2011: 7; 2012: 2; 2013: 23; 2014: 4; 2015: 4; 2016: 7; 2017: 5; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 9 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 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 10090843 · 2004-09-11 (September 11, 2004)

(1) PARKED AT A LIGHT. (2) LIGHT CHANGED, I ACCELERATED, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, VARIOUS DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, I NURSED THE CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, AND PULLED OVER. TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED, DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. AFTER TALKING WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I REACHED THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE. WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON BUT ENGINE POWER WAS BACK AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME. (3) DEALER RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH EXPLAINED THE ENGINE FAILURE AS AN ELECTRICAL FAU…

Owner-reported narrative. 75,551 miles reported. Look up ODI 10090843 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10267357 · 2009-04-30 (April 30, 2009)

2002 BMW 325 XI THE WARNING LIGHT FOR A BULB-OUT OR THE FAST BLINK FOR THE TURN SIGNALS COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE GROUNDING OF THE TAIL LIGHTS. THE WIRING HARNESS MELTS. MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO FIX OUTSIDE WARRANTY. CHARGE TO REPAIR - $450. BMW SERVICE BULLETIN: SI B 63 03 06 PARTS NEEDED: 12 52 7 519 956 8-PIN CONNECTOR HOUSING 12 52 0 007 171 BLADE CONTACT SLK 2.8 WITH A WIRE LENGTH OF 500 MM, 1.0 MM 12 52 1 433 217 BLADE CONTACT SLK 2.8 WITHOUT WIRE FOR A CABLE CROSS SEC…

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10267357 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10316038 · 2010-03-03 (March 3, 2010)

THE TAIL LIGHTS ELECTRIC CONNECTOR MODULE IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. IT IS BURNED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS A RESULT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL. THIS FAILURE HAS PREVIOUSLY HAPPENED ON THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS AS WELL. THE CAUSE WAS SIMILAR. THE GROUND CABLE AND ELECTRIC CONNECTOR WERE BURNED OUT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 74,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10316038 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10436836 · 2011-11-23 (November 23, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE REAR LIGHTS FUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10436836 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10493117 · 2013-01-15 (January 15, 2013)

NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 35,637 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10732189 · 2015-07-06 (July 6, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THERE WAS A THREE SECOND DELAYED RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE RPMS BEGAN TO INCREASE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAI…

Owner-reported narrative. 160,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10732189 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10492981 · 2013-01-14 (January 14, 2013)

NOTICED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE 2 REAR SPRINGS WERE BROKEN IN HALF SO REPLACED THE REAR SPRINGS. ALSO, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SWAY BARS AND LINKS WERE WORN AND HAD PLAY. REPLACED ALSO. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 65,826 miles reported. Look up ODI 10492981 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10492984 · 2013-01-14 (January 14, 2013)

FOUND LEAK ON FLOOR. TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK LEAKING FLUID. REPLACED POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK. FILLED AND BLED SYSTEM. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 52,770 miles reported. Look up ODI 10492984 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10267676 · 2009-05-04 (May 4, 2009)

2002 BMW 325 XI HAVING NEW WATER PUMP AND FAN CLUTCH REPLACED AND OIL CHANGE (4/27/09). AFTER 15 MINUTES DRIVE ON I-90 (4/28/09) THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP ON THE MIDDLE OF I-90 NEAR EXIT 11A. NEAR COLLISION WITH A BIG TRUCK THAT CAUSE TRAFFIC STOP. MANAGE TO GET INTO THE MASPIKE TOLL PLAZA, THE ENGINE DAMAGE AND OVERHEATED. CAR TOWED BACK TO DEALER, THEY HAVE THE OLD PUMP, NEW PUMP, FAN CLUTCHES (OLD AND NEW). THE CAR NEARLY GOT HIT BY A TRUCK THAT MAY CAUSE FATAL. THE ENGINE THAT HAVE THE PARTS REPLACE TO PREVENT THE ENGINE OVERHEAT OVERHEATE…

Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10267676 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

77.9%Usable mileage53 / 68 records

98.5%Valid incident date67 / 68 records

100.0%Valid filing date68 / 68 records

98.5%Ordered incident and filing dates67 / 68 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	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012
Air Bags	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	214.3% ODI 10730465 I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 BMW 325XI VEHICLE. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH. THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY TAKATA AIRBAG WAS RECALLED BY BMW AND REPLACED WITH ANOTHER TAKATA AIRBAG. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT AS CLOSE TO A POTENTIAL PASSENGER, ALTHOUGH BMW CONSIDERED IT VERY NECESSARY TO RECALL, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS MUCH CLOSER TO THE DRIVER, SINCE IT IS BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS MAKES NO SENSE. BOTH AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND NOW SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE OR POTENTIAL SER… Look up ODI 10730465 at NHTSA ↗	1217.6% ODI 10465021 · 50,000 mi AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS. BMW PENSACOLA AND CENTURY BMW GREENVILLE, SC HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AFTER MANY VISITS AND $1000. IN REPAIR CHARGES. BMW PENSACOLA SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND WOULD NOT REFUND MY CHARGES. CENTURY BMW WANTED ME TO PAY $775. TO TRY TO CHANGE A COMPUTER PART THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WOULD FIX IT. THEY REFUSE TO SAY IF THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK DURING AN ACCIDENT. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAYS IT IS A DEALER PROBLEM. Look up ODI 10465021 at NHTSA ↗	1445.2% ODI 10437638 · 71,000 mi I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325XI WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT I HIT ANYTHING AND I DID NOT SEE ANY DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I INSPECTED THE CAR AFTER THE DEPLOYMENT. BMW INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND SOME DAMAGE UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND CLAIMED THAT THIS DAMAGE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. HOWEVER, I AM ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THIS DAMAGE DID NOT OCCUR AT THE TIME OF THE DEPLOYMENT. BMW WAS NOT INTERESTED IN FURTHER INVESTIGATING MY CASE AND STUCK WITH THE CONCLUSION THAT THE MINOR DAMAGE FOUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR CAU… Look up ODI 10437638 at NHTSA ↗	2952.7% ODI 10670955 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 03/04/15LJ UPDATED 6/15/2015 JS Look up ODI 10670955 at NHTSA ↗	1866.7% ODI 10578118 · 114,000 mi MY WIFE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DOCTORS OFFICE PARKING LOT. IT WAS 58 DEGREES AND RAINING. SHE LEFT OUR FAMILY PET IN THE CAR. WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE SHE SAW THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT BREAK UNDER HER STRENGTH EVEN WITH A GLASS HAMMER THAT SOMEONE MANAGED TO RETRIEVE FOR HER. SHE FINALLY REMEMBERED THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. OUR DOG WAS LIFELESS, FIRE AND RESCUE TRIED TO REVIVE HER TO NO AVAIL. T… Look up ODI 10578118 at NHTSA ↗	6155.5% ODI 10400310 · 65,786 mi FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND WARNING SIGNALS SOUND EVERY TIME A PASSENGER SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, REGARDLESS OF OCCUPANT SIZE. THIS RESULTS IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING DEACTIVATED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO BMW OF FORT MYERS (TWO OCCASIONS IN PERSON IN 2009 AND 2010) AND BMW (VIA THEIR ONLINE CUSTOMER EMAIL SYSTEM TWO TIMES IN 2010 AND 2011). NEITHER PARTY IS WILLING TO CHECK THE SYSTEM OR REPAIR IT EVEN THOUGH THE NHTSA WEBSITE INDICATES (1) BMW RECALLED 200,000 VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE AND (2) BMW HAS … Look up ODI 10400310 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	428.6% ODI 10533057 · 143,000 mi MY PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE STARTED NOT WORKING AS I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID A SOCKET CONNECTOR THAT INVOLVES THE WIRES HAVE BEEN CORRUPTED AND BURNT OUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD WHILE OUT ON THE ROADS,I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER POST ABOUT THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND IM UNAWARE OF ANY RECALLS ABOUT THIS IS ISSUES. THIS IS A ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO HAVE SOME ATTENTION. *TR Look up ODI 10533057 at NHTSA ↗	1522.1% ODI 10022417 · 7,800 mi THE SEAT BELT LATCH TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG DEFAULT AND THE AIR BAG HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE SERVICE CHECK FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS CLEARED, DEFAULT/INOPERATIVE AIR BAG OCCURRED WITH THE NEXT SEAT BELT LATCH. (MODEL 325XI) JB SCC *JB Look up ODI 10022417 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10465103 · 95,000 mi THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE REGARDING THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2003 BMW 325 XI. THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO GEAR. WHICH I ASSUME IS AS DESIGNED. ? HOWEVER THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK ONCE THE VEHICLE IS PLACED BACK IN PARK (ENGINE RUNNING OR NOT) NEITHER BY MANUAL MANIPULATION OF THE LOCK BUTTONS ON THE DOORS OR BY PRESSING THE DOOR UNLOCK SWITCH ON THE CONSOLE. ? FURTHERMORE, WITH THE SINGLE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER?S DOOR, ALL OTHER DOOR LATCHES ARE RENDERED NON-FUNCTIONING (INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHI… Look up ODI 10465103 at NHTSA ↗	47.3% ODI 10281871 · 52,000 mi THIS IS A FORMAL PETITION FOR A SAFETY DEFECT INVESTIGATION. MY 2004 BMW 325XI HAS A LEFT TAIL LIGHT THAT DOES NOT WORK BECAUSE OF A POOR CONNECTION AT THE REAR LAMP CONNECTOR (THE GROUND WIRE RECEPTACLE AND HOUSING HAVE BURNT OUT BECAUSE THE GROUND IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE CURRENT). MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT STILL FUNCTIONS BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SIDE BURNING OUT AS WELL AND POSING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. BMW HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 63 03 06) WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND SAYS THAT THE CAUSE IS "MINOR CORROSION AT THE 8-PIN… Look up ODI 10281871 at NHTSA ↗	27.4% ODI 10578118 · 114,000 mi MY WIFE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DOCTORS OFFICE PARKING LOT. IT WAS 58 DEGREES AND RAINING. SHE LEFT OUR FAMILY PET IN THE CAR. WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE SHE SAW THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT BREAK UNDER HER STRENGTH EVEN WITH A GLASS HAMMER THAT SOMEONE MANAGED TO RETRIEVE FOR HER. SHE FINALLY REMEMBERED THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. OUR DOG WAS LIFELESS, FIRE AND RESCUE TRIED TO REVIVE HER TO NO AVAIL. T… Look up ODI 10578118 at NHTSA ↗	1110.0% ODI 10383057 · 82,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE CONCERNING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT BATTERY SYSTEM CORE HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE UNTIL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME OUT TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000. Look up ODI 10383057 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11142940 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (A&L BMW, 3780 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAIL… Look up ODI 11142940 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Engine	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10984961 · 176,000 mi I THINK I KNOW WHY THE CAR CATCHES ON FIRE SINCE MINE ALMOST DID AND I TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM. THE ALTERNATOR IS NOT DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IF THE ALTERNATOR EVER OVERHEATS FOR ANY REASON (SUCH AS THE COOLING VENT COMES LOOSE), THE PASS TRANSISTOR IN THE BUILT IN REGULATOR OF THE ALTERNATOR BEGINS TO SHORT. SINCE IT IS NEVER DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY (EVEN WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED) THE FIST SYMPTOM APPEARS TO BE A BAD BATTERY AS THE ALTERNATOR KI… Look up ODI 10984961 at NHTSA ↗	1522.1% ODI 10492968 · 102,046 mi HAD MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER AREA. WAS PUTTING A QUART OF OIL INTO THE CAR EVERY 500 MILES. WHEN BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOUND OUT THAT VALVE COVER WAS CRACKED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE VALVE COVER AND GASKETS. *TR Look up ODI 10492968 at NHTSA ↗	412.9% ODI 10494739 · 140,000 mi BROUGHT IN MY CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC THREE TIMES FOR OIL LEAK (OIL ON DRIVEWAY, OIL LIGHT SENSOR ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED). IN EACH CASE, I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT AFTER TWO WEEKS THE DASHBOARD OIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I THOUGHT MY MECHANIC WAS INEXPERIENCED WITH BMW'S, SO I TOOK IT TO A BMW DEALER AND ALL SEEMED FINE ($1,000 REPAIR) UNTIL TWO WEEKS LATER WHEN THE OIL LIGHT YET AGAIN APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER NEXT WEEK FOR A SECOND TIME. I BELIEVE EVERY POSSIBLE GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED - REMEMBER … Look up ODI 10494739 at NHTSA ↗	47.3% ODI 10566801 · 134,000 mi WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC MY WIFE HEARD A LOUD POP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR LOST POWER, BRAKES. SHE STARTED TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHEN OTHER COMMUTERS STARTED TO YELL AT HERE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AT THAT TIME THE CABIN STARTED TO FILL UP WITH SMOKE. SHE TRIED TO LOWER THE WINDOW BUT THAT HAD LOST POWER ALSO. SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR INTO THE SNOW AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO STOP IT AND THEN EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE 325XI STARTED TO BURN AND SHORTLY WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THANK GOD SHE GOT OUT OK BUT WA… Look up ODI 10566801 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	43.6% ODI 10511655 · 80,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. UPON RESTARTING IT, THE VEHICLE RESPONDED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FOUR TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE ABS, DSC AND AWD WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. Look up ODI 10511655 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11142940 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (A&L BMW, 3780 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAIL… Look up ODI 11142940 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Exterior Lighting	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	535.7% ODI 10439754 · 80,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT BULB, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. Look up ODI 10439754 at NHTSA ↗	811.8% ODI 10227750 · 68,000 mi THIS IS FOR A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR POSSIBLE REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK ON THE TAIL LIGHTS. *TR Look up ODI 10227750 at NHTSA ↗	412.9% ODI 10430806 · 124,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TURN SIGNAL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000. Look up ODI 10430806 at NHTSA ↗	712.7% ODI 10281871 · 52,000 mi THIS IS A FORMAL PETITION FOR A SAFETY DEFECT INVESTIGATION. MY 2004 BMW 325XI HAS A LEFT TAIL LIGHT THAT DOES NOT WORK BECAUSE OF A POOR CONNECTION AT THE REAR LAMP CONNECTOR (THE GROUND WIRE RECEPTACLE AND HOUSING HAVE BURNT OUT BECAUSE THE GROUND IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE CURRENT). MY RIGHT TAIL LIGHT STILL FUNCTIONS BUT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS SIDE BURNING OUT AS WELL AND POSING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. BMW HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 63 03 06) WHICH ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE AND SAYS THAT THE CAUSE IS "MINOR CORROSION AT THE 8-PIN… Look up ODI 10281871 at NHTSA ↗	13.7% ODI 10487858 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OPEN/CLOSE CONTROLS FOR THE REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 2/4/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SIMILAR… Look up ODI 10487858 at NHTSA ↗	10.9% ODI 11083740 LEFT BLINKER REPEATEDLY KEEPS NOT WORKING, HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT KEEPS NOT WORKING? Look up ODI 11083740 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	710.3% ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. *TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 10819708 · 98 mi DRIVING THE CAR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AXIAL SYSTEM FELL OFF WHERE THE BALL BEARING HELD THE WHEEL ON 3/4" BALL BEARINGS FELL OFF THE CAR, AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS READY TO FALL APART AS WELL I WAS DRIVING AND AS I TURNED INTO THE AUTO SHOP DRIVEWAY THE WHEEL FELL APART GOOD THING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR EXPRESSWAY. Look up ODI 10819708 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1412.7% ODI 10322165 · 45,620 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER OFFERED $200.00 TOWARDS THE TOTAL REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,620. Look up ODI 10322165 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seat Belts	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10746074 · 36,875 mi TOOK THE CAR TO BMW SERVICE CENTER AT FIELD'S BMW, NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 3 AUGUST 2015 AS SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT ALERT STAYS ON AND WAS ADVISED THERE IS A DANGER BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL. STATED THE AIRBAG FOR PASSENGER MAY NOT DEPLOY. BMW AND FIELD'S WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR STATING IS NOT PART OF RECENT RECALL. Look up ODI 10746074 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	23.6% ODI 10463997 · 90,000 mi THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT EXTEND FROM THE HOUSING. IT STOPS REPEATEDLY AND ONLY AFTER SEVERAL TRIES WILL IT EXTEND LONG ENOUGH TO BE LATCHED. THE SITUATION MAY CAUSE A DRIVER TO NOT USE SEAT BELTS AS THIS CAN TAKE A LONG TIME TO FINALLY EXTEND. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY SUGGEST IT MIGHT BE A MECHANICAL PROBLEM WHICH THEY ARE WILLING TO DIAGNOSE FOR $150 AND THEN FIX FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT. IT WOULD THIS IS A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN OTHER BMWS BUT NOT THIS MODEL. FO… Look up ODI 10463997 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1110.0% ODI 10448324 · 75,500 mi AIR BAG SIGN KEEPS GOING ON/OFF. THERE WAS A RECALL 08V-384 BUT BMW IS SAYING MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE BUILD WINDOW. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA08001). *TR Look up ODI 10448324 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Suspension	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	17.1% ODI 10979911 · 134,000 mi SECOND REAR COIL FAILURE. FIRST WAS 4/2007 AT 39800 MI (REF ODI 10189296). EXACTLY SAME LOCATION IN COIL AS LAST TIME. CORRODED CRACKED SURFACE (>95%) INDICATES PART FAILED LONG BEFORE THE COIL END BROKE OFF AND FLEW OUT OF CAR. FINAL FAILURE WAS UNDER BRAKING. PART WAS FORCEBLY EJECTED AND COULD HAVE INJURED A BYSTANDER OR ONCOMING VEHICLE. Look up ODI 10979911 at NHTSA ↗	913.2% ODI 10283399 · 75,000 mi NEVER CONTACTED BY BMW ABOUT BMW 325XI RECALL #02V088000. ALSO, BOTH FRONT AXLES HAVE GONE OUT AT 77,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10283399 at NHTSA ↗	26.5% ODI 10588545 BILSTEIN IS A MAKER OF AFTERMARKET SHOCKS. THE REAR BILSTEIN SHOCKS FOR THE BMW 3-SERIES FROM 1999-2006 ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE. BILSTEIN HAS UPDATED THE PART TWICE IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SHOCKS CONTINUALLY FAIL. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PREMATURE FAILURES OF THESE SHOCKS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. REAR SHOCK FAILURE CREATES DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEMS, LOSS OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. STOP BILSTEIN FROM SELLING ANY MORE OF THESE DANGEROUS SHOCKS! I HAVE HAD NINE REAR SHOCKS FAIL, AND BILSTEI… Look up ODI 10588545 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.7% ODI 10426754 · 39,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COILS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HAND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE IF THE HAND BRAKE WAS ON OR NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. Look up ODI 10426754 at NHTSA ↗	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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	34.4% ODI 10822046 PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG MATT SENSOR FOR PASSENGER WEIGHT AND AIRBAG INFLATION RATE IS INOPERATIVE AND BROKEN. Look up ODI 10822046 at NHTSA ↗	13.2% ODI 11074079 · 125,000 mi DRIVERS DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, OR WITH REMOTE. OTHER THREE DOORS DO. Look up ODI 11074079 at NHTSA ↗	35.5% ODI 10881628 VEHICLE DEFECTS REPORTED OR RECALLED, BMW, OEM, OR OTHER, YET WITH KNOWN DEFECTS WAS REQUESTED TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT IS 'IMMINENT DANGER' THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH: AIRBAGS. BMW REPLACED DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IN 9/ 2014 THEN PASSENGER SIDE. YET IN 2015 ACCIDENT, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DETONATE, AND INJURY TO PERSONS/PROPERTY OCCURRED. BMW RECALLED DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG (2ND REPAIR/3RD AIRBAG) IN 2015 AND PARTS ARE ON BACK ORDER. BMW HAS THE 'DEFECTIVE VEHICLE' (I.E. OTHER ISSUES ENGINE, SEAT BELTS, ETC. REMAIN) AND PROVIDED A … Look up ODI 10881628 at NHTSA ↗	311.1% ODI 11255373 · 53,328 mi WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY STREETS, UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE AT RED LIGHTS...THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. FORTUNATELY NO BODILY INJURIES, ONLY SMASHED UP CARS...I WILL NOT DRIVE THAT CAR AGAIN AND I DON'T EVEN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE . Look up ODI 11255373 at NHTSA ↗	32.7% ODI 10379181 · 44,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LIGHT AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN CAR. BMW DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2008 RECALL, BUT MY MODEL IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I SPOKE WITH THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF BMW WHO SAYS THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE SINCE MY CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL. THEY SAID IT IS A DIFFERENT PART THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAT NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I FEEL THAT SINCE MY CAR HAS THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEM, EVEN IF IT IS A DIFFERENT P… Look up ODI 10379181 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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.	0Unavailable 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
Electrical System	55,149–104,537 mi	71,776 mi	14	ODI 10022417 · 7,800 mi THE SEAT BELT LATCH TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG DEFAULT AND THE AIR BAG HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE SERVICE CHECK FAILED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. EVEN THOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS CLEARED, DEFAULT/INOPERATIVE AIR BAG OCCURRED WITH THE NEXT SEAT BELT LATCH. (MODEL 325XI) JB SCC JB Look up ODI 10022417 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10090843 · 75,551 mi (1) PARKED AT A LIGHT. (2) LIGHT CHANGED, I ACCELERATED, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, VARIOUS DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON, I NURSED THE CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, AND PULLED OVER. TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED, DASH WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AGAIN. AFTER TALKING WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT I REACHED THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE. WARNING LIGHTS STAYED ON BUT ENGINE POWER WAS BACK AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME. (3) DEALER RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN WHICH EXPLAINED THE ENGINE FAILURE AS AN ELECTRICAL FAU… Look up ODI 10090843 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10227750 · 68,000 mi THIS IS FOR A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR POSSIBLE REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK ON THE TAIL LIGHTS. TR Look up ODI 10227750 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	53,954–100,187 mi	61,957 mi	15	ODI 10492968 · 102,046 mi HAD MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM VALVE COVER AREA. WAS PUTTING A QUART OF OIL INTO THE CAR EVERY 500 MILES. WHEN BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOUND OUT THAT VALVE COVER WAS CRACKED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE VALVE COVER AND GASKETS. TR Look up ODI 10492968 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492969 · 98,328 mi WAS PUTTING OIL INTO THE ENGINE EVERY 500 MILES FOR ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS AND FINALLY DECIDED ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH. NO ACCIDENTS WITH CAR. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, TECHNICIAN PERFORMED LEAK DOWN TEST ON ENGINE AND NOTICED CYLINDER 1 READING AT 50 PSI AND #2 CYLINDER READING AT 5 PSI. PERFORMED COMPRESSION TEST AND CYLINDER #1 AND #2 FAILED. COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WAS DONE AS REPAIRS COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED. COST WAS OVER $5000. TR Look up ODI 10492969 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492974 · 86,139 mi VEHICLE WAS BURNING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 800 MILES. COMPRESSION TEST AND LEAK DOWN TEST SHOWED 220PSI. TECHNICIAN SUSPECTED CRANKCASE VENT VALVE. REPLACED CRANKCASE VENT VALVE. *TR Look up ODI 10492974 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	Too few reports for a range	50,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10465021 · 50,000 mi AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR THE LAST 7 YEARS. BMW PENSACOLA AND CENTURY BMW GREENVILLE, SC HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AFTER MANY VISITS AND $1000. IN REPAIR CHARGES. BMW PENSACOLA SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO AND WOULD NOT REFUND MY CHARGES. CENTURY BMW WANTED ME TO PAY $775. TO TRY TO CHANGE A COMPUTER PART THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WOULD FIX IT. THEY REFUSE TO SAY IF THE AIRBAGS WILL WORK DURING AN ACCIDENT. BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAYS IT IS A DEALER PROBLEM. Look up ODI 10465021 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10633000 · 136,492 mi I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND MY WIFE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. ANOTHER CAR HIT OUR CAR ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYING BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS. I HAD BACK INJURIES AND MY WIFE LOST VISION IN BOTH HER EYES. SHE IS STILL NOT ABLE TO SEE EVEN THOUGH SHE HAD SEVERAL SURGERIES AT MAYO CLINIC IN ROCHESTER, MN. EVERY SURGEON SHE HAS SEEN HAS SAID THAT THIS IS THE WORST AIRBAG INJURY THEY HAVE EVER SEEN. UPDATED 09/17/14LJ..UPDATED 10/01/14 BF UPDATED 01/26/15.JB UPDATED 02/4/2015 JS Look up ODI 10633000 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11475946 · 44,743 mi The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that approximately 7-months after the repair, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where a diagnostic test showed that a wire from the A-pillar connector to side air bags had high resistance. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The con… Look up ODI 11475946 at NHTSA ↗
Suspension	44,758–90,525 mi	75,000 mi	9	ODI 10283399 · 75,000 mi NEVER CONTACTED BY BMW ABOUT BMW 325XI RECALL #02V088000. ALSO, BOTH FRONT AXLES HAVE GONE OUT AT 77,000 MILES. TR Look up ODI 10283399 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10427769 · 85,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A LOUD CLANKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. Look up ODI 10427769 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. *TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	50,000–87,875 mi	69,000 mi	8	ODI 10227750 · 68,000 mi THIS IS FOR A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR POSSIBLE REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK ON THE TAIL LIGHTS. TR Look up ODI 10227750 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10296209 · 50,000 mi FORMAL PETITION FOR AN INVESTIGATION OF A SAFETY-RELATED DESIGN DEFECT: BMW 325XI 2002 DEFECTIVE TAIL LIGHT. TAIL LIGHT CONNECTIONS BURN OUT DUE TO LACK OF PROPER WIRING. BMW HAS NOW ISSUED A CORRECTION FOR THIS BUT WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIRS. TR Look up ODI 10296209 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10316038 · 74,500 mi THE TAIL LIGHTS ELECTRIC CONNECTOR MODULE IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. IT IS BURNED OUT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. AS A RESULT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL. THIS FAILURE HAS PREVIOUSLY HAPPENED ON THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHTS AS WELL. THE CAUSE WAS SIMILAR. THE GROUND CABLE AND ELECTRIC CONNECTOR WERE BURNED OUT. *TR Look up ODI 10316038 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	44,645–91,620 mi	52,770 mi	7	ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492984 · 52,770 mi FOUND LEAK ON FLOOR. TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK LEAKING FLUID. REPLACED POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK. FILLED AND BLED SYSTEM. *TR Look up ODI 10492984 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	Too few reports for a range	91,620 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493117 · 35,637 mi NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	Too few reports for a range	144,408 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10434802 · 154,000 mi DASHBOARD INDICATOR REPORTS RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING THOUGH LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONING. REAR RIGHT TAILLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION TWICE SINCE PURCHASE ON 10/10/11. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THIS CAR NOT COVERED BY CURRENT RECALL (11V438000). *TR Look up ODI 10434802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10472787 · 134,815 mi BMW NORTH AMERICA SENT OUT A RECALL LETTER DATED DECEMBER 2011 FOR THE REAR LIGHTS ON THEIR 3 SERIES CARS. THEY ADVISED CONSUMERS THAT THEY SHOULD GO TO THEIR LOCAL DEALERS FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ALREADY COMPLETED AND PAID FOR. I HEARD NOTHING FURTHER FROM BMW UNTIL I WROTE TO THEIR NEW CEO FOR NORTH AMERICA, MR.WILLISCH, ASKING WHAT I SHOULD DO TO GET THEM TO TAKE ACTION ON THEIR RECALL. HE HAD HIS SECRETARY CALL ME AND ASK ME TO FAX THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO HER, WHICH I DID. I H… Look up ODI 10472787 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	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	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: 0 complaints

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

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	0	0	0
2012	0	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	Electrical System	Engine	Air Bags	Suspension	Exterior Lighting	Steering	Power Train	Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
Electrical System	—	3 ODI 10493109 · 55,692 mi BATTERY WAS REPLACED A FEW WEEKS AGO BUT IT WENT DEAD AGAIN. TOOK THAT CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN ALTERNATOR. REPLACED ALTERNATOR. TR Look up ODI 10493109 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493110 · 55,594 mi HEADLIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION, ETC. AND CAR WENT DEAD. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN PERFORMED BATTERY AND DRAW TEST. NO DRAWS WERE FOUND SO BATTERY WAS DEEMED FAILED. REPLACED BATTERY. TR Look up ODI 10493110 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10561222 · 108,477 mi BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED GOOD WITH VARIOUS SERVICE PROVIDERS YET VEHICLE HAD A PERSISTENT BATTERY DRAIN WITCH WOULD ONLY APPEAR AFTER CAR WAS ON THE ROAD AND DRIVING. AFTER CAR STOPPED RUNNING DUE TO LOW BATTERY IT THEN WOULD NOT RESTART. NO WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON UNTIL JUST A MINUTE OR TWO PRIOR TO ENGINE QUITTING. TOOK VEHICLE TO MONROVIA BMW IN MONROVIA CA AND WAS TOLD THAT ALTERNATOR WAS FAULTY. INSTALLED NEW (NOT REBUILT) SPECIFIED ALTERNATOR AND NEW BATTERY AND 5 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM CAME BACK. FURTHER OWN PERSONAL I… Look up ODI 10561222 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	3 ODI 10227750 · 68,000 mi THIS IS FOR A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR POSSIBLE REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK ON THE TAIL LIGHTS. TR Look up ODI 10227750 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10376235 · 128,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 BMW 325XI BUT THERE ISN'T A 2003 YEAR TO ENTER FOR SOME REASON. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES. HAZARD LIGHT AND MAIN LOCK NEXT TO HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY, DASH WARNING LIGHT HAVE ALSO GONE OUT BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN FIXED WITH FUSES. TR Look up ODI 10376235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10396556 · 50,000 mi ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO NOTED MY TAIL/TURN SIGNAL LIGHT OUT INDICATOR ON DASH, BUT ALL BULBS WERE GOOD. PROBLEM INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BUT THEN BECAME CONSTANT ON LEFT LIGHT INDICATOR. WENT ON BMW INTERNET FORUM AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO 3-SERIES ASCRIBED TO GROUND NOT GOOD ENOUGH, BURING PIN/PORT ON CONNECTOR. INDEED THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHT HOUSING/CONNECTOR. I SPLICED ANOTHER GROUND WIRE TO THE ORIGINAL AND CONNECTED TO THE HOUSING AS DESCRIBED IN THE ONLINE FORUM AND SEEMS TO WORK FOR NOW, BUT I FEEL N… Look up ODI 10396556 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10472787 · 134,815 mi BMW NORTH AMERICA SENT OUT A RECALL LETTER DATED DECEMBER 2011 FOR THE REAR LIGHTS ON THEIR 3 SERIES CARS. THEY ADVISED CONSUMERS THAT THEY SHOULD GO TO THEIR LOCAL DEALERS FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ALREADY COMPLETED AND PAID FOR. I HEARD NOTHING FURTHER FROM BMW UNTIL I WROTE TO THEIR NEW CEO FOR NORTH AMERICA, MR.WILLISCH, ASKING WHAT I SHOULD DO TO GET THEM TO TAKE ACTION ON THEIR RECALL. HE HAD HIS SECRETARY CALL ME AND ASK ME TO FAX THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO HER, WHICH I DID. I H… Look up ODI 10472787 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	3 ODI 10493109 · 55,692 mi BATTERY WAS REPLACED A FEW WEEKS AGO BUT IT WENT DEAD AGAIN. TOOK THAT CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN ALTERNATOR. REPLACED ALTERNATOR. TR Look up ODI 10493109 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493110 · 55,594 mi HEADLIGHTS CAME ON FOR BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION, ETC. AND CAR WENT DEAD. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN PERFORMED BATTERY AND DRAW TEST. NO DRAWS WERE FOUND SO BATTERY WAS DEEMED FAILED. REPLACED BATTERY. TR Look up ODI 10493110 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10561222 · 108,477 mi BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED GOOD WITH VARIOUS SERVICE PROVIDERS YET VEHICLE HAD A PERSISTENT BATTERY DRAIN WITCH WOULD ONLY APPEAR AFTER CAR WAS ON THE ROAD AND DRIVING. AFTER CAR STOPPED RUNNING DUE TO LOW BATTERY IT THEN WOULD NOT RESTART. NO WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON UNTIL JUST A MINUTE OR TWO PRIOR TO ENGINE QUITTING. TOOK VEHICLE TO MONROVIA BMW IN MONROVIA CA AND WAS TOLD THAT ALTERNATOR WAS FAULTY. INSTALLED NEW (NOT REBUILT) SPECIFIED ALTERNATOR AND NEW BATTERY AND 5 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM CAME BACK. FURTHER OWN PERSONAL I… Look up ODI 10561222 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 11023601 · 172,400 mi IGNITION SELANIOD ISN'T WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION THINKS THE CAR HAS STARTED, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. IT TAKES MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START. Look up ODI 11023601 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Suspension	0	0	0	—	0	5 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493115 · 44,531 mi HEARD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND DRIVING SLOW, ALSO WHEN MAKING TURNS. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE FRONT END AFTER ROAD TESTING THE VEHICLE. FOUND THAT BOTH DRIVE AXLES LOST ALL LUBRICANT; RIGHT/FRONT INNER AND OUTER C/V JOINT WAS CONTAMINATED. REMOVED BOTH FRONT STRUT HUB ASSEMBLY AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS FROM AXLES, REMOVED AND REPLACED BOTH FRONT COMPLETE AXLE ASSEMBLY. REINSTALLED FRONT END COMPONENTS WHICH WERE REMOVED. *TR Look up ODI 10493115 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493117 · 35,637 mi NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗	0
Exterior Lighting	3 ODI 10227750 · 68,000 mi THIS IS FOR A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD OR POSSIBLE REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO A KNOWN FAILURE IN THE TERMINAL BLOCK ON THE TAIL LIGHTS. TR Look up ODI 10227750 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10376235 · 128,000 mi I HAVE A 2003 BMW 325XI BUT THERE ISN'T A 2003 YEAR TO ENTER FOR SOME REASON. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES. HAZARD LIGHT AND MAIN LOCK NEXT TO HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY, DASH WARNING LIGHT HAVE ALSO GONE OUT BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN FIXED WITH FUSES. TR Look up ODI 10376235 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10396556 · 50,000 mi ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO NOTED MY TAIL/TURN SIGNAL LIGHT OUT INDICATOR ON DASH, BUT ALL BULBS WERE GOOD. PROBLEM INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, BUT THEN BECAME CONSTANT ON LEFT LIGHT INDICATOR. WENT ON BMW INTERNET FORUM AND FOUND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO 3-SERIES ASCRIBED TO GROUND NOT GOOD ENOUGH, BURING PIN/PORT ON CONNECTOR. INDEED THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TAIL LIGHT HOUSING/CONNECTOR. I SPLICED ANOTHER GROUND WIRE TO THE ORIGINAL AND CONNECTED TO THE HOUSING AS DESCRIBED IN THE ONLINE FORUM AND SEEMS TO WORK FOR NOW, BUT I FEEL N… Look up ODI 10396556 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 10434802 · 154,000 mi DASHBOARD INDICATOR REPORTS RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING THOUGH LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONING. REAR RIGHT TAILLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION TWICE SINCE PURCHASE ON 10/10/11. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THIS CAR NOT COVERED BY CURRENT RECALL (11V438000). *TR Look up ODI 10434802 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	0	1 ODI 11023601 · 172,400 mi IGNITION SELANIOD ISN'T WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION THINKS THE CAR HAS STARTED, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. IT TAKES MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START. Look up ODI 11023601 at NHTSA ↗	0	5 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493115 · 44,531 mi HEARD SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND DRIVING SLOW, ALSO WHEN MAKING TURNS. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN CHECKED THE FRONT END AFTER ROAD TESTING THE VEHICLE. FOUND THAT BOTH DRIVE AXLES LOST ALL LUBRICANT; RIGHT/FRONT INNER AND OUTER C/V JOINT WAS CONTAMINATED. REMOVED BOTH FRONT STRUT HUB ASSEMBLY AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS FROM AXLES, REMOVED AND REPLACED BOTH FRONT COMPLETE AXLE ASSEMBLY. REINSTALLED FRONT END COMPONENTS WHICH WERE REMOVED. *TR Look up ODI 10493115 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	3 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493117 · 35,637 mi NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train	0	0	0	3 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493117 · 35,637 mi NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗	0	3 ODI 10492972 · 92,715 mi RIGHT/FRONT CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT) IS TORN AND LEAKING. DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT. TR Look up ODI 10492972 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10492975 · 90,525 mi THE FRONT LEFT OUTER AXLE BOOT CRACKED AND GREASE WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP REPLACED CV BOOT (AXLE BOOT). TR Look up ODI 10492975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10493117 · 35,637 mi NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON CURVY ROADS IT FEELS LIKE RIDING ON A ROUGH ROAD PATCH OR FEELS LIKE BRAKING. DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN FOUND DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER AND FILTER. NO FAULT IN MEMORY. REMOVED AND EXCHANGED TORQUE CONVERTER. REMOVED TRANSMISSION OIL PAN AND REPLACED TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER AND OIL AND FLUSHED ALL TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES. *TR Look up ODI 10493117 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights	1 ODI 10472787 · 134,815 mi BMW NORTH AMERICA SENT OUT A RECALL LETTER DATED DECEMBER 2011 FOR THE REAR LIGHTS ON THEIR 3 SERIES CARS. THEY ADVISED CONSUMERS THAT THEY SHOULD GO TO THEIR LOCAL DEALERS FOR RECALL REPAIRS AND THAT THEY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS ALREADY COMPLETED AND PAID FOR. I HEARD NOTHING FURTHER FROM BMW UNTIL I WROTE TO THEIR NEW CEO FOR NORTH AMERICA, MR.WILLISCH, ASKING WHAT I SHOULD DO TO GET THEM TO TAKE ACTION ON THEIR RECALL. HE HAD HIS SECRETARY CALL ME AND ASK ME TO FAX THE RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIRS TO HER, WHICH I DID. I H… Look up ODI 10472787 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10434802 · 154,000 mi DASHBOARD INDICATOR REPORTS RIGHT REAR TAILLIGHT NOT FUNCTIONING THOUGH LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL FUNCTIONING. REAR RIGHT TAILLIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL HAVE CEASED TO FUNCTION TWICE SINCE PURCHASE ON 10/10/11. MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THIS CAR NOT COVERED BY CURRENT RECALL (11V438000). *TR Look up ODI 10434802 at NHTSA ↗	0	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

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 7.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,551 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10090843 · 75,551 mi

Look up ODI 10090843 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10267357 · 55,000 mi

Look up ODI 10267357 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10376235 · 128,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 BMW 325XI BUT THERE ISN'T A 2003 YEAR TO ENTER FOR SOME REASON. BOTH TAIL LIGHTS AND BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT MULTIPLE TIMES. HAZARD LIGHT AND MAIN LOCK NEXT TO HAZARD LIGHT BUTTON HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY, DASH WARNING LIGHT HAVE ALSO GONE OUT BUT HAVE SINCE BEEN FIXED WITH FUSES. *TR

Look up ODI 10376235 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 108,477 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10561222 · 108,477 mi

BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR CHECKED GOOD WITH VARIOUS SERVICE PROVIDERS YET VEHICLE HAD A PERSISTENT BATTERY DRAIN WITCH WOULD ONLY APPEAR AFTER CAR WAS ON THE ROAD AND DRIVING. AFTER CAR STOPPED RUNNING DUE TO LOW BATTERY IT THEN WOULD NOT RESTART. NO WARNING LIGHTS WOULD COME ON UNTIL JUST A MINUTE OR TWO PRIOR TO ENGINE QUITTING. TOOK VEHICLE TO MONROVIA BMW IN MONROVIA CA AND WAS TOLD THAT ALTERNATOR WAS FAULTY. INSTALLED NEW (NOT REBUILT) SPECIFIED ALTERNATOR AND NEW BATTERY AND 5 MONTHS LATER SAME PROBLEM CAME BACK. FURTHER OWN PERSONAL I…

Look up ODI 10561222 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10822057

FINAL STAGE UNIT (AKA BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR) KEEPS FAILING AND SHORTING OUT INTERNALLY CAUSING ENGINE MALFUNCTIONS AND RELATED OBD2 WARNINGS AS WELL AS BATTERY DRAIN. I HAVE REPLACED THIS PART 5 TIMES AND 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS.

Look up ODI 10822057 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,551 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10090843 · 75,551 mi

Look up ODI 10090843 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 52,770 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10492984 · 52,770 mi

FOUND LEAK ON FLOOR. TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK LEAKING FLUID. REPLACED POWER STEERING LINE FROM PUMP TO RACK. FILLED AND BLED SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10492984 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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