Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Bmw 325CI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

27 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

65,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 9 of 27 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior414.8%
Transmission and shifting27.4%
Engine operation27.4%
Steering behavior27.4%

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
9
Electrical System
5
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Equipment:Electrical
2
Exterior Lighting
2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System
2
Latches/Locks/Linkages
2
Suspension
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags9
Electrical System5
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Equipment:Electrical2
Exterior Lighting2
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Suspension2

Air Bags: 9; Electrical System: 5; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Equipment:Electrical: 2; Exterior Lighting: 2; Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System: 2; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 2; Suspension: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 2

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 12 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.

2004
6
2005
2
2010
2
2011
1
2012
1
2013
1
2014
2
2015
5
2016
5
2017
1
2019
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20046
20052
20102
20111
20121
20131
20142
20155
20165
20171
20191

2004: 6; 2005: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 5; 2016: 5; 2017: 1; 2019: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation 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.

Examples from the source records

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

Owner report 10070413 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

JUNE 9, 2003 DEAR BMW, I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 BMW 325CI ON NOVEMBER 8, 2002 FROM ASSAEL BMW DEALER IN MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA. AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING IT, THE CAR STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. WHEN I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR/ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER, AND IT?S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! THIS REALLY FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR. A NEW CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THAT. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH PASSENGERS, AND THIS…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10070413 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070465 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

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 VE…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,143 miles reported. Look up ODI 10070465 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10072235 · 2004-05-06 (May 6, 2004)

VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. CONDITION FORCED CONSUMER TO PULL VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. UNABLE TO RESTART UNTIL 30-60 SECONDS LATER. DEALER INSPECTED AND FIXED THE FUEL INJECTION. BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10072235 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10082081 · 2004-07-15 (July 15, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10082081 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10094713 · 2004-09-30 (September 30, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH OVER AN BUMP IN THE ROAD PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 28,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10094713 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096067 · 2004-10-19 (October 19, 2004)

VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 35,000 MILES SUFFERS FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILUE. AFTER REVIEWING THE DATA ONLINE I SEE THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT. AS AN AVIATION TECHNICIAN I CAN STATE THIS IS WELL ABOVE "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" AND IN FACT PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAS IGNORED. THE CONTROL ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN SINCE THEY HAVE NOT BE REDESIGNED. THIS IS THE TYPE OF FAILURE THAT NHTSA WAS CREATED TO PREVENT, THE MFG HAS TAKEN NO ACTION TO ADVISE OWNERS OR TO INSPECT WITHOUT A FAILUE. THIS FAILURE CAN RESULT IN …

Owner-reported narrative. 36,359 miles reported. Look up ODI 10096067 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10106651 · 2005-01-03 (January 3, 2005)

SPORTS SUSPENSION IS CAUSING THE TIRES TO POP WHEN THE VEHICLE TENDS TO GO OVER A BUMP. TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR CHECKUP, AND REPAIRS 3 TIMES.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10106651 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10118642 · 2005-04-28 (April 28, 2005)

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE/ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL MODULE. WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD, THEN STOPS AND GOES INTO A CYCLE WHERE IT DOES THIS "BUCKING" ACTION A FEW TIMES. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD, BUT HAS ONLY DONE THIS FOR THE PAST YEAR. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED BY BMW- HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM FOR THE LAST EIGHT (8) MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. MY FAMILY REFUSES TO RIDE IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION MAKES THEM SICK. A BMW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT R…

Owner-reported narrative. 12,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10118642 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

03V124000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 2003-03-31 (March 31, 2003)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT WAGON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE VEHICLE AT REST, AN INCREASE OF ENGINE IDLE SPEED (UP TO 1,300 RPM) MAY OCCUR.

Consequence: IF A GEAR IS SELECTED, THE DRIVER MAY FEEL AS IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING PUSHED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 5, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V160000 · Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls

Reported: 2003-04-29 (April 29, 2003)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.

Consequence: OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V172000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2013-05-02 (May 2, 2013)

BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗
15V318000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2015-05-28 (May 28, 2015)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V018000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 15, 2020)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

27 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

55.6%Usable mileage15 / 27 records
100.0%Valid incident date27 / 27 records
100.0%Valid filing date27 / 27 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates27 / 27 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2000200120022003200420052006
Air Bags
233.3%
ODI 11289251

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. DEALER FIELDS BMW SOUTH ORLANDO (9750 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 11289251 at NHTSA ↗

1122.4%
ODI 10652046

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V0428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10652046 at NHTSA ↗

2376.7%
ODI 10627931 · 39,000 mi

OUT OF THE BLUE THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I BECAME CONCERNED AND DID NOT WANT TO DRIVE IT- I DIDN'T KNOW WHY OR WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. THE LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY AND NEVER GOES OUT. I HAD AN AUTO MECHANIC LOOK AT IT BUT HE HAD NOT KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IT MIGHT BE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CARE AND THE LIGHT REMAINED ON. I WASN'T DRIVING IT EVERYDAY SO I WAS NOT WORRIED VERY MUCH. BUT I HAD READ ABOUT A RECALL OF SOME BMW'S WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR AIRBAGS AND I THOUGHT THAT COULD BE IT. I AM GOING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PROBLE…

Look up ODI 10627931 at NHTSA ↗

933.3%
ODI 10664626

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10664626 at NHTSA ↗

4160.3%
ODI 10263761 · 72,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AN OCCUPANT IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

Look up ODI 10263761 at NHTSA ↗

2064.5%
ODI 10652351

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.

Look up ODI 10652351 at NHTSA ↗

2363.9%
ODI 10486610 · 29,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON AND OFF. THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS NOT OCCUPIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED AS WELL. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED PERMANENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE A TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE FRONT PASSE…

Look up ODI 10486610 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
233.3%
ODI 11522187

I took my vehicle to a BMW authorized service dealer for the repair of the "AirBag Recall" notice I received in the mail. The dealer did the recall repair and about a week later the light came back on and has remained on. After that happened my electric started acting up and also I was not able to get my convertible roof to go up or down ever again. I politely contacted the dealership, (and not wanting to bad mouth them) it apparently fell on deaf ears followed by what I felt was an accusation and insult on my ignorance of being an older woman …

Look up ODI 11522187 at NHTSA ↗

36.1%
ODI 10445489

VARIOUS TIMES I HAVE EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH MY TAIL LIGHTS. I GET WARNINGS ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL BUT WHEN I CHECK THE BULBS THEY ARE NOT BURNED OUT. ON OCTOBER 17, 2011, LOS ANGELES POLICE PULLED ME OVER NOTIFYING ME THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. WE CHECKED THE BULBS AND FUSES BUT THEY WERE OK. WE FOUND THAT WHEN YOU SLIGHTLY TOUCH THE HARNESS OF THE TAILLIGHT SOCKET THAT IS INSIDE THE BODY PANEL, THE LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF. I DID SOME ONLINE RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL CAR, BMW E46. ON…

Look up ODI 10445489 at NHTSA ↗

26.7%
ODI 10393042 · 90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN MINUTES, THE INTERIOR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS DISPATCHED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THE ORIGIN TO BE ELECTRICAL. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Look up ODI 10393042 at NHTSA ↗

518.5%
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

45.9%
ODI 10294018 · 83,000 mi

AT AROUND 20K MILES, THE SMG (SEQUENTIAL MANUAL GEARBOX W/ PADDLE SHIFTERS) ON MY '04 325CI BEGAN EXPERIENCING MANY OF THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I'VE READ ABOUT REGARDING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AFTER A COLD NIGHT, THE SMG WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE. IT WOULD KEEP "CLUNKING" OVER AND OVER, CONTINUALLY LOUDER, UNTIL I SHIFTED BACK INTO NEUTRAL. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW, WHERE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANNY. AT 83K MILES, I'M STARTING TO NOTICE SOME OF THE SAME PROBLEMS AGAIN. ADDITIONALLY, WITH BOTH TRANNYS, THE CAR DELAYS ITS…

Look up ODI 10294018 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 11020360 · 8,600 mi

HEADLIGHT RIGHT HAND SIDE

Look up ODI 11020360 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 10778406 · 40,000 mi

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN STREET AT RUSH HOUR. THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE MY WIFE HAD TO TAKE HER LIFE IN HER HANDS TO GET ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY FREEWAY OR SHE OR SOMEONE ELSE MAY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Look up ODI 10778406 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

36.1%
ODI 10467081 · 167,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325 CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE TAIL LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE BULB WIRE CONNECTOR WAS MELTED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Look up ODI 10467081 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10469539 · 129,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL ALSO REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT RESPONDED AND FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.

Look up ODI 10469539 at NHTSA ↗

27.4%
ODI 10467858 · 65,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE HID HEADLIGHT FAILS TO COME ON. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER TIME WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS COLDER AND THE AIR HAS MORE HUMIDITY. THIS IS NOT A BULB ISSUE IN THAT I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10467858 at NHTSA ↗

45.9%
ODI 10481567 · 91,500 mi

DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LAMP HAS GONE OUT. IN RESEARCHING, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL IN THE LED TAIL LIGHT AND CAN CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO OTHER DRIVERS NOT BEING ABLE TO TELL THAT YOU ARE STOPPING. FOUND RECALL INFORMATION ON NHTSA SITE AND CONTACTED BMW. I WAS INFORMED THAT MY SPECIFIC VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, YET THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS 241,000 OTHER CARS. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THAT MY SITUATION (AND VIN) BE EVALUATED AND INCLUDED IN THE RECALL SINCE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. …

Look up ODI 10481567 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 10461454

THE HEADLAMP GOES OUT DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY STAY ON! I WAS TOLD BY BMW EMPLOYEE THEY HAVE HAD ALOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS THE LAMP GETS TO HOT AND MELTS THE WIRING AND THE WHOLE LIGHT HAS TO BE REPLACED $1200 OR BETTER! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE YOU HAVE NO IDEA IF YOU WILL HAVE FULL LIGHTS AT NIGHT. I READ BLOGS ON THE INTERNET WITH MANY PEOPLE HAVING THIS PROBLEM! *TR

Look up ODI 10461454 at NHTSA ↗

411.1%
ODI 11066557 · 110,000 mi

HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION IS DETERIORATING AND FALLING APART. RIGHT SIDE HEADLIGHT WIRING IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND HEADLIGHT DOES NOT WORK.

Look up ODI 11066557 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

48.2%
ODI 10155442 · 54,000 mi

2001 BMW 325CI; TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING. DEALER SAYS TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED. VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED ON FREEWAY. I NOTE THAT 1999 BMW MODELS HAD TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE PROBLEM. *NM

Look up ODI 10155442 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

710.3%
ODI 10055072 · 1,108 mi

THE STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAUGE IN "D" FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT. BMW REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION AT 1100 MILES AND AT 300 MILES THE "NEW" TRANSMISSION IS DOING THE SAME THING. THE CAR GOES IN "R" AND POTENTIALLY COULD LEAVE YOU IN TRAFFIC WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY.*AK

Look up ODI 10055072 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
116.7%
ODI 11319841

NO TIENE FUERSA PARA GAS ,MUY DESPASIO Y TIENE PROBLEM AS CON EL ENGI LIGHT ON

Look up ODI 11319841 at NHTSA ↗

12.0%
ODI 10499285 · 116,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE RADIATOR CAP AND THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAN CLUTCH, THE AUXILIARY COOLING SYSTEM, AND THE ELECTRICAL FAN CENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Look up ODI 10499285 at NHTSA ↗

13.3%
ODI 10533570 · 35,209 mi

2002 BMW 325CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WOULD STALL, WHEN HE REDUCED HIS SPEED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO EXAMINE AND FIX THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, EACH TIME HE VISITED THE DEALER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 10533570 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.5%
ODI 10681919 · 121,868 mi

VEHICLE LEAKS LARGE AMOUNTS OIL FROM VALVE GASKET COVER AND OIL FILTER HOUSING COMPARTMENT. I BELIEVE THE ENGINE BLOCK MUST HAVE LOOSE BOLTS WHICH IS CAUSING THE OIL TO LEAK AND FURTHER CAUSE A HAZARD IN A POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE DUE TO THIS ASSEMBLY OF THE ENGINE. I AM ASSUMING BMW IS WELL AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE AVAILABLE. *JS

Look up ODI 10681919 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 11489602

On the night of 8/21/22, the fire department was callled to my detached garage when someone saw smoke comimg form the garage. The fire department determined that my car caught fire because of the cooling fan. The car was not running nor was the key in the ignition. The car was started 36 hours prior and had not been driven on a regualr basis for some time. The investigating office mentioned that the fan kept running, over heated causing the car and the contents of the garage to catch on fire.

Look up ODI 11489602 at NHTSA ↗

25.6%
ODI 10553959 · 30,000 mi

I AM WRITING THIS DEPARTMENT IN HOPES TO RESOLVE ONGOING MAJOR MANUFACTURING DEFECTS ON THE BMW 2006 325I'S. THE 325I MOTOR IS WELL KNOWN FOR ALUMINUM BOLTS SNAPPING ON THE MOTOR RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT OIL LEAKS AND OIL PRESSURE. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AND BOLTS ARE WELL KNOWN FOR PREMATURELY FAILING AND THE HEAD OF BOLTS SNAPPING OFF UNDER PRESSURES. THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN IS ALSO KNOWN TO PREMATURELY FAIL DUE TO POOR ENGINEERS AND THE UTILIZATION OF ALUMINUM BOLTS. BMW FIXED THE ISSUE IN 2007 AND REPLACED DEFECTIVE BOLTS WIT…

Look up ODI 10553959 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

24.1%
ODI 10227933 · 53,207 mi

CAR DIES IN INTERSECTIONS ON "COLD STARTS" OCCURS ON ALL COLD STARTS AND WHEN BACKING OUT GARAGE. *TR

Look up ODI 10227933 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

27.4%
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

11.5%
ODI 10075849 · 80,000 mi

ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ON 2004 BMW 325IC. *MR THE CHECK COOLANT LIGHT HAD COME ON, THEN THE OIL INDICATOR LIGHT AND THEN THE ENGINE STOPPED. THIS ALL OCCURRED WITHIN SECONDS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A WATER PUMP WAS NEEDED AND THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS OIL LEAK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT WINDOWS DID NOT MOVE INTO THE LOCK POSITION. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10075849 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10246207 · 53,859 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325CI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND LOSE SPEED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE SPEED DID NOT INCREASE. SUDDENLY, A LARGE AMOUNT OF DARK SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW RADIATOR HOSE AND THEY REPLACED ALL THE FLUIDS IN THE VEHICLE. A MONTH AFTER THE REPAIRS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE HEATER IN THE VEHICLE FAILED. DARK SMOKE APPEARED ONCE AGAIN …

Look up ODI 10246207 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 10288613 · 49,342 mi

VEHICLE SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR COMES ON REPEATEDLY AND DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPAIR DEFECT AFTER 3 VISITS. *TR

Look up ODI 10288613 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
233.3%
ODI 11319841

NO TIENE FUERSA PARA GAS ,MUY DESPASIO Y TIENE PROBLEM AS CON EL ENGI LIGHT ON

Look up ODI 11319841 at NHTSA ↗

24.1%
ODI 10234104

I PURCHASED A USED BMW 325CI 18 MONTHS AGO. IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF DRIVING THE CAR THE AC/HEATER WORKED FINE. HOWEVER, OVER TIME THE BLOWER HAS BECOME INTERMITTENT AND NOW CEASES TO WORK COMPLETELY ON HOT DAYS. SEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS COMMON TO MANY BMW DRIVERS OF SIMILAR MAKES AND MODELS. MECHANICS POSTING ONLINE HAVE ATTRIBUTED IT TO A FAULTY FINAL STAGE RESISTOR FOR THE BLOWER MODULE. THEY STATE THAT THE METAL WAS MADE OF INFERIOR QUALITY. I INTEND TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THIS MYSELF OR TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC BUT THE E…

Look up ODI 10234104 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.

13.2%
ODI 11203394 · 120,000 mi

DRIVING VEHICLE AND ALL POWER CUTS OUT ...NO POWER STEERING OR POWER BRAKES ...JUST STOPS DEAD ... I KNOW THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL...BUT OBVIOUSLY HAS A SIMILAR ISSUE...THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS...AND I AM AT THE POINT WHERE I AM AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE IT...

Look up ODI 11203394 at NHTSA ↗

12.8%
ODI 10536533 · 38,500 mi

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH A CURRENT PROBLEM INVOLVING OUR 2004 BMW 325 CI (CONVERTIBLE) AND THE AUTO DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR. OUR VEHICLE ID IS PL32177. THE MIRROR HAS LEAKED RELEASING THE CORROSIVE ACIDIC MATERIAL USED IN THE MIRROR. IN 2004 THE BMW TECHNOLOGY BOOKLET HI-LIGHTED THE AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR ADVANTAGE, "INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FREES YOU FROM HAVING TO REACH UP AND RESET THE MIRROR'S DIMMING MODE MANUALLY.......REPRESENTS YET ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION TO DRIVING SAFETY". I NOW UNDERSTAND THIS PROBL…

Look up ODI 10536533 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System
116.7%
ODI 11532696

Fuel tank bracket on the Passenger side sheared off causing the strap supporting the tank to fall off and hit the ground resulting in sparking from the free end. Safety risk to occupants due to fuel tank hanging close to ground and sparking in close proximity. I inspected and determined car is unsafe to drive. No replacement parts available for repair as brackets are spot weld at manufacturer. Several bmw car owners have experienced the same issue on the same side and some have performed risky self fabricated solutions. This is a fire concern …

Look up ODI 11532696 at NHTSA ↗

36.1%
ODI 10467164 · 126,342 mi

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET I BEGIN HEARING A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING DRAGGING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND OBSERVED THAT THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK UP, WAS HANGING DOWN FROM ONE END. I THEN DROVE APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE TO AN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WELD ON THE FRONT BRACKET OF THE GAS TANK STRAP HAD BROKEN AND DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. THIS CAUSED THE GAS TANK TO SAG TO WITHIN ABOUT 4 INCHES FROM THE …

Look up ODI 10467164 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.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.8%
ODI 10778406 · 40,000 mi

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN STREET AT RUSH HOUR. THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE MY WIFE HAD TO TAKE HER LIFE IN HER HANDS TO GET ACROSS THE BUSY STREET. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY FREEWAY OR SHE OR SOMEONE ELSE MAY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED.

Look up ODI 10778406 at NHTSA ↗

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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System90,000–160,000 mi111,000 mi5
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383861 · 111,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD P…

Look up ODI 10383861 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10497885 · 172,000 mi

THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO OPERATE; PROBLEM IS INFLUENCED BY TEMPERATURE EXTREMES (HOT AND COLD); SYMPTOMS VARY FROM REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK TO A COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL DOORS TO UNLOCK. WHEN THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF, THE CENTRAL ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK BUTTON (MOUNTED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BESIDE THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH) IS INOPERABLE. BMW CRASH SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDE MECHANICAL DISCONNECT OF DOOR LATCHES WHEN LOCKED; WHEN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM MAN…

Look up ODI 10497885 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range100,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383861 · 111,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD P…

Look up ODI 10383861 at NHTSA ↗

Equipment:ElectricalToo few reports for a range1,072 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10070413 · 1,000 mi

JUNE 9, 2003 DEAR BMW, I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 BMW 325CI ON NOVEMBER 8, 2002 FROM ASSAEL BMW DEALER IN MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA. AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING IT, THE CAR STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. WHEN I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR/ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER, AND IT?S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! THIS REALLY FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR. A NEW CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THAT. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH PASSENGERS, AND THIS…

Look up ODI 10070413 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10070465 · 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 VE…

Look up ODI 10070465 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior LightingToo few reports for a range92,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10467858 · 65,000 mi

THE PASSENGER SIDE HID HEADLIGHT FAILS TO COME ON. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER TIME WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS COLDER AND THE AIR HAS MORE HUMIDITY. THIS IS NOT A BULB ISSUE IN THAT I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB SEVERAL TIMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10467858 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10959029 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FOG LIGHTS. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS, AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT OPERATING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10959029 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection SystemToo few reports for a range12,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10118642 · 12,000 mi

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE/ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL MODULE. WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD, THEN STOPS AND GOES INTO A CYCLE WHERE IT DOES THIS "BUCKING" ACTION A FEW TIMES. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD, BUT HAS ONLY DONE THIS FOR THE PAST YEAR. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED BY BMW- HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM FOR THE LAST EIGHT (8) MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. MY FAMILY REFUSES TO RIDE IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION MAKES THEM SICK. A BMW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT R…

Look up ODI 10118642 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/LinkagesToo few reports for a range118,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10358970 · 76,000 mi

PASSENGER DOORS WON'T UNLOCK ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THE CARS AND THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ISSUED. *TR

Look up ODI 10358970 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10712452 · 160,000 mi

DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TR

Look up ODI 10712452 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range58,550 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 11207993 · 58,550 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,550.

Look up ODI 11207993 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2005: 1 complaints · 2006: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2005111
2006000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20053100
20063600

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
ComponentAir BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment:ElectricalExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection SystemLatches/Locks/LinkagesSuspension
Air Bags—0000000
Electrical System0—
2
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383861 · 111,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD P…

Look up ODI 10383861 at NHTSA ↗

000
1
ODI 10712452 · 160,000 mi

DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TR

Look up ODI 10712452 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling0
2
ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383861 · 111,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD P…

Look up ODI 10383861 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Equipment:Electrical000—0000
Exterior Lighting0000—000
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System00000—00
Latches/Locks/Linkages0
1
ODI 10712452 · 160,000 mi

DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. *TR

Look up ODI 10712452 at NHTSA ↗

0000—0
Suspension0000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

4 mentions · 14.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 56,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10070413 · 1,000 mi

JUNE 9, 2003 DEAR BMW, I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 BMW 325CI ON NOVEMBER 8, 2002 FROM ASSAEL BMW DEALER IN MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA. AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING IT, THE CAR STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. WHEN I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR/ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER, AND IT?S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! THIS REALLY FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR. A NEW CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THAT. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH PASSENGERS, AND THIS…

Look up ODI 10070413 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10072235

VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH. CONDITION FORCED CONSUMER TO PULL VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. UNABLE TO RESTART UNTIL 30-60 SECONDS LATER. DEALER INSPECTED AND FIXED THE FUEL INJECTION. BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 10072235 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10082081

WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB

Look up ODI 10082081 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 7.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 6,572 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10070465 · 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 VE…

Look up ODI 10070465 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10118642 · 12,000 mi

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE/ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL MODULE. WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD, THEN STOPS AND GOES INTO A CYCLE WHERE IT DOES THIS "BUCKING" ACTION A FEW TIMES. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD, BUT HAS ONLY DONE THIS FOR THE PAST YEAR. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED BY BMW- HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM FOR THE LAST EIGHT (8) MONTHS WITH NO RESULT. MY FAMILY REFUSES TO RIDE IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE JERKING MOTION MAKES THEM SICK. A BMW FIELD REPRESENTATIVE KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT R…

Look up ODI 10118642 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 7.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10353603 · 90,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP. *TR

Look up ODI 10353603 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10383861 · 111,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD P…

Look up ODI 10383861 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 1,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10070413 · 1,000 mi

JUNE 9, 2003 DEAR BMW, I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 BMW 325CI ON NOVEMBER 8, 2002 FROM ASSAEL BMW DEALER IN MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA. AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING IT, THE CAR STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. WHEN I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR/ENGINE WOULD SPUTTER, AND IT?S AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION! THIS REALLY FRIGHTENED ME BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOR. A NEW CAR IS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE PROBLEMS LIKE THAT. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHEN I WAS DRIVING WITH PASSENGERS, AND THIS…

Look up ODI 10070413 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b