Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Bmw 325I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

199 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

75,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 127 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 60 of 199 complaints (30.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3216.1%
Electrical and battery issues2110.6%
Transmission and shifting157.5%
Engine operation126.0%
Steering behavior94.5%
Fuel system concerns73.5%

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.

Air Bags
60
Exterior Lighting
43
Electrical System
36
Latches/Locks/Linkages
12
Power Train
10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
7
Steering
6
Suspension
6
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags60
Exterior Lighting43
Electrical System36
Latches/Locks/Linkages12
Power Train10
Power Train:Automatic Transmission7
Steering6
Suspension6

Air Bags: 60; Exterior Lighting: 43; Electrical System: 36; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 12; Power Train: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 7; Steering: 6; Suspension: 6

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
20
25,000 to 49,999
19
50,000 to 74,999
23
75,000 to 99,999
26
100,000 to 149,999
32
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00020
25,000 to 49,99919
50,000 to 74,99923
75,000 to 99,99926
100,000 to 149,99932
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 19; 50,000 to 74,999: 23; 75,000 to 99,999: 26; 100,000 to 149,999: 32; 150,000 and above: 7

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (32). 72 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
6
2004
17
2005
3
2006
4
2007
4
2008
8
2009
11
2010
21
2011
21
2012
14
2013
8
2014
7
2015
21
2016
33
2017
6
2018
5
2019
6
2020
1
2021
1
2022
1
2024
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20036
200417
20053
20064
20074
20088
200911
201021
201121
201214
20138
20147
201521
201633
20176
20185
20196
20201
20211
20221
20241

2003: 6; 2004: 17; 2005: 3; 2006: 4; 2007: 4; 2008: 8; 2009: 11; 2010: 21; 2011: 21; 2012: 14; 2013: 8; 2014: 7; 2015: 21; 2016: 33; 2017: 6; 2018: 5; 2019: 6; 2020: 1; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 32 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 21 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 15 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 10009434 · 2003-02-26 (February 26, 2003)

THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND JUMPED FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 11 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009434 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023814 · 2003-06-26 (June 26, 2003)

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 …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,143 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023814 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10024110 · 2003-10-01 (October 1, 2003)

LEFT/REAR AND RIGHT FRONT TIRES HAD DEVELOPED A LARGE "BUBBLE" IN THE SIDEWALL. THE TIRES HAD LESS THAN 2000 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE. BRIDGESTONE TURANZA, ER30 225/45ZR17, DOT NO. K9701ER3OU2, ORIGINAL TIRES. *AK *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 2,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10024110 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10025336 · 2003-07-03 (July 3, 2003)

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10025336 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10028771 · 2003-07-22 (July 22, 2003)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2003 325I JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTS WHILE BRAKING. A LAUD THUD CAN BE HEARD ON LOWER SPEEDS.

Owner-reported narrative. 13,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10028771 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10048997 · 2003-12-01 (December 1, 2003)

I PURCHASED A NEW 2003 BMW 325 IN JULY, 2003 FROM PERFORMANCE BMW IN CHAPEL HILL, NC. THE IGNITION COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED TODAY ON THE #2 CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 8,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY MEL, THE SERVICE TECH AT PERFORMANCE BMW IN CHAPEL HILL, NC, THAT BMW HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION COILS ON THE 2003 AND 2004 MODELS AND THAT BECAUSE OF THESE PROBLEMS BMW HAS SWITCHED VENDORS FOR THESE IGNITION COILS AND NO LONGER USES THE VENDOR THAT SUPPLIED THE PARTS FOR MY CAR. SINCE THERE A 6 IGNITION COILS IN MY CAR, THAT …

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10048997 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10058439 · 2004-02-18 (February 18, 2004)

2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER PARKING CAR IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE CAR IS PUT WENT INTO REVERSE AND BACKED OUT WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS (DRIVEWAY IS SLOPED). AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE CAR LAGS ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE THERE IS ANY POWER TO DRIVE. THIS IS SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 75 miles reported. Look up ODI 10058439 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10059407 · 2004-02-20 (February 20, 2004)

WHEN DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED TRUNK WOULD OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10059407 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 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 ↗
11V438000 · Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights | Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights

Reported: 2011-08-26 (August 26, 2011)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.

Consequence: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

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 ↗
14V428000 · Air Bags

Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 11, 2018)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag 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, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in 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 will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. 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

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

63.8%Usable mileage127 / 199 records
99.5%Valid incident date198 / 199 records
100.0%Valid filing date199 / 199 records
99.5%Ordered incident and filing dates198 / 199 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
Component19992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012
Air Bags
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11033466 · 180,000 mi

I'M TRYING TO GET THE TAGS FOR THIS BMW IT'S BEING PART FOR ONE YEAR BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY AND NOW THAT I DO THE DMW IS MAKING IT A BIG DEAL IT'S NEVER BEING IN A JUNKYARD

Look up ODI 11033466 at NHTSA ↗

3321.9%
ODI 10144814 · 59,600 mi

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *NM

Look up ODI 10144814 at NHTSA ↗

4527.8%
ODI 10095611 · 33,000 mi

INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT OF MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH (DUE TO RAIN) AND MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD. TIRE WAS BLOWN OUT AND THERE WAS SOME DAMAGE TO BOTTOM OF CAR FROM DEBRIS, BUT IT IS UNCLEAR IF BLOWOUT AND DEBRIS DAMAGE HAPPENED BEFORE OR AFTER AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. EITHER WAY, THERE WAS NO IMPACT WITH ANY OBJECT THAT SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DEPLOYMENT. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR NEARLY 4 WEEKS NOW AND IT SHOULD HAVE ONLY NEEDED A TIRE REPLACEMENT. AN…

Look up ODI 10095611 at NHTSA ↗

6030.2%
ODI 10101261

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED. UPON IMPACT,IT HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT THERE WAS A FOUL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE.*AK

Look up ODI 10101261 at NHTSA ↗

6141.5%
ODI 10423032 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE WHETHER THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED OR NOT. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE ON REMEDYING THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.

Look up ODI 10423032 at NHTSA ↗

3346.5%
ODI 10402923 · 116,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 72 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRASH TEST SENSOR HAD ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BUT WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN WITH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE M…

Look up ODI 10402923 at NHTSA ↗

20940.6%
ODI 10159607 · 200 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED UPON PURCHASE, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN THE SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. THEN, WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE GRILL AREA, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. UPDATED 8/14/2006 - *NM

Look up ODI 10159607 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11073857 · 30,142 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER HEAD AND BOTH ARMS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH OCCUPANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (HERRIN-GEAR BMW OF JACKSON, 1685 HIGH ST, JACKSON, MS 39202, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,142.

Look up ODI 11073857 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1711.3%
ODI 10010507 · 5,000 mi

WHILE MY FOOT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BREAK, MY 2001 BMW 325I SEEMED TO SPEED UP AND CAUSED ME TO CRASH INTO THE BUILDING I WAS PARKING IN FRONT OF. SEVERE DAMAGE ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF MY RIGHT FOOT( A BRUISE THE SHAPE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL } ALONG WITH OTHER FOOT AND ANKLE INJURIES INDICATE MY FOOT WAS INDEED ON THE BRAKE AND NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AS ONE MIGHT THINK. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR $ 5,000.00. NO ANSWER FOR WHAT HAPPENED FROM DEALER. APPROX SEVEN MONTHS LATER, WHILE ON AN OPEN ROAD APPROACHING STOP LIGHT AGAIN WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR REVVED …

Look up ODI 10010507 at NHTSA ↗

169.9%
ODI 10039540

FROM DAY ONE , I ALREADY EXPERIECED A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AT FIRST THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING, SHELLY BMW TOOK CARE OF IT FOR OVER A WEEK , THEY SAID THERE IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE COMPUTER, AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE ALARM GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING ,I TOOK THE CAR TO CUNNINGHAM BMW BECAUSE I LIVEDHERE IN SAN DIEGO IT TOOK THEM ALMOST A WEEK BUT THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM THEY'RE SAYING THAT THEYNEED MORE TIME TO FIGURE WHAT REALLY THE PROBLEM AND WHAT CAUSING THE ALARM SIREN GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING .I TOOK IT TO DIF…

Look up ODI 10039540 at NHTSA ↗

3618.1%
ODI 10023814 · 1,143 mi

THE COMPUTER FIRST FAILED ON MY 2003 BMW 325I ON JUNE 15, 2003, (THREE WEEKS AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BMW OF MANHATTAN), CAUSING ME TO LOSE ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE HAPPENED TO BE A VERY SMALL SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC WAS …

Look up ODI 10023814 at NHTSA ↗

2013.6%
ODI 10263031 · 85,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAULTY LAMP WARNING INDICATOR WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ELECTRICAL HARNESS THAT PLUGS INTO THE REAR OF THE LAMP HARNESS FOR THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING HAD A FAULTY GROUND IN THE CONNECTOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRES COULD NOT TAKE THE HEAT DISTRIBUTION, WHICH CAUSED THE WIRES TO FRY INSIDE THE CONNECTOR. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS AND REAR LAMPS TO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES; HOWEVER, THE CON…

Look up ODI 10263031 at NHTSA ↗

1014.1%
ODI 10167257 · 10,404 mi

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A FREEWAY EXIT RAMP, NEAR NOON TIME IN A SUNNY ~80 F WEATHER. DURING THE DRIVING, ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD SUDDENLY STARTED TO FLASH, ACCOMPANIED WITH BEEPING WARNING SOUND. THE WHOLE FLASHING AND BEEPING LASTED FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL, HOWEVER. AFTER THE INCIDENT, CAR'S MEMORY OF CLOCK TIME AND TRIP ODOMETER WERE LOST. MADE A CHECK IN LOCAL BMW DEALER. THE LOCAL DEALER COULD NOT RETRIEVE ERROR CODE FROM THE ON BOARD COMPUTER, AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SYMPTOM DURING THE CHECK. …

Look up ODI 10167257 at NHTSA ↗

8015.5%
ODI 10176056 · 850 mi

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, CAR INTERIOR, DELIVERS 110 DEG F AIR TO FLOOR VENTS WHEN IN AUTOMATIC MODE. THE REQUESTED TEMPERATURE IS 70F AND THE ACTUAL TEMPERATURE IS 79F. THIS IS A CONSTANT DEFECT, NOT A ONE TIME OCCURRENCE. BMW ADVISES THE SYSTEM WORKS AS DESIGNED. 2006 BMW 325XI, CAR MILEAGE - 850 MI. *JB

Look up ODI 10176056 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

2013.2%
ODI 10241773 · 93,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE WORKING. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, THE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS LEARNED OF MULTIPLE ISSUES REGARDING BMW BRAKE LIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Look up ODI 10241773 at NHTSA ↗

3823.5%
ODI 10265065 · 60,000 mi

REAR LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE DUE TO THE CONNECTORS SHORTING OUT. I READ ONLINE THAT IT IS A BMW DESIGN DEFECT AND IS GROUND WIRE PROBLEM COMMON TO E46 MODEL BMWS. *TR

Look up ODI 10265065 at NHTSA ↗

4321.6%
ODI 10262925 · 30,000 mi

RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10262925 at NHTSA ↗

4329.3%
ODI 10275613 · 47 mi

I HAVE A 2004 BMW 325I. THE REAR INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME THE LIGHT WAS OUT. THE LIGHT WAS NOT OUT. I HAD TO GET A STATE INSPECTION AS I LIVE IN VIRGINIA. THE DEALER WOULD NOT PASS MY CAR DUE TO THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR BEING ON. THE ESTIMATE WAS $367. I DECLINED THE WORK AND TRIED TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG ON MY OWN. I DISCOVERED YOU ALL STARTED AN INVESTIGATION ON 4/9/09 ON THIS ISSUE. I ALSO FOUND INTERNAL DOCUMENTS FROM BMW ON THE WEB DESCRIBING THE "DEFECT". THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH GROUNDING WIRES AND IT CAUSES MELTING AND…

Look up ODI 10275613 at NHTSA ↗

1723.9%
ODI 10376868 · 22,800 mi

INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYS PICTURE OF CAR IN ORANGE, ALONG WITH LEFT, RIGHT OR BOTH TAIL LIGHTS. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT RECENTLY BECAME PERMANENT. LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR ALSO FLASHES QUICKLY. LEFT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT OPERATING (NO TAIL, BRAKE LIGHT OR TURN SIGNAL LIGHT). *LN

Look up ODI 10376868 at NHTSA ↗

81.6%
ODI 10356200 · 38,000 mi

PURCHASED USED 2006 BMW 325I NOV 2009. CONDENSATION LEFT FRONT HEADLIGHT. JUNE - JULY 2010 TOOK CAR IN TO REPLACE LEFT FRONT TURN SIGNAL WHICH RECEIVED NOTICE ON. SEPT 2010 TURN SIGNAL OUT AGAIN 2 MONTHS LATER. ADVISED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HAVE READ OTHER POSTING ONLINE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX ASK FOR OUT OF POCKET OF $ 500+ TO CORRECT PROBLEM . *TR

Look up ODI 10356200 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

64.0%
ODI 10663670

I AM HORRIFIED. I HAVE 135K MILES ON MY 2001 BMW 325I AND IT WILL NO LONGER REVERSE. I TOOK IT INTO THE TRANSMISSION GUY AND HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $4K TO REPAIR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, WITH BARELY ANY PROBLEM. HE ALSO SENT ME TO A WEBSITE WHERE APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THERE IS A WELL KNOWN FAILURE ESP WITH THE 2001 MODEL 3-SERIES. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR RECALL SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST BMW. *TR

Look up ODI 10663670 at NHTSA ↗

42.5%
ODI 10514886 · 119,170 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MECHANICAL MAIN BELT TENSIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A HYDRAULIC VERSION ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,170 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,300. *TR

Look up ODI 10514886 at NHTSA ↗

52.5%
ODI 10651391 · 91,200 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF AND CONTINUES TO DO SO EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. SO, MY BRAKES AND STEERING LOCK UP BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL DME MS45 - FC28B2, 28AA, 28AC; INTERNAL RAM FAULTS MODEL E46 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/00 TO 7/06 E83 M54 WITH MS45.0/MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 9/06 E85 M54 WITH MS45.0 FROM 10/04 TO 1/06 E60 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 3/05 SITUATION CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A CRANK/NO START OR A ROUGH START SITUATION. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON…

Look up ODI 10651391 at NHTSA ↗

64.1%
ODI 10461989 · 49,000 mi

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE AND WATER WAS ENTERING THE ENGINE. THE DEALER NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $12,000. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10461989 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 11129525 · 140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OR ENGINE WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14…

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509.7%
ODI 10474532 · 144,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE ALUMINUM BOLTS HOLDING THE ENGINE MELTED AND WERE SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,300...UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF UPDATED 2/5/2013 *JS

Look up ODI 10474532 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11054512 · 113,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND SPARKS APPEARED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT HAD DIFFICULTY EXITING THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THROUGH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN ON DECEMBER 4, 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT [phone removed]. THE CONTACT LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES AN…

Look up ODI 11054512 at NHTSA ↗

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

42.6%
ODI 10280901 · 101,800 mi

THE AUTOMATIC POWER DOOR LOCKS ON A BMW 3-SERIES (E46) ARE KNOWN TO RANDOMLY FAIL, RESULTING IN IT BECOMING IMPOSSIBLE FOR ANY OCCUPANTS TO GET OUT OF A VEHICLE. THIS IS APPARENTLY DUE TO A FAULTY GM5 RELAY (GENERAL MODULE #5) SUPPLIED AS AN OEM COMPONENT IN THE VEHICLE BY BMW (SEE HTTP://HTTP://WWW.BMWGM5.COM/). FAILURE OCCURS ABOUT 1 OUT OF 3 ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. IT IS KNOWN THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GM5 RELAY SOLVES THE PROBLEM. SOMEONE EVENTUALLY WILL BE BURNED ALIVE DUE TO THIS FAULTY COMPONENT. *TR

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31.9%
ODI 10356155 · 90,000 mi

THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN EITHER WITH THE KEYLESS REMOTE OR BY PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLE INSIDE THE CAR (THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN SO I COULD REACH INSIDE) I HAD TO OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR AND CLIMB ACROSS THE SEAT TO GET INTO THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE BUTTON BETWEEN THE SEATS TO UNLOCK ALL OF THE DOORS ALSO FAILED TO OPEN ANY OF THE LOCKS. THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH BESIDE IT STILL WORKED, SO I KNOW THE PROBLEM ISN'T DUE TO THAT FAULTY SWITCH. THIS DOOR LOCKS RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND IT HASN'T YET RETURNE…

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126.0%
ODI 10293413 · 70,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I 4-DOOR SEDAN - PROBLEM: ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK WITH KEY FOB. PERSISTENT WITH COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (LESS THAN 65 DEGREES F). I CAN UNLOCK DRIVERS DOOR WITH KEY, BUT NO OTHER DOORS UNLOCK. ISSUE: THE DOOR LOCKS DOUBLE-LOCK MEANING WHEN DOORS ARE LOCKED, THEY CAN'T BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE (BY PULLING ON HANDLE). THE ONLY DOOR THAT UNLOCKS WITH INTERIOR HANDLE PULL IS DRIVERS DOOR. IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THEIR DOORS TO EXIT VEHICLE! THEY ARE BASICALL…

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42.7%
ODI 10360593 · 40,000 mi

OFTEN, THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK ON OUR 2004 BMW 325I SEDAN, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE CONSISTENTLY LOCKABLE. THIS INCLUDES USING THE REMOTE KEY FOB, THE CENTRAL CONSOLE UNLOCK BUTTON AND ALSO MANUALLY PULLING THE DOOR LATCHES FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS MEANS THAT ONLY BY BREAKING A WINDOW WILL WE BE ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. REPEATEDLY TOGGLING THE UNLOCK BUTTONS WILL EVENTUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, BUT SOMETIMES ONLY AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. WE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE BMW'S GM5 MODULE, BUT …

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11.4%
ODI 10512667 · 22,378 mi

WED MORNING WENT TO SCHOOL WITH MY DAUGHTER. WHEN I WALKED BACK TO THE CAR I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE CAR. CANNOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE KEY. CANNOT OPEN GAS TANK. CANNOT UNLOCK OR OPEN PASSANGER DOORS. POWER LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE KEY BUT NOT SUCCESSFUL. *TR

Look up ODI 10512667 at NHTSA ↗

438.3%
ODI 10223136 · 38,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK IN 2007. ALL OF THE LOCKS ARE ELECTRONIC AND THERE IS A MASTER UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO DRIVE TO THE SERVICE DEALER IN ORDER TO BE LET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAD TO RESET THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE LOCKS. ON MARCH 22, 2008, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE ALL THE DOOR LOCKS. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE ELECTRIC MIRRORS FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT…

Look up ODI 10223136 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

42.6%
ODI 10318867 · 142,000 mi

IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR. I GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, I TRIED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE SPOT, MEANWHILE I WAS USING ALL OF MY STRENGTH BUT THEN I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO HAVE A BY-STANDER HELP PUSH THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT WHILE I TR…

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31.9%
ODI 10056072

FOLLOW-UP TO NOVEMBER 20, 2003 CORRESPONDENCE TO MR. SEAN HAGGARD OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKING ON THREE OCCASIONS. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASION TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND THEREFORE THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER. *NM (NAR)

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63.0%
ODI 10235189 · 95,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING OUR BMW, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NOT VISIBLE LEAKS, VIBRATIONS, OR UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE PUMP WAS REMOVED AND DISASSEMBLED, THERE APPEARED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE IMPELLER BLADE/BLADES INSIDE THE PUMP. SHARDS OF METAL FROM THE IMPELLER BLADE(S) ALSO WENT INTO THE POWER STEERING RACK. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND PERHAPS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. WE STILL HAVE THE OLD PUMP. *TR

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32.0%
ODI 10122469

THE OE BRIDEGSTONE TURANZA ER30 TIRES ON MY 2004 BMW 325I ARE DEFECTIVE ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE SIDEWALLS ARE WAY TOO WEAK TO BE PUT ON THE ROAD. MY SIDEWALLS HAVE A BUBBLE AFTER 6 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT MY NEW CAR. THIS IS INCREDIBLY A RIPOFF SINCE IF IT CAN'T EVEN LAST A YEAR, THEN IT SHOULD ONLY BE MADE FOR TOYS.

Look up ODI 10122469 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

397.6%
ODI 10353644 · 81,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10353644 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

64.0%
ODI 10115628 · 74,000 mi

AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10115628 at NHTSA ↗

21.2%
ODI 10056316

RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED SEVERE EYE INJURY AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE RIGHT FRONT AIRBAG IN A CRASH. PASSENGER SUFFERS PARTIAL BLINDNESS. UNDERGONE SEVERAL SURGERIES. PASSENGER WAS FEMALE AND SMALLER IN STATURE. *JB

Look up ODI 10056316 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

377.2%
ODI 10247577 · 30,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10247577 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.0%
ODI 10501741 · 177,600 mi

I OWN A 2001 BMW 325I. THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD INCLUDE ADDING A GROUND WIRE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TEH CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE.

Look up ODI 10501741 at NHTSA ↗

10.6%
ODI 10822491 · 95,000 mi

THIRD WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE ON MY 2002 BMW 325 - THREE DIFFERENT WINDOWS. I FINALLY GOT SICK OF IT AND CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE WINDOWS GO DOWN & YOU CAN'T GET THEM BACK UP. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND EASILY FOUND TONS MORE COMPLAINTS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT BMW SHOULD BE FORCED TO MAKE GOOD ON - IT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND ANYONE WHO ALREADY PAID TO FIX IT SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. CHEAP ROTTEN PARTS. HERE'S ONE EXAMPLE OF WHAT I SAW WHEN I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET -. HTTP://REPAIRPA…

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10.5%
ODI 10884446 · 10,075 mi

TAKATA RECALL MY CAR AS I WAS DRVING WAS HARD TO TURN MAKING ANOISE

Look up ODI 10884446 at NHTSA ↗

32.0%
ODI 11266642 · 180,000 mi

CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT. MY FRONT END WAS SERVERLY DAMAGED IN THE FIRE. IT WAS TOTALED.

Look up ODI 11266642 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

326.2%
ODI 10161214 · 6,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING MY 2006 BMW 325I ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH A SMALL OBJECT SUCH AS A BOTTLED WATER BOTTLE OR SOMETHING SIMILAR HIT THE FRONT BUMPER OF MY CAR AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE CAR WHERE I DROVE OVER IT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE EXTERIOR OF MY CAR YET THE SEAT BELT LIGHT AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW DEALER WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT THE "ACCIDENT INDICATORS" HAD FIRED AND I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE RECEIVER OF MY SEAT BELT REPLACED AT A COST OF $350 DESPITE THERE BEING NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR AND THIS B…

Look up ODI 10161214 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

0Unavailable

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

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

Failure mileage by component

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

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags76,768–113,500 mi95,000 mi15
ODI 10298530 · 75,536 mi

1-AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER START UP. TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL BMW DEALER. WAS INFORMED THAT I NEEDED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM SO AIR BAG WOULD DEPLOY PROPERLY ON PASSENGER SEAT . WAS TOLD THIS IS A 'COMMON' PROBLEM ON E46 MODELS! VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR..NOT TO MENTION THAT THE PARTS THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT ARE WELL STOCKED AT ALL BMW DEALERS THAT I CALLED..VERY RARELY HAS ANYONE SAT ON PASSENGER SEAT..THE DEFECT IN THE SEAT SENSOR IS DISCUSSED IN INTERNET WEB SITES AS FAR BACK TO THE E39 SERIES MODELS AS WELL AS THE E90 SERIES M…

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ODI 10444711 · 101,000 mi

MULTIPLE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS FAILING TO OPEN EITHER BY KEY FOB, DEPRESSING BUTTON INSIDE CAR, OR BY PULLING INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. TO EXIT CAR, MUST LOWER WINDOWS AND INSERT KEY INTO OUTSIDE KEYHOLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD! PROBLEM ARISES WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE, THEN WILL DISAPPEAR A FEW DAYS LATER WITH FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BMW REPLACED ACTUATOR (?) AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED, BUT IT COST ME $1400. OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS WITH AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AFTER CAR SITS UNDRIVEN FOR MORE THAN A COU…

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ODI 10484502 · 95,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10484502 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting55,000–110,000 mi78,600 mi37
ODI 10262925 · 30,000 mi

RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10262925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10272809 · 98,562 mi

FAILURE OF LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. CONNECTOR ON WIRING ASSEMBLY HAS MELTED. ONE OF THE PINS ON LIGHT BULB ASSEMBLY HAS DISINTEGRATED RENDERING ALL LIGHTS INOPERABLE. CONTACTED LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. *TR

Look up ODI 10272809 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10280074 · 40,000 mi

POOR CONNECTION AT REAR LAMP CONNECTOR. BMW. MODEL E46. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10020856 ). *TR

Look up ODI 10280074 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System36,969–118,500 mi74,586 mi28
ODI 10023814 · 1,143 mi

THE COMPUTER FIRST FAILED ON MY 2003 BMW 325I ON JUNE 15, 2003, (THREE WEEKS AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BMW OF MANHATTAN), CAUSING ME TO LOSE ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE HAPPENED TO BE A VERY SMALL SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC WAS …

Look up ODI 10023814 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10062408 · 7,900 mi

I HAVE A BMW 325I WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN NOV. '02. IN MARCH '03, WHILE DRIVING ON THE NJTPK AT 60-65MPH IN THE LEFT LANE, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ITS ACCELERATION. THE CLOCKS ALSO WENT OFF AND THEN RESET ITSELF TO 12:00. BEING THAT I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE NJ TURNPIKE, I CONSIDER MYSELF VERY LUCKY THAT I WAS ABLE TO CROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC AND COME TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER (THERE WAS NO LEFT SHOULDER). I WAITED FOR A WHILE, RESTARTED THE CAR, RESET THE CLOCK AND HIT THE ROAD AGAIN. SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN…

Look up ODI 10062408 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144971 · 13,000 mi

THE ENGINE HAS BEEN STALLING INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING SINCE 11/2004, AND HAS HAD 6 DOCUMENTED SERVICES. AFTER LAST SERVICE ON 11/18/05, IT STALLED AGAIN ON 12/01/05 WHEN DRIVING ON FREEWAY. I HAD NOT DRIVEN IT SINCE THEN AND HAD IT TOWED AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 12/10/05. *JB

Look up ODI 10144971 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/Linkages67,250–114,500 mi105,000 mi12
ODI 10293413 · 70,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I 4-DOOR SEDAN - PROBLEM: ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK WITH KEY FOB. PERSISTENT WITH COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (LESS THAN 65 DEGREES F). I CAN UNLOCK DRIVERS DOOR WITH KEY, BUT NO OTHER DOORS UNLOCK. ISSUE: THE DOOR LOCKS DOUBLE-LOCK MEANING WHEN DOORS ARE LOCKED, THEY CAN'T BE OPENED FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE (BY PULLING ON HANDLE). THE ONLY DOOR THAT UNLOCKS WITH INTERIOR HANDLE PULL IS DRIVERS DOOR. IF VEHICLE IS IN AN ACCIDENT MY PASSENGERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THEIR DOORS TO EXIT VEHICLE! THEY ARE BASICALL…

Look up ODI 10293413 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10307805 · 74,000 mi

GM5 LOCKING MODULE FOR 2003 BMW E46. ALL FOUR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK ON THE REMOTE OR SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD TO EITHER WAIT IN THE HEAT OR COLD OUTSIDE WHILE WAITING FOR THE LOCKING SYSTEM TO RESPOND. IF THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND YOU CANNOT GET TO IN TIME BECAUSE OF THE LOCK/UNLOCK ISSUE, IT CAN BE FATAL FOR OTHERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10307805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10346651 · 112,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I 4-DOOR SEDAN. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. STARTED ABOUT A YEAR AGO. I HAVE GONE ONLINE AND FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS TO ME TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. IF I CAN'T GET OUT OF THE CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10346651 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train19,938–118,000 mi49,000 mi7
ODI 10009434 · 11 mi

THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND JUMPED FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING.*JB

Look up ODI 10009434 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10058439 · 75 mi

2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER PARKING CAR IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE CAR IS PUT WENT INTO REVERSE AND BACKED OUT WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS (DRIVEWAY IS SLOPED). AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE CAR LAGS ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE THERE IS ANY POWER TO DRIVE. THIS IS SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC.*AK

Look up ODI 10058439 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10301803 · 90,000 mi

OWN A BMW 3251, REAR END STARTED MAKING POPPING NOISE WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AND WHEN TURNING CURVES. WHEN ON INTERSTATE REAR END LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING MY CAR TO SKID THROUGH ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC. AFTER HAVING CAR INSPECTED THE REAR END HAD BROKE, WE REPLACED THE REAR END. ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH HEAD LIGHTS STAYING ON AND BLINKERS. RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT OVER HEATED AND BURNT ITEMS IN TRUNK. RADIATOR HAS BROKE AND DRIVERSIDE WINDOW REGULATOR AND CLUTCH FAN. *TR

Look up ODI 10301803 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission4,450–70,000 mi41,500 mi6
ODI 10025336 · 1,600 mi

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

Look up ODI 10025336 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10028771 · 13,000 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON 2003 325I JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTS WHILE BRAKING. A LAUD THUD CAN BE HEARD ON LOWER SPEEDS.

Look up ODI 10028771 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10058439 · 75 mi

2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER PARKING CAR IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE CAR IS PUT WENT INTO REVERSE AND BACKED OUT WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS (DRIVEWAY IS SLOPED). AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE CAR LAGS ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE THERE IS ANY POWER TO DRIVE. THIS IS SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC.*AK

Look up ODI 10058439 at NHTSA ↗

Steering10,075–86,000 mi40,400 mi5
ODI 10235189 · 95,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING OUR BMW, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NOT VISIBLE LEAKS, VIBRATIONS, OR UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE PUMP WAS REMOVED AND DISASSEMBLED, THERE APPEARED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE IMPELLER BLADE/BLADES INSIDE THE PUMP. SHARDS OF METAL FROM THE IMPELLER BLADE(S) ALSO WENT INTO THE POWER STEERING RACK. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND PERHAPS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. WE STILL HAVE THE OLD PUMP. *TR

Look up ODI 10235189 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247739 · 40,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREATER FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,400.

Look up ODI 10247739 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247916 · 86,000 mi

MY COUSIN WAS ON HIS WAY TO GET ON INTERSTATE.....ALL OF SUDDEN HIS 2003 BMW 325I STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS HE TRIED TO LEAVE FROM A PARKING LOT...HE HAD TO BRAKE HARD AND GLAD THERE WAS NOTHING ON HIS WAY...I M JUST GLAD THAT THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE HE WAS IN INTERSTATE.....THIS ALL HAPPEN AROUND 6PM-7PM...SO HE CALLED BMW AND HAD TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER...THEY CALLED US BACK ON 3RD DAY AND TOLD US OUR POWER STEERING PUMP WENT BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT....AND THEY WANT ME PAY FOR THIS AND PRICE TAG IS ABOUT $1200....PLEASE CHECK ON THIS…

Look up ODI 10247916 at NHTSA ↗

Suspension37,763–120,000 mi47,000 mi5
ODI 10025336 · 1,600 mi

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

Look up ODI 10025336 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10202575 · 37,763 mi

FOUR TIMES SINCE I BUY A 2003 BMW 325I , I HAVE TO GET THE AUTO TO GUARANTEE SERVICE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE STRUCT FRONT BUSHING, NOW , AFTER REPLACE THEM AT 32,000 MILES ABOUT FOUR MONTH AGO, MY CAR AT 37,000 MILES REQUEST A NEW BUSHINGS. THEY SAID ME THAT BMW WAS NO LONGER REPLACE THEM BY GUARANTEE BECAUSE OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS IN PUERTO RICO. WHEN I BUY THE CAR I PAID FOR A GUARANTEE AND I THINK THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT A CAR LIKE THIS , THE ULTIMATE DRIVE MACHINE REQUIRE EVERY FOUR MONTH TO REPLACE THAT PARTS. THEY SHOULD INSTALL A GOOD…

Look up ODI 10202575 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10359069 · 47,000 mi

REAR SPRINGS ON 2003 BMW 325X1 BOTH BROKEN--YET SHOCKS FULLY OPERATIONAL. MECHANIC AT LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP SAID THIS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING(CAR HAS 47,000 MILES) BMW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR REPAIR DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10359069 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

2011: 0 complaints · 2012: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2011000
2012111
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2011100
2012100

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 BagsExterior LightingElectrical SystemLatches/Locks/LinkagesPower TrainPower Train:Automatic TransmissionSteeringSuspension
Air Bags—0
2
ODI 10444711 · 101,000 mi

MULTIPLE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS FAILING TO OPEN EITHER BY KEY FOB, DEPRESSING BUTTON INSIDE CAR, OR BY PULLING INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. TO EXIT CAR, MUST LOWER WINDOWS AND INSERT KEY INTO OUTSIDE KEYHOLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD! PROBLEM ARISES WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE, THEN WILL DISAPPEAR A FEW DAYS LATER WITH FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BMW REPLACED ACTUATOR (?) AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED, BUT IT COST ME $1400. OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS WITH AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AFTER CAR SITS UNDRIVEN FOR MORE THAN A COU…

Look up ODI 10444711 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

0000
1
ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

Exterior Lighting0—
11
ODI 10262925 · 30,000 mi

RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10262925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10280765 · 700,000 mi

REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT CAUSES THE LAMP HOUSING TERMINALS TO BURN AND BURNS THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC HOUSING. THIS CAN BE A FIRE HAZARD PARTICULARLY OF THERE IS FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IN THE TRUNK. OBVIOUSLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY IS AN OBVIOUS HAZARD. THE REPAIR COSTS APPROX $600 FOR BO…

Look up ODI 10280765 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10322321 · 136,000 mi

3/26/2010 - OLNEY, MD - 2003 325XI RIGHT AND LEFT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY SYSTEM FAILING AT TIMES, (TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENLY). BMW ACKNOWLEDGED "GROUND" PROBLEM IN ASSEMLY IN TBS:630306, FEBRUARY 1 2007 LOCAL DEALER IN SILVER SPRING MD, TISHER BMW CORRECT THE PROBLEM ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND COMPLETELY IGNORE MULTIPPLE OFFICE VISIT FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON BOTH SIDES AND REFUSE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE LEFT ASSEMBLY. AT THE SAME TIME BMW CORPORATE OFFICE CUSTOMER SUPORT REFUSED TO OFFER OUT OF WARRANTY FREE REPAIR OR TO I…

Look up ODI 10322321 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10301803 · 90,000 mi

OWN A BMW 3251, REAR END STARTED MAKING POPPING NOISE WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AND WHEN TURNING CURVES. WHEN ON INTERSTATE REAR END LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING MY CAR TO SKID THROUGH ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC. AFTER HAVING CAR INSPECTED THE REAR END HAD BROKE, WE REPLACED THE REAR END. ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH HEAD LIGHTS STAYING ON AND BLINKERS. RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT OVER HEATED AND BURNT ITEMS IN TRUNK. RADIATOR HAS BROKE AND DRIVERSIDE WINDOW REGULATOR AND CLUTCH FAN. *TR

Look up ODI 10301803 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10425820 · 49,000 mi

XENON LIGHTS WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE 50,000 MARK. SHORTLY AFTER CAR KEPT GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, KEPT GETTING LOW VOLTAGE READINGS ON DIAGNOSTICS. ONE BMW DEALERS KEPT TELLING ME I NEEDED TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ALL THEY WOULD DO IS PLUG THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND SEE THE TRANNY READING ON THE SCANNER. THE REASON THERE WAS A TRANNY READING WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN FAIL SAFE MODE. I EVENTUALLY HAD THE TRANNY REBUILT AND I STILL HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR AND CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE. IT KEEPS…

Look up ODI 10425820 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electrical System
2
ODI 10444711 · 101,000 mi

MULTIPLE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS FAILING TO OPEN EITHER BY KEY FOB, DEPRESSING BUTTON INSIDE CAR, OR BY PULLING INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. TO EXIT CAR, MUST LOWER WINDOWS AND INSERT KEY INTO OUTSIDE KEYHOLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD! PROBLEM ARISES WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE, THEN WILL DISAPPEAR A FEW DAYS LATER WITH FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BMW REPLACED ACTUATOR (?) AND THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAVE DISAPPEARED, BUT IT COST ME $1400. OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS WITH AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT COMING ON AFTER CAR SITS UNDRIVEN FOR MORE THAN A COU…

Look up ODI 10444711 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

11
ODI 10262925 · 30,000 mi

RIGHT REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR

Look up ODI 10262925 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10280765 · 700,000 mi

REAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT, ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. BMW ACKNOWLEDGED DEFECT IN SYSTEM IN SI B 63 03 06, DATED FEBRUARY 2007 BUT TO DATE HAS REFUSED TO INITIATE A RECALL TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT. THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT CAUSES THE LAMP HOUSING TERMINALS TO BURN AND BURNS THE SURROUNDING PLASTIC HOUSING. THIS CAN BE A FIRE HAZARD PARTICULARLY OF THERE IS FLAMMABLE MATERIAL IN THE TRUNK. OBVIOUSLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY IS AN OBVIOUS HAZARD. THE REPAIR COSTS APPROX $600 FOR BO…

Look up ODI 10280765 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10322321 · 136,000 mi

3/26/2010 - OLNEY, MD - 2003 325XI RIGHT AND LEFT REAR LIGHT ASSEMBLY SYSTEM FAILING AT TIMES, (TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENLY). BMW ACKNOWLEDGED "GROUND" PROBLEM IN ASSEMLY IN TBS:630306, FEBRUARY 1 2007 LOCAL DEALER IN SILVER SPRING MD, TISHER BMW CORRECT THE PROBLEM ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND COMPLETELY IGNORE MULTIPPLE OFFICE VISIT FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON BOTH SIDES AND REFUSE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE LEFT ASSEMBLY. AT THE SAME TIME BMW CORPORATE OFFICE CUSTOMER SUPORT REFUSED TO OFFER OUT OF WARRANTY FREE REPAIR OR TO I…

Look up ODI 10322321 at NHTSA ↗

—
5
ODI 10307805 · 74,000 mi

GM5 LOCKING MODULE FOR 2003 BMW E46. ALL FOUR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK ON THE REMOTE OR SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD TO EITHER WAIT IN THE HEAT OR COLD OUTSIDE WHILE WAITING FOR THE LOCKING SYSTEM TO RESPOND. IF THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND YOU CANNOT GET TO IN TIME BECAUSE OF THE LOCK/UNLOCK ISSUE, IT CAN BE FATAL FOR OTHERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10307805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439291 · 59,000 mi

DOORS WILL NOT OPEN BECAUSE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK. KEY FOB BUTTON WILL NOT UNLOCK ANY DOORS 90% OF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN ONLY GET IN CAR ON DRIVERS SIDE WITH MANUAL OPERATION OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK (STICKING KEY IN LOCK AND TURNING). ONCE IN CAR, 90% OF TIME I STILL CANNOT UNLOCK ANY OTHER DOORS, EVEN BY PULLING ON DOOR HANDLE (WHICH WOULD ORDINARILY UNLOCK THE DOOR). THE INTERIOR BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WILL NOT WORK. ON FRIDAY, 12/9/11, I COULD NOT EVEN GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINAT…

Look up ODI 10439291 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439295 · 114,000 mi

MY 2003 BMW 325I WILL NOT UNLOCK. I CANT GET INTO THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED THE KEY AND THE FOB AND THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. I HAD TO BREAK THE WINDOW TO GET INTO THE CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT THE DOORS STILL WILL NOT UNLOCK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE YOU CANT UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING AND A TRUE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10439295 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10425820 · 49,000 mi

XENON LIGHTS WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE 50,000 MARK. SHORTLY AFTER CAR KEPT GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, KEPT GETTING LOW VOLTAGE READINGS ON DIAGNOSTICS. ONE BMW DEALERS KEPT TELLING ME I NEEDED TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ALL THEY WOULD DO IS PLUG THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND SEE THE TRANNY READING ON THE SCANNER. THE REASON THERE WAS A TRANNY READING WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN FAIL SAFE MODE. I EVENTUALLY HAD THE TRANNY REBUILT AND I STILL HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR AND CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE. IT KEEPS…

Look up ODI 10425820 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

Latches/Locks/Linkages00
5
ODI 10307805 · 74,000 mi

GM5 LOCKING MODULE FOR 2003 BMW E46. ALL FOUR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK OR LOCK ON THE REMOTE OR SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR. I HAD TO EITHER WAIT IN THE HEAT OR COLD OUTSIDE WHILE WAITING FOR THE LOCKING SYSTEM TO RESPOND. IF THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND YOU CANNOT GET TO IN TIME BECAUSE OF THE LOCK/UNLOCK ISSUE, IT CAN BE FATAL FOR OTHERS. *TR

Look up ODI 10307805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439291 · 59,000 mi

DOORS WILL NOT OPEN BECAUSE DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK. KEY FOB BUTTON WILL NOT UNLOCK ANY DOORS 90% OF THE TIME. MOST OF THE TIME I CAN ONLY GET IN CAR ON DRIVERS SIDE WITH MANUAL OPERATION OF DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK (STICKING KEY IN LOCK AND TURNING). ONCE IN CAR, 90% OF TIME I STILL CANNOT UNLOCK ANY OTHER DOORS, EVEN BY PULLING ON DOOR HANDLE (WHICH WOULD ORDINARILY UNLOCK THE DOOR). THE INTERIOR BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WILL NOT WORK. ON FRIDAY, 12/9/11, I COULD NOT EVEN GET OUT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINAT…

Look up ODI 10439291 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10439295 · 114,000 mi

MY 2003 BMW 325I WILL NOT UNLOCK. I CANT GET INTO THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED THE KEY AND THE FOB AND THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. I HAD TO BREAK THE WINDOW TO GET INTO THE CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT THE DOORS STILL WILL NOT UNLOCK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE YOU CANT UNLOCK THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING AND A TRUE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10439295 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Power Train0
2
ODI 10301803 · 90,000 mi

OWN A BMW 3251, REAR END STARTED MAKING POPPING NOISE WHEN PUT IN REVERSE AND WHEN TURNING CURVES. WHEN ON INTERSTATE REAR END LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING CAUSING MY CAR TO SKID THROUGH ALL LANES OF TRAFFIC. AFTER HAVING CAR INSPECTED THE REAR END HAD BROKE, WE REPLACED THE REAR END. ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH HEAD LIGHTS STAYING ON AND BLINKERS. RIGHT REAR TAIL LIGHT OVER HEATED AND BURNT ITEMS IN TRUNK. RADIATOR HAS BROKE AND DRIVERSIDE WINDOW REGULATOR AND CLUTCH FAN. *TR

Look up ODI 10301803 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10425820 · 49,000 mi

XENON LIGHTS WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE 50,000 MARK. SHORTLY AFTER CAR KEPT GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, KEPT GETTING LOW VOLTAGE READINGS ON DIAGNOSTICS. ONE BMW DEALERS KEPT TELLING ME I NEEDED TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ALL THEY WOULD DO IS PLUG THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND SEE THE TRANNY READING ON THE SCANNER. THE REASON THERE WAS A TRANNY READING WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN FAIL SAFE MODE. I EVENTUALLY HAD THE TRANNY REBUILT AND I STILL HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR AND CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE. IT KEEPS…

Look up ODI 10425820 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10425820 · 49,000 mi

XENON LIGHTS WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE 50,000 MARK. SHORTLY AFTER CAR KEPT GOING INTO FAIL SAFE MODE, KEPT GETTING LOW VOLTAGE READINGS ON DIAGNOSTICS. ONE BMW DEALERS KEPT TELLING ME I NEEDED TO REBUILD TRANSMISSION. ALL THEY WOULD DO IS PLUG THE CAR INTO THE COMPUTER AND SEE THE TRANNY READING ON THE SCANNER. THE REASON THERE WAS A TRANNY READING WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN FAIL SAFE MODE. I EVENTUALLY HAD THE TRANNY REBUILT AND I STILL HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD CYCLE THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR AND CAR WOULD DRIVE FINE. IT KEEPS…

Look up ODI 10425820 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 10058439 · 75 mi

2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER PARKING CAR IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE CAR IS PUT WENT INTO REVERSE AND BACKED OUT WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS (DRIVEWAY IS SLOPED). AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE CAR LAGS ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE THERE IS ANY POWER TO DRIVE. THIS IS SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC.*AK

Look up ODI 10058439 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10979951 · 150,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 325I WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKES (LIGHTLY), AS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS I CAN HEAR A THUD/CLUNK COMING FROM THE REAR END OF MY CAR ALONG WITH A INCREASE IN THE RPM'S. I ALSO HEAR IT AS SOON AS I LET OFF MY FOOT OF THE GAS PEDAL OR ACCELERATE CAUSING MY CAR TO NOT DRIVE PROPERLY AND MY TRANSMISSION TO HIT MY SUSPENSION VERY HARD. SO, I'VE SEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND OTHER BMW FORUMS AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND THIS EXACT PROBLEM WHICH IS DANGEROUS & VERY SCARY.

Look up ODI 10979951 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11074684

STALL LIMPS

Look up ODI 11074684 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission0000
1
ODI 10058439 · 75 mi

2003 BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ENGAGE IN THE MORNINGS. AFTER PARKING CAR IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE CAR IS PUT WENT INTO REVERSE AND BACKED OUT WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE GAS (DRIVEWAY IS SLOPED). AFTER SHIFTING INTO DRIVE, THE CAR LAGS ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 10 SECONDS BEFORE THERE IS ANY POWER TO DRIVE. THIS IS SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN THERE IS TRAFFIC.*AK

Look up ODI 10058439 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 10025336 · 1,600 mi

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

Look up ODI 10025336 at NHTSA ↗

Steering000000—0
Suspension
1
ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11072105 · 120,000 mi

STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

Look up ODI 11072105 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 10979951 · 150,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 325I WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKES (LIGHTLY), AS THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS I CAN HEAR A THUD/CLUNK COMING FROM THE REAR END OF MY CAR ALONG WITH A INCREASE IN THE RPM'S. I ALSO HEAR IT AS SOON AS I LET OFF MY FOOT OF THE GAS PEDAL OR ACCELERATE CAUSING MY CAR TO NOT DRIVE PROPERLY AND MY TRANSMISSION TO HIT MY SUSPENSION VERY HARD. SO, I'VE SEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND OTHER BMW FORUMS AND FOUND THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINTS AND THIS EXACT PROBLEM WHICH IS DANGEROUS & VERY SCARY.

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ODI 11074684

STALL LIMPS

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1
ODI 10025336 · 1,600 mi

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

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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.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

14 mentions · 7.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 33,500 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10072448 · 3,000 mi

INTERMITTENT SEVERE ENGINE MISS. ENGINE HESITATION/FAILURE TO ACCELERATE. ENGINE SURGES AND HAS VERY ROUGH IDLE. TRANSMISSION FAILURE TO UP SHIFT (MAXIMUM SPEED IS APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH). SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATES, BUT NOT ALWAYS (INTERMITTENT). WITH LESS THAN 9,000 MILES THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN THREE TIMES FOR THIS AND OTHER FAILURES WHICH HAVE LEFT THE CAR UNDRIVEABLE. BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE REPLACED MANY PARTS, WITHOUT SUCCESS, AS FAR AS WE KNOW (MORE LATER). THESE ENGINE EVENTS CAN OCCUR SPONTANEOUSLY…

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ODI 10072451 · 7,063 mi

ENGINE STALLED IN TRAFFIC; HAD TO COAST TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RE-START, DESPITE STRONG CRANKING. COMPUTER READ "38 MILES TO EMPTY" AND GAUGE READ APPROXIMATELY 1/4 TO 1/8 TANK OF FUEL REMAINING. CAR WAS TOWED IN AND SEVERAL FAULTS WERE FOUND: 240, 243. DEALER TECH (VISTA BMW, FL) STATED IN SERVICE RECEIPT: FUEL SENDING UNITS. CHECKED FUEL PRESSURE . . . PRESSURE WAS 3.5 BAR. CHECKED RETURN FUEL PRESSURE AT FUEL TANK . . . PRESSURE WAS 1.0 BAR. REMOVED BOTH FUEL SENDING UNITS & PERFORMED RESISTANCE SWEEP OF BOTH RESISTANCE C…

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ODI 10079567

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

14 mentions · 7.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10181155

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAGS ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED; ABOVE THE WINDOW AND ABOVE THE ARM REST. I DID NOT GO OVER ANY BUMPS OR HOLES. THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT OR IMPACT NOR ANY HISTORY OF. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING! MY LEFT ELBOW, LEFT ARM, AND LEFT EAR WERE INJURED. I PANICKED AND CROSSED OVER TO THE MEDIAN ON MY LEFT WITHOUT LOOKING FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC; ALSO, THE AIRBAGS WERE OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, I GOT OUT OF MY CAR, AND RAN DOWN…

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ODI 10257261 · 71,000 mi

MY DASHBOARD PANEL SHOWED A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WAS HAVING AN ISSUE. I WAS TOLD BY A SERVICE CENTER THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MAY GET HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE PLASTIC IN THE HOUSING AND IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THAT THE WIRE HARNESS HAD MELTED AND THE POWER SUPPLY WIRE FOR ONE OF THE LIGHTS HAD MELTED THE PLASTIC AND THE WIRE HAD COME FREE. ONCE FREE, IT ARCED TO THE CONNECTOR PIN ON THE BULB HOLDER ASSEMBLY AND DEGRADED THAT PIN UNTIL THE CONNECTION WAS LOST. ALL PLASTIC PIECES IN CONTA…

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ODI 10262560 · 100,000 mi

I WENT TO START MY VEHICLE IN THE MORNING AND IT STARTED AND THEN TURNED BACK OFF ON ITS OWN. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 3 TIMES,BEFORE IT STAYED ON. I THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 40 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSIONS STARTED TO THUMP. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 100K MILES. I KEPT UP ON ALL ITS MAINTENANCE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BOTH CAME ON. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST 6,500 TO REPAIR MY TRANSMISSION. *TR

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

Hard or delayed shifting

6 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 1,372 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10009434 · 11 mi

THE VEHICLE DOWN SHIFTED VERY HARD WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND JUMPED FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING.*JB

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ODI 10023814 · 1,143 mi

THE COMPUTER FIRST FAILED ON MY 2003 BMW 325I ON JUNE 15, 2003, (THREE WEEKS AFTER I PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BMW OF MANHATTAN), CAUSING ME TO LOSE ACCELERATION WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 60-65 MILES PER HOUR IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MANUEVER THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND I WAS LUCKY THAT THERE HAPPENED TO BE A VERY SMALL SHOULDER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AS I WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TRAFFIC WAS …

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ODI 10025336 · 1,600 mi

1. TRANSMISSION: AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT HARD DOWNSHIFTING OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WHEN COMING TO A STOP IN D AND S D MODES. VEHICLE JERKS FORWARD WHEN DECELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 42 TO 35 MPH (USUALLY WHEN DRIVEN BEFORE WITH SPEEDS IN EXCESS OF 50 MILES AN HOUR). ALSO, AFTER TRANSMISSION REPAIR, CONSTANT LOUD THUMPING NOISE WHEN COMING TO A STOP 2. ENGINE:INTERMITTENT LOUD ENGINE REVVING AND IMMEDIATE TORQUE LOSS OCCURRING WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP.INTERMITTENT DELAYED ENGINE START OF UP TO 3 SECONDS AFTER TURNING KEY…

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

Steering assistance concerns

6 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 86,000 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10235189 · 95,000 mi

2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING OUR BMW, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NOT VISIBLE LEAKS, VIBRATIONS, OR UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE PUMP WAS REMOVED AND DISASSEMBLED, THERE APPEARED TO BE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE IMPELLER BLADE/BLADES INSIDE THE PUMP. SHARDS OF METAL FROM THE IMPELLER BLADE(S) ALSO WENT INTO THE POWER STEERING RACK. HAD THIS HAPPENED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND PERHAPS A MAJOR ACCIDENT. WE STILL HAVE THE OLD PUMP. *TR

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ODI 10247739 · 40,400 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE GREATER FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,400.

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ODI 10247916 · 86,000 mi

MY COUSIN WAS ON HIS WAY TO GET ON INTERSTATE.....ALL OF SUDDEN HIS 2003 BMW 325I STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AS HE TRIED TO LEAVE FROM A PARKING LOT...HE HAD TO BRAKE HARD AND GLAD THERE WAS NOTHING ON HIS WAY...I M JUST GLAD THAT THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN WHILE HE WAS IN INTERSTATE.....THIS ALL HAPPEN AROUND 6PM-7PM...SO HE CALLED BMW AND HAD TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER...THEY CALLED US BACK ON 3RD DAY AND TOLD US OUR POWER STEERING PUMP WENT BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT....AND THEY WANT ME PAY FOR THIS AND PRICE TAG IS ABOUT $1200....PLEASE CHECK ON THIS…

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

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 130,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10081793

VEHICLE THRUSTS FORWARD DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. *MR CONSUMER HAD TO PRESS BOTH FEET TO KEEP VEHICLE FROM JUMPING INTO THE INTERSECTION. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD TO SHIFT GEAR FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. *LA

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ODI 10434793 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY CAUSING THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE SIMILAR DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TAIL LIGHTS). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

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ODI 10959149

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD AND THE RPMS RACED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SURGE WHEN AT A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN TWICE, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION AND STATED THAT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V124000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTU…

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 141,689 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10651391 · 91,200 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY MY ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF AND CONTINUES TO DO SO EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR. SO, MY BRAKES AND STEERING LOCK UP BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL DME MS45 - FC28B2, 28AA, 28AC; INTERNAL RAM FAULTS MODEL E46 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/00 TO 7/06 E83 M54 WITH MS45.0/MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 9/06 E85 M54 WITH MS45.0 FROM 10/04 TO 1/06 E60 M54 WITH MS45.1 FROM 9/03 TO 3/05 SITUATION CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT A CRANK/NO START OR A ROUGH START SITUATION. THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON…

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ODI 10840343 · 192,177 mi

THE FUEL PUMPS OF THE SUPER LOW EMISSION VEHICLES (SULEV) (PZEV) 325I MODELS (IN CA, ME, MA, NY AND VT) ARE ENCLOSED IN THE STAINLESS STEEL FUEL TANK AND THERE IS A KNOWN 100% FAILURE. BMW HAS A 15 YEAR/150K WARRANTY BUT I AM CONTACTING YOU BECAUSE MY CAR HAS 192K AND IS OUT OF WARRANTY. FOR KNOWN DEFECTIVE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP OF THE FUEL PUMP, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL OR AT LEAST NOTIFICATION TO THE OWNERS OF SUCH VEHICLES. IN MOST CASES, EVEN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY THE BMW DEALERSHIPS GAVE OWNERS DIFFICULTIES AND RESISTANCE WHEN T…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,257 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10443230 · 85,257 mi

THE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET FAILS ON BMW CARS. IT IS A MESH GASKET BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND THE BLOCK WHERE THE OIL ENTERS/EXITS THE FILTER. THE REPAIR IS ABOUT $600 AND FAILS FREQUENTLY ON THESE CARS. IT CAUSES OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE BLOCK AND GIVES A STRONG BURNING OIL SMELL. OIL CAN ACCUMULATE ON TOP OF THE ENGINE DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE LEAK. OIL BLOWS AND COVERS THE OIL FILTER HOUSING AND THE INSIDE OF THE HOOD WITH A SPRAY OF STICKY OIL. *TR

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