U.S. public vehicle records

2007 Bmw 525I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

72 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

75,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2007 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 56 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 25 of 72 complaints (34.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	12	16.7%
Electrical and battery issues	10	13.9%
Braking behavior	6	8.3%
Transmission and shifting	4	5.6%

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

Electrical System

Steering

Engine

Seat Belts

Seats

Unknown Or Other

Exterior Lighting

Air Bags: 25; Electrical System: 13; Steering: 12; Engine: 6; Seat Belts: 6; Seats: 6; Unknown Or Other: 6; Exterior Lighting: 4

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 20; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 14; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 16 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.

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2025

2008: 2; 2009: 3; 2010: 2; 2011: 6; 2012: 9; 2013: 6; 2014: 12; 2015: 6; 2016: 5; 2017: 7; 2018: 3; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 1; 2022: 4; 2023: 2; 2025: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 12 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 10 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 6 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 10223842 · 2008-04-09 (April 9, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHENEVER THE CONTACT PLACES A COOLER OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD POSSIBLY LEAK THROUGH THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE, THE LIQUID BUILDS UP IN THE TIRE BASE WHERE THE MAIN WIRING FOR THE ELECTRICAL MODULE IS LOCATED. THE FAILURE EVENTUALLY CAUSES THE WIRES TO SHORT CIRCUIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT SERVICED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,918 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,718.

Owner-reported narrative. 5,718 miles reported. Look up ODI 10223842 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10242537 · 2008-09-17 (September 17, 2008)

ON SEPTEMBER 16,2009 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO COLLISION IN MY 2007 BMW 525I SERIES. I WAS STOPPED AT A FREEWAY EXIT OFF THE 405 S. WHERE SUDDENLY A VEHICLE THAT WAS DOING A SPEED OF NO LESS OF 50-60 MPH COLLIDED INTO THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WHICH RESULTED ME TO BE PUSHED FORWARD AT LEAST 75-100 FEET. THE FORCE AND IMPACT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SO SEVERE, THAT IS CAUSED THE OTHER VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER MULTIPLE TIMES AND LAND ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY FROM IMPACT. WITH SUCH AN IMPACT AND THE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WITHOUT HITTING THEIR …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10242537 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10272524 · 2009-06-01 (June 1, 2009)

THE CONTINENTAL TIRES AKA AS " CONTITOURING CONTACT CV95" ARE WEARING OUT PRETTY BAD WITH JUST 23000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE NOTICED WAVING INSIDE THE WALLS OF THE TIRES AND ONE OF THEM ACTUALLY STARTED TO COME APART. I HAVE BEEN DOING RESEARCH ON LINE REGARDING THIS PARTICULAR TIRE FROM CONTINENTAL WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINS AS MINE, AND IT APPEARS CONTINENTAL IS BLOWING PEOPLE OFF, AND THE AUTO DEALERS ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY EITHER. AS FOR ME I BELIEVE THE TIRE SENSOR ON MY BMW COULD HAVE SAVE OUR LIVES. UPON GETTING A TIRE PRESSURE READING I…

Owner-reported narrative. 23,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10272524 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10275030 · 2009-06-26 (June 26, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THERE WAS ALSO A VERY LOW POWER RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY DETECTED FAILURE WITHIN THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10275030 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10284969 · 2009-09-23 (September 23, 2009)

2007 BMW 525I WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM ISSUE (WARNING LIGHT ON). I HAVE SEEN THIS BMW RECALL ON MANY MODELS AND YEARS, HOWEVER I AM STILL WAITING ON MINE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 61,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10284969 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10356596 · 2010-09-20 (September 20, 2010)

2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 54,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10356596 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10370464 · 2010-12-13 (December 13, 2010)

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SLOW GETTING INTO SEAT. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10370464 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10375896 · 2011-01-07 (January 7, 2011)

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER HERE IN FLORIDA - WE ARE HERE FOR THE WINTER. DEALER BRAMEN IN WEST PALM BEACH QUOTED US $1700 TO REPAIR. WE DECLINED AS WE THOUGHT THE COST WAS EXORBITANT. THE DEALER REP SAID IT WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND NEEDED REPAIR. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEE PRIOR MODEL YEARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM.

Owner-reported narrative. 62,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10375896 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

13V564000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification

Reported: 2013-11-12 (November 12, 2013)

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

NHTSA campaign record ↗

17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. 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

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

77.8%Usable mileage56 / 72 records

100.0%Valid incident date72 / 72 records

100.0%Valid filing date72 / 72 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates72 / 72 records

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

Problems by model year

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

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	313.6% ODI 10297204 I PURCHASED MY USED 2001 BMW E39 525I TWO YRS AGO WITH MANY ISSUES AS EXPECTED WHEN I LEARNED IT WAS A "LEASE", PRIOR OWNER NEVER MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE. I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE FOR MONTHS "AIRBAG" LIGHT ON. PAID FOR MONTHS HAVING IT RESET, THEN I FINALLY I STARTED A SEARCH TO LOCATE A "RECALL FOR AIRBAG MODULE" FOR THIS MODEL. I CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA IMMEDIATELY THAT I'M THE NEW OWNER (THEY HAD NO RECORD OF WHO WAS THE OWNER) I WAS GIVEN DIRECTION HOW TO HANDLE, VEHICLE TAKEN TO A SERVICE CENTER, REPAIRED MADE. TWO MONTHS LATE, AIRBAG LIGHT O… Look up ODI 10297204 at NHTSA ↗	621.4% ODI 10758752 · 189,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. WHILE IN PARK AND ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000. Look up ODI 10758752 at NHTSA ↗	1031.3% ODI 10263226 · 65,000 mi PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR FAILURE, SENSOR IN SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION. *TR Look up ODI 10263226 at NHTSA ↗	2732.1% ODI 10079804 FAULTY AIR BAG SYSTEM.MR THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE FIRST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENT WA A MONTH FROM THAT DATE. NM Look up ODI 10079804 at NHTSA ↗	1851.4% ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	4254.5% ODI 10434292 I GOT A WARNING LIGHT ON MY DISPLAY PANEL PASS. RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT. ALTHOUGH BMW HAS RECALLED CAR SAME YEAR AND MODEL FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, MY VIN IS NOT RECALLED. *TR Look up ODI 10434292 at NHTSA ↗	2534.7% ODI 10242537 ON SEPTEMBER 16,2009 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO COLLISION IN MY 2007 BMW 525I SERIES. I WAS STOPPED AT A FREEWAY EXIT OFF THE 405 S. WHERE SUDDENLY A VEHICLE THAT WAS DOING A SPEED OF NO LESS OF 50-60 MPH COLLIDED INTO THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WHICH RESULTED ME TO BE PUSHED FORWARD AT LEAST 75-100 FEET. THE FORCE AND IMPACT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS SO SEVERE, THAT IS CAUSED THE OTHER VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER MULTIPLE TIMES AND LAND ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY FROM IMPACT. WITH SUCH AN IMPACT AND THE SPEED OF THE OTHER CAR WITHOUT HITTING THEIR … Look up ODI 10242537 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.
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	522.7% ODI 11047515 · 206,000 mi POSSIBLE BMW RECALL ISSUE (CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR OFF). CAR PURCHASED ON 11/8/17. ON 11/16/17, CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION OFF AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, DRIVER HEARD THE CAR ALARM GO OFF WHICH PROMPTED HIM TO GO OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER CALLED 911. CAR CONTINUED TO COMBUST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FIRE DEPT GOT TO OUR HOUSE. SEE PICTURES FOR DAMAGE. WE STILL HAVE THE BMW CAR IN QUESTION IN OUR DRIVEWAY. Look up ODI 11047515 at NHTSA ↗	517.9% ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	618.8% ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. *TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗	1720.2% ODI 10278390 · 93,000 mi RADIO,NAVIGATION,CD,PHONE,NOT WORKING. I DRIVE IS BLINK. CAR HAS 93,000 MILES. *TR Look up ODI 10278390 at NHTSA ↗	411.4% ODI 10764978 · 135,000 mi ON APRIL 11, 2015. I WAS TAKING MY VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC TO GET IT SERVICED AFTER SITTING ALL WINTER. AS I WAS DRIVING I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER, COULD NOT LOCATE THE SOURCE. I CONTINUED TO MY MECHANIC. ONCE THERE WE OPENED THE TRUNK, WE NOTICED AND SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. WE TOOK OUT THE TIRE AND NOTICED WATER IN THE WHEEL WELL, WHICH MADE AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT SPARKING, SMOKING AND ON FIRE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO BMW. THEY STATED THE WATER DAMAGED THE MICRO POWER MODULE. BMW PAID FOR THE REPA… Look up ODI 10764978 at NHTSA ↗	79.1% ODI 10683212 · 139,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE MICRO POWER MODULE WIRES WERE MELTED AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000. Look up ODI 10683212 at NHTSA ↗	1318.1% ODI 10275030 TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP. THERE WAS ALSO A VERY LOW POWER RESPONSE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY DETECTED FAILURE WITHIN THE COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE VIN WAS… Look up ODI 10275030 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11051020 · 123,000 mi WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE, SUDDENLY WE BEGAN TO SMELL 'SOMETHING' BURNING, AND THEN THE IDRIVE SYSTEM DISPLAYED A BATTERY ICON LIGHT FOLLOWED BY THE MESSAGE "CHARGING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" AND CONTROL MESSAGES WARNING "YOUR BATTERY IS NOT BEING CHARGED". SECONDS AFTER THAT MESSAGE THE POWER IN THE VEHICLE BEGAN SURGING, AND ANOTHER MESSAGE DISPLAYED "4X4 SYSTEM AND DSC HAVE MALFUNCTIONED". AT THIS POINT WE WERE PULLING OVER, AND THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN FILLING WITH SMOKE. THE 4 OF US EXITED THE VEHICLE AND WITNESSED FLAMES AND SMOKE … Look up ODI 11051020 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Seats	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	414.3% ODI 10235752 · 48,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER'S SEAT CONTROLS MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN MOVING THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING IN THE SEAT TRACK, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT LOCKS THE VEHICLE, THE ALARM SOUNDS, BUT THE HORN WOULD NOT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVERNIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. IN ADDITION, THE KEYS DO NOT LOC… Look up ODI 10235752 at NHTSA ↗	39.4% ODI 10259104 · 45,000 mi I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TURNED THE SEAT HEATER ON. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, I STARTED TO SMELL SMOKE AND THEN SAW SMOKE IN THE CAR. I PULLED OVER AND SAW THAT THE SEAT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF AND DOUSED THE FIRE WITH WATER. *TR Look up ODI 10259104 at NHTSA ↗	1619.0% ODI 10294976 · 51,545 mi THE SEAT WARMER MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE IN MY DRIVER SEATS AND ALSO A HOLE IN MY PANTS. IF I HAD A PIECE OF PAPER OR SOMETHING IN MY BACK PAPER, IT WOULD HAVE SET IT ON FIRE. *TR Look up ODI 10294976 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10326783 · 100,850 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE IN THE IDLE POSITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ELECTRIC SEAT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 101,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,850. Look up ODI 10326783 at NHTSA ↗	22.6% ODI 10649817 · 95,500 mi FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED DUE TO THE FRONT SEAT SENSOR MAT MALFUNCTION. ALARM LIGHTS UP ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AS WELL AS THE IDRIVE SERVICE SECTION. VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALERS ARE ASKING FOR $400 TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. THEY CLAIM THE ISSUE IS COMMON BUT MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. BMW USA CANNOT HELP AS THEY WANT AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS AND STANDS BY THEIR POSITION THAT MY CAR IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL OR WHAT EVER TERM THEY LIKE TO USE. *TR Look up ODI 10649817 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10370464 · 60,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SLOW GETTING INTO SEAT. *TR Look up ODI 10370464 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.
Seat Belts	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	27.1% ODI 10018733 TOOK MY 2002 BMW 525I TO HAVE ITS DRIVER SIDE RAILS REPLACED TO BMW OF PEORIA IN ILLINOIS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. ABOUT 1 WEEK LATER (AROUND MAY 5) AT A STOP LIGHT A LARGE ALLEN TYPE BOLT FELL AND ROLLED TO MY FEET. THIS BOLT WAS TO MY LAP SEAT BELT WHICH I WAS NOW HOLDING IN MY HAND! THE BOLT WAS NEVER TIGHTENED PROPERLY AND I HAD BEEN DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR AROUND 1 WEEK ASSUMING MY SEAT BELT WOULD WORK WHEN NEEDED. BMW OF PEORIA WAS INFORMED OF THIS THE SAME DAY, IT WAS FIXED BY THE NEXT DAY. I WROTE TO BMW-USA ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THE RESPONSE WA… Look up ODI 10018733 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1315.5% ODI 10250687 · 35,600 mi AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT RESTRAINT ICONS REMAIN ON VEHICLE DISPLAY WHEN SEAT BELTS ARE ENGAGED/FASTENED. *TR Look up ODI 10250687 at NHTSA ↗	617.1% ODI 10461375 · 64,000 mi I WAS LEAVING THE BOWING ALLEY AND NOTICED THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS ON AND IT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CALLED THE COMPANY IN REFERENCE TO A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THEY CLAIM THAT MY VIN # ISN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL ID # 73379 OR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V384000. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO SAVE UP AND BUY YOUR DREAM CAR TO ONLY HAVE IT TO MALFUNCTION IN A MONTHS TIME. I DON' T HAVE ANY FAITH OR TRUST IN THE BMW COMPANY AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT LOYAL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS AND FAIL TO ST… Look up ODI 10461375 at NHTSA ↗	67.8% ODI 10438944 · 99,500 mi AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON DASH AND SEAT BELT, WHEN I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES WHEN A DOG RAN IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING. *TR Look up ODI 10438944 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10423942 · 77,000 mi PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP IT IS THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. HARDLY ANYONE RIDES WITH ME IN THE CAR, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. DEALER PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $1,265.34 TO REPLACE IT. A TOTAL SCAM. *TR Look up ODI 10423942 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	29.1% ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗	13.6% ODI 10277320 · 75,000 mi ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING SOUNDED. LOOKED AT INDICATOR AND IT WAS ALL THE WAY IN THE RED. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. 30 SECONDS LATER THE RADIATOR BLEW WITH THE FORCE OF AN EXPLOSION, SHOOTING COOLANT ABOUT FIVE FEET ACROSS THE STREET EVEN THOUGH THE HOOD WAS DOWN. OPENED HOOD AND FOUND A HOLE IN TOP OF RADIATOR, MORE THAN AN INCH IN DIAMETER. I WOULD HAVE OPENED HOOD BEFORE IT BLEW SO I CAME WITHIN HALF A MINUTE OF BEING BADLY BURNED. MY MECHANIC SAID IT HAPPENS REGULARLY WITH BMW 525'S. HE SAID IT HAPPENS AROUND 80,000 MILES. MY CAR HA… Look up ODI 10277320 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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	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.
Air Bags:Frontal	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10089874 WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND MAKING LEFT TURNING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER THE SIDE OR FRONT DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST, SHOULDERS, AND ARM INJURIES FROM IMPACTING THE STEERING WHEEL. *AK Look up ODI 10089874 at NHTSA ↗	27.1% ODI 10249001 · 44,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 525I. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL). HE STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATES WHEN NO ONE IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 44,000. Look up ODI 10249001 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	67.1% ODI 10255851 · 67,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS INOPERATIVE. AS A CONSEQUENCE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY EVENLY IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL); THEREFORE, HE IS NOT ENTITLED TO A FREE REMEDY AS REFERENCED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE F… Look up ODI 10255851 at NHTSA ↗	514.3% ODI 10341877 · 80,000 mi TL*THE DRIVER OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V384000, AIR BAGS FRONTAL; HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. Look up ODI 10341877 at NHTSA ↗	33.9% ODI 10462601 · 75,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525. WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSOR MAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 7/11/12 CN ADDED VIN. 07/12/12. JB Look up ODI 10462601 at NHTSA ↗	11.4% ODI 10480145 · 34,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A PARKING SPACE, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 10/31/12LJ UPDATED 12/13/12LJ THE SEAT MAT SENSOR WAS REPLACED FOR A SECOND TIME. UPDATED 12/13/12 Look up ODI 10480145 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.
Unknown Or Other	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 11632314 We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The alarm would not trigger, and the sunroof was cracked accidentally about an inch. It was July. I could not get anyone to hear me, and could not get an… Look up ODI 11632314 at NHTSA ↗	310.7% ODI 10024731 · 21,000 mi WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE A CERTAIN SPEED IN ORDER FOR THE AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT OR THE ALARM SOUND TO COME ON, TO LET THE CONSUMER KNOW THE DOOR OR TRUNK WAS OPEN. THERE WAS ALSO NO WARNING CHIME TO LET THE DRIVER KNOW THAT OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE RELEASED THE SEAT BELTS. *AK AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO VEHICLE LENGTHS BEFORE THE GONG SOUNDS, THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS INOPERATIVE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL, AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE SHOWED A HALF A TANK, THERE WAS A LOUD… Look up ODI 10024731 at NHTSA ↗	13.1% ODI 10125016 · 14,500 mi WHILE CHANGING THE TIRE ON MY 2003 BMW 525 CAR JACK SLIPPED OUT CAUSING CAR TO DROP ON MY ARM, BREAKING MY ARM. I BELIEVE THE CAR JACK FOR THIS CAR IS POORLY DESIGNED Look up ODI 10125016 at NHTSA ↗	33.6% ODI 10145972 THE I-DRIVE SOFTWARE OBVIOUSLY HAS A LOT OF "BUGS" THE LATEST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 12/13/05, WHEN PRESSING THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL BUTTONS, THE MODE (FM/AM/CD) WOULD NOT CHANGE; THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM THAT HAS GONE ON FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. IN ADDITION, MOST TIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS, THE RADIO STATION FREQUENCY DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE DISPLAY UNLESS I CHANGE THE STATION. PRESSING THE UP/DOWN STATION BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. AS I WAS NEARBY MY DEALER, I STOPPED BY SO A SERVICE REP COULD DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. HE DOCU… Look up ODI 10145972 at NHTSA ↗	38.6% ODI 10573218 · 157,258 mi I POPPED THE HOOD AND REMOVED THE ENCLOSURE CAP FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRING ON THE HARNESS TO THE LIGHT BULB WAS EXPOSED. THE COVERING AROUND THE WIRING HAD DISINTEGRATED IN SEVERAL PLACES. I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE LIGHT BULB AND RECEIVED AN ELECTRIC SHOCK. I THEN PUT THE LIGHT BULB AND HARNESS BACK INSIDE THE LAMP HOUSING AND PUT THE CAP BACK ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN GLOBAL IMPORTS, AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER IN ATLANTA, GA ON MARCH 11, 2014. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CONDITION OF THE HARNESS WAS A POTE… Look up ODI 10573218 at NHTSA ↗	33.9% ODI 10560152 · 92,000 mi BOUGHT FROM MANAGER AT BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT W/89,920 ON 10/25/13. 2 OVERHEATED BROKE DOWN ON 11/29/13 ON JANUARY 7 RARELY PARK IN DRIVEWAY, PULL UP ON DRIVEWAY WITH AN INCLINE AT MY HOME. CAR WAS PLACED IN PARK BUT SORTA DID NOT CATCH GEAR RIGHT, FELT A ROLLBACK SO I ENGAGED MY E-BRAKE. DID NOT WANT TO RELEASE KEY, SO I GET STUFF AT HOUSE AND RESUMED INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, CAR DID NOT START. SO I ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE OUT OF PARK, TO NO AVAIL, THEN AFTER OFF AND ON ATTEMPTS IT CHANGED GEARS. SCREEN SAID GEAR CHANGE WITHOUT BRAKE POSSIBLE. TOO… Look up ODI 10560152 at NHTSA ↗	68.3% ODI 10534273 · 73,000 mi TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP, DOWNSHIFTING TRANSMISSION ISSUE FROM 2 TO 1 SPEED. *TR Look up ODI 10534273 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.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	14.5% ODI 10366961 · 60,000 mi UPON ARRIVING HOME FROM 4 MILE ROUND TRIP LIGHT CITY TRAFFIC (25 MPH AVER SPEED), AND ENTERING BASE OF MY DRIVEWAY, MY WELL-SERVICED 2001 BMW 525I (60,000 MILES) SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING, ENGINE QUIT, BATTERY WARNING LIGHTING, AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON, AND LOUD CLANGING NOISE CAME FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. RESTARTED CAR TO PULL FROM STREET INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND SMOKE STARTING COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT CAR OFF AND OPENED HOOD, SAW STEAM COMING OUT OF COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION TANK WHICH HAD CRACKED. NO MORE THAN … Look up ODI 10366961 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	13.1% ODI 10249556 · 39,377 mi BEGAN TO HEAR A "CLICKING NOISE" UNDER FRONT END OF VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED RMFD HYDRO STEERING BOX DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED IT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED NOISE WOULD GET WORSE IF NOT REPLACED BUT COULDN'T ADVISE ME AS TO SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED WITH UNDER 40,000 MILES. CONTACTED BMW VIA EMAIL WITH NO RESPONSE. *TR Look up ODI 10249556 at NHTSA ↗	22.4% ODI 10410062 · 92,302 mi ACTIVE STEERING PROBLEM. *TR Look up ODI 10410062 at NHTSA ↗	12.9% ODI 10651946 · 141,000 mi ACTIVE STEERING FAULT. *TR Look up ODI 10651946 at NHTSA ↗	22.6% ODI 10692853 · 50,000 mi STEERING FAILURE LOCK LITE COME EVERY TIME YOU START CAR. *TR Look up ODI 10692853 at NHTSA ↗	1216.7% ODI 10356596 · 54,000 mi 2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR Look up ODI 10356596 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.

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

Failure mileage by component

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

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Air Bags	61,000–102,000 mi	93,000 mi	21	ODI 10284969 · 61,000 mi 2007 BMW 525I WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM ISSUE (WARNING LIGHT ON). I HAVE SEEN THIS BMW RECALL ON MANY MODELS AND YEARS, HOWEVER I AM STILL WAITING ON MINE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN GETTING THIS RESOLVED. TR Look up ODI 10284969 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10375896 · 62,000 mi PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER HERE IN FLORIDA - WE ARE HERE FOR THE WINTER. DEALER BRAMEN IN WEST PALM BEACH QUOTED US $1700 TO REPAIR. WE DECLINED AS WE THOUGHT THE COST WAS EXORBITANT. THE DEALER REP SAID IT WAS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND NEEDED REPAIR. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND SEE PRIOR MODEL YEARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE A SIMILAR PROBLEM. Look up ODI 10375896 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10419473 · 60,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS INTOXICATED AND DRIVING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS FACE, LEFT SHOULDER, BACK AND HEAD DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE CONTACTS FACE COLLIDED WITH THE WINDSHIELD AND HE SUFFERED FROM FREQUENT HEADACHES AND NUMBNESS TO THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS BODY. THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE ALSO SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS BAC… Look up ODI 10419473 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	71,457–110,000 mi	103,500 mi	9	ODI 10421500 · 38,000 mi I WAS DRIVING THROUGH A CANYON AREA, AND WATER SPILLED OUT OF MY ICE CHEST INTO THE TRUNK BAY, WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS STORED. APPARENTLY THE ENTIRE CARS COMPUTER AND WIRING IS UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE. THE WATER FRIED MY TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR MODULE, WHICH CAUSED THE COMPUTER TO RESTART. WHEN IT RESTARTED, THE CAR SHOWED A CAR COMPUTER FAILURE. THE CAR HAS SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS STABILITY CONTROL, AND MANY OTHER SAFETY MODULES CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER. THE CARS COMPUTER, INSIDE LIGHTS, GAUGES, AND ALL MY SYSTEMS COMPLETELY RESTARTED EVERY 3… Look up ODI 10421500 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10425331 · 50,000 mi TRUNK LOCKING FAILURE. UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK WITH REMOTE CONTROL OR SWITCH INSIDE THE CAR. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE KEY OVER-RIDE FROM THE TRUNK. BMW USA CUSTOMER SERVICE DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO OPEN THE TRUNK. I HAD TO READ THE MANUAL TO BE ABLE TO OVER-RIDE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. ONCE I OPENED THE TRUNK THE TRUNK WOULD NOT CLOSE. AFTER EXTENSIVE INTERNET RESEARCH AND ELECTRICAL TROUBLE-SHOOTING, I FOUND BROKEN BROWN ELECTRICAL WIRE IN THE TRUNK HARNESS BOOT ABOVE THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. I FOUND SEVERAL CASES POSTE… Look up ODI 10425331 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10461806 · 71,457 mi THE CAR BEEPS EVERY FEW MILES AND A WARNING LIGHT SHOWS IT NEED AN OIL CHANGE, I HAD JUST GOTTEN A CHANGE, SO THEY CHANGED IT AGAIN, THE NEXT DAY THE BELLS STARTED RINGING AGAIN. ALSO THE GEAR SHIFTER WENT OUT. IT IS STILL RINGING. Look up ODI 10461806 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	50,250–76,938 mi	62,500 mi	8	ODI 10356596 · 54,000 mi 2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. TR Look up ODI 10356596 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10444318 · 34,000 mi ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK: A RED LIGHT SHOWING A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR. IT STARTS THE FIRST TIME AND THEN DOES NOT START ON SUBSEQUENT TRIES. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO BMW AND THE REPAIRS INVOLVE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THIS LOOKS LIKE A MINOR SENSOR FAULT REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF A MAJOR MECHANICAL COMPONENT DUE TO BAD DESIGN. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THE BAD SENSORS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF BMWS AR… Look up ODI 10444318 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10458992 · 48,000 mi RED LIGHT ON DASHBOARD SHOWING A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK. FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. TOOK CAR TO BMW AND HAVE TO PAY OVER $100 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND TO BE TOLD I'LL PROBABLY NEED NEW STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. CAR HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. NEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AS OTHERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. TR Look up ODI 10458992 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	56,000–110,000 mi	71,400 mi	5	ODI 10779991 · 71,400 mi RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP TO THE GROCERY, CAR RUNNING FINE, TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, HEARD A NOISE , ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. HAD THE CAR PULLED TO MY GARAGE,, I AM A DIESEL ENGINE REBUILDER SO I DO KNOW ENGINES. I LOOKED THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE HOOD UP, DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANYTHING. GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TRIED TO RE START THE ENGINE, IT ROLLED OVER FINE BUT NO START. I AGAIN LOOKED IN THE ENGINE AREA FOR ANY PROBLEMS. THEN I SAW IT. THE FRONT PULLEY AND CRANKSHAFT WAS CROOKED,, VERY VISIBLE CROOKED. I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE END OF TH… Look up ODI 10779991 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11047358 · 110,000 mi OVERHEATED, I HAVE SPENT OVER $3000 TO REPAIR THE OVERHEAT PROBLEM, IT KEEP COMING BACK Look up ODI 11047358 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11064800 · 56,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, AN UNKNOWN ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS DO TO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF OCALA 5145 SW C… Look up ODI 11064800 at NHTSA ↗
Seat Belts	77,000–106,000 mi	94,000 mi	5	ODI 10423942 · 77,000 mi PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AT ALL TIMES. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP IT IS THE SEAT MAT SENSOR. HARDLY ANYONE RIDES WITH ME IN THE CAR, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. DEALER PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $1,265.34 TO REPLACE IT. A TOTAL SCAM. TR Look up ODI 10423942 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. *TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗
Seats	65,500–91,255 mi	74,000 mi	6	ODI 10370464 · 60,000 mi FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SLOW GETTING INTO SEAT. TR Look up ODI 10370464 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. *TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗
Unknown Or Other	71,000–75,000 mi	73,000 mi	5	ODI 10534273 · 73,000 mi TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP, DOWNSHIFTING TRANSMISSION ISSUE FROM 2 TO 1 SPEED. TR Look up ODI 10534273 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10716489 · 71,000 mi I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY O… Look up ODI 10716489 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	110,000 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10882844 · 140,000 mi WHEN I REALIZED A LIGHTBULB IN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT I BOUGHT THE BULB ONLINE READY TO REPLACE IT. I REALIZED WHEN REPLACING THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. SO I WANTED MONEY ON A NEW BULB BECAUSE IT WON'T LIGHT UP REGARDLESS. NOW THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES THE BULB TO NOT WORK BUT IT MESSES WITH THE LIGHTS IN THE WHOLE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. MY ENTIRE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWEAKS. SOMETIMES JUS ONE PARKING LIGHT IS OUT, THEN IT'S THE HIGH BEAM THAT DOESN'T WORK, THEN IT'S THE LOW BEAM. SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE LOW BEAMS… Look up ODI 10882844 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10889173 · 110,000 mi WENT TO REPLACE MY FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS AFTER HEADLAMP FAILURE WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT, ON A WINDING ROAD, IN RURAL TEXAS. MECHANIC PULLED THE "SEALED" HOUSING, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WIRES IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY HAD FAULTY INSULATION. THE INSULATION HAD "FLAKED" OFF TO THE POINT THAT MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT, AND FAILURE OF THE HEADLAMP. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON MANY FORUMS, AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRRENCE. REPLACEMENT COSTS OF EACH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPROX $1500. THE USE OF SUB… Look up ODI 10889173 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11340546 · 103,500 mi HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP… Look up ODI 11340546 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Complaints	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	1	None	ODI 11676992 Unknown, the car shut down on me two time in a month. Look up ODI 11676992 at NHTSA ↗
2025-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	0	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	0	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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

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

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2010: 0 complaints · 2011: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2010	0	0	0
2011	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2010	0	0	0
2011	0	0	0

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

Components reported together

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

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Air Bags	Electrical System	Steering	Engine	Seat Belts	Seats	Unknown Or Other	Exterior Lighting
Air Bags	—	0	0	0	4 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10605797 · 94,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE WARNING CAME UP ON MY 2007 525I. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON PREVIOUS MODELS BUT AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND WOULD COST ME ROUGHLY $2000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AS NOBODY CAN RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH THE OTHER VEHICLES. *TR Look up ODI 10605797 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10562542 · 96,673 mi 2007 BMW SEAT MAT SENSOR FOR ACTIVATION OF AIR BAG, FAILED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED, IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, HE IS STILL SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 02/19/14 UPDATED 06/09/14. *JB Look up ODI 10562542 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Electrical System	0	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10734789 · 105,000 mi WE WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO BE AWARE THAT MYSELF AND A FEW COLLEAGUES OWN BMW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. BMW HAS PURPOSELY BUILT THESE VEHICLES TO FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD WHEN A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY WE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE SEALS AROUND ALL ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW AS WELL AS THE SEALS AROUND THE TRUNK, HOWEVER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK BMW KEEPS A MAIN COMPONENT BOARD UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE , ONCE THE SEALS BEGIN TO FAIL IT CAUSES WATER AND MOISTURE TO GAIN ACC… Look up ODI 10734789 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 10882844 · 140,000 mi WHEN I REALIZED A LIGHTBULB IN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT I BOUGHT THE BULB ONLINE READY TO REPLACE IT. I REALIZED WHEN REPLACING THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. SO I WANTED MONEY ON A NEW BULB BECAUSE IT WON'T LIGHT UP REGARDLESS. NOW THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES THE BULB TO NOT WORK BUT IT MESSES WITH THE LIGHTS IN THE WHOLE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. MY ENTIRE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWEAKS. SOMETIMES JUS ONE PARKING LIGHT IS OUT, THEN IT'S THE HIGH BEAM THAT DOESN'T WORK, THEN IT'S THE LOW BEAM. SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE LOW BEAMS… Look up ODI 10882844 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10889173 · 110,000 mi WENT TO REPLACE MY FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS AFTER HEADLAMP FAILURE WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT, ON A WINDING ROAD, IN RURAL TEXAS. MECHANIC PULLED THE "SEALED" HOUSING, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WIRES IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY HAD FAULTY INSULATION. THE INSULATION HAD "FLAKED" OFF TO THE POINT THAT MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT, AND FAILURE OF THE HEADLAMP. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON MANY FORUMS, AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRRENCE. REPLACEMENT COSTS OF EACH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPROX $1500. THE USE OF SUB… Look up ODI 10889173 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11340546 · 103,500 mi HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP… Look up ODI 11340546 at NHTSA ↗
Steering	0	0	—	0	0	0	1 ODI 10716489 · 71,000 mi I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY O… Look up ODI 10716489 at NHTSA ↗	0
Engine	0	0	0	—	0	0	1 ODI 11270887 · 50,000 mi THE NHTSA DATABASE IS SHOWING A RECALL FOR MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER I AM CURRENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IS TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THIS IS A CONFLICT. I CAN NOT SHIP MY CAR BACK TO THE US WITHOUT THIS RECALL BEING CLEARED. CAN SOMEONE PROVIDE ME DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN SATISFIED. Look up ODI 11270887 at NHTSA ↗	0
Seat Belts	4 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10605797 · 94,000 mi PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE WARNING CAME UP ON MY 2007 525I. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON PREVIOUS MODELS BUT AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND WOULD COST ME ROUGHLY $2000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AS NOBODY CAN RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH THE OTHER VEHICLES. *TR Look up ODI 10605797 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	—	2 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗	0	0
Seats	3 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10562542 · 96,673 mi 2007 BMW SEAT MAT SENSOR FOR ACTIVATION OF AIR BAG, FAILED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED, IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, HE IS STILL SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 02/19/14 UPDATED 06/09/14. *JB Look up ODI 10562542 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	2 ODI 10510929 · 106,000 mi WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! TR Look up ODI 10510929 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10526128 · 63,000 mi STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. TR Look up ODI 10526128 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	0
Unknown Or Other	0	2 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10734789 · 105,000 mi WE WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO BE AWARE THAT MYSELF AND A FEW COLLEAGUES OWN BMW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. BMW HAS PURPOSELY BUILT THESE VEHICLES TO FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD WHEN A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY WE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE SEALS AROUND ALL ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW AS WELL AS THE SEALS AROUND THE TRUNK, HOWEVER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK BMW KEEPS A MAIN COMPONENT BOARD UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE , ONCE THE SEALS BEGIN TO FAIL IT CAUSES WATER AND MOISTURE TO GAIN ACC… Look up ODI 10734789 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10716489 · 71,000 mi I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY O… Look up ODI 10716489 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 11270887 · 50,000 mi THE NHTSA DATABASE IS SHOWING A RECALL FOR MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER I AM CURRENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IS TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THIS IS A CONFLICT. I CAN NOT SHIP MY CAR BACK TO THE US WITHOUT THIS RECALL BEING CLEARED. CAN SOMEONE PROVIDE ME DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN SATISFIED. Look up ODI 11270887 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10703920 · 75,000 mi BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR Look up ODI 10703920 at NHTSA ↗	—	0
Exterior Lighting	0	4 ODI 10882844 · 140,000 mi WHEN I REALIZED A LIGHTBULB IN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT I BOUGHT THE BULB ONLINE READY TO REPLACE IT. I REALIZED WHEN REPLACING THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. SO I WANTED MONEY ON A NEW BULB BECAUSE IT WON'T LIGHT UP REGARDLESS. NOW THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES THE BULB TO NOT WORK BUT IT MESSES WITH THE LIGHTS IN THE WHOLE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. MY ENTIRE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWEAKS. SOMETIMES JUS ONE PARKING LIGHT IS OUT, THEN IT'S THE HIGH BEAM THAT DOESN'T WORK, THEN IT'S THE LOW BEAM. SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE LOW BEAMS… Look up ODI 10882844 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10889173 · 110,000 mi WENT TO REPLACE MY FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS AFTER HEADLAMP FAILURE WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT, ON A WINDING ROAD, IN RURAL TEXAS. MECHANIC PULLED THE "SEALED" HOUSING, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WIRES IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY HAD FAULTY INSULATION. THE INSULATION HAD "FLAKED" OFF TO THE POINT THAT MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT, AND FAILURE OF THE HEADLAMP. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON MANY FORUMS, AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRRENCE. REPLACEMENT COSTS OF EACH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPROX $1500. THE USE OF SUB… Look up ODI 10889173 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11340546 · 103,500 mi HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP… Look up ODI 11340546 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

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

Recurring narrative patterns

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

Search patterns

5 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

19 mentions · 26.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,104 mi (18 usable records).

ODI 10275030

Look up ODI 10275030 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10284969 · 61,000 mi

Look up ODI 10284969 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10370464 · 60,000 mi

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SLOW GETTING INTO SEAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10370464 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Steering assistance concerns

7 mentions · 9.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 62,500 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10356596 · 54,000 mi

2007 BMW 525 HAS A MESSAGE INDICATING THE STEERING LOCK IS ACTIVATED. MESSAGE WILL NOT GO AWAY. BMW INDICATES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT IS NOT COVERED OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

Look up ODI 10356596 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10444318 · 34,000 mi

ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK: A RED LIGHT SHOWING A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK SHOWS UP ON THE DASHBOARD WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR. IT STARTS THE FIRST TIME AND THEN DOES NOT START ON SUBSEQUENT TRIES. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO BMW AND THE REPAIRS INVOLVE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. THIS LOOKS LIKE A MINOR SENSOR FAULT REQUIRING THE REPLACEMENT OF A MAJOR MECHANICAL COMPONENT DUE TO BAD DESIGN. I BELIEVE THAT BMW SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE THE BAD SENSORS THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED BY OTHER OWNERS OF BMWS AR…

Look up ODI 10444318 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472627 · 76,750 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, THE STEERING LOCK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,750 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,780.

Look up ODI 10472627 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

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

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 75,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10471159 · 57,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES WERE HESITANT TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM PUMP WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VACUUM PUMP WAS LEAKING OIL AND CONTAMINATED THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE …

Look up ODI 10471159 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10595583 · 120,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 525 BMW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BECOME STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM BOOSTER HAD MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO CONTAMINATION. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Look up ODI 10595583 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11043021 · 75,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 BMW 525I ON A CITY STREET AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES WERE NON EXISTENT. THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST ALL OF ITS PRESSURE AND WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT STOP AT THE STOP SIGN AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP WAS USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH BARELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK SO I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION UNDER MY HOOD, I FOUND A BROKEN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE WHICH BROKE APART AND THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAIL…

Look up ODI 11043021 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10534273 · 73,000 mi

TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP, DOWNSHIFTING TRANSMISSION ISSUE FROM 2 TO 1 SPEED. *TR

Look up ODI 10534273 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10547438 · 84,000 mi

TRANSMISSION JERKS AND THE CAR GIVES A KICK WHEN THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTS FROM 2 TO 1. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. SEEN MANY REFERENCES OF TRANSMISSION JERK / KICK ISSUES ONLINE ON BIMMERFEST. REPORTS TO BMW USA AS WELL. BMW USA REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Look up ODI 10547438 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10882844 · 140,000 mi

WHEN I REALIZED A LIGHTBULB IN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT I BOUGHT THE BULB ONLINE READY TO REPLACE IT. I REALIZED WHEN REPLACING THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. SO I WANTED MONEY ON A NEW BULB BECAUSE IT WON'T LIGHT UP REGARDLESS. NOW THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES THE BULB TO NOT WORK BUT IT MESSES WITH THE LIGHTS IN THE WHOLE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. MY ENTIRE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWEAKS. SOMETIMES JUS ONE PARKING LIGHT IS OUT, THEN IT'S THE HIGH BEAM THAT DOESN'T WORK, THEN IT'S THE LOW BEAM. SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE LOW BEAMS…

Look up ODI 10882844 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 74,450 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10620916 · 77,500 mi

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED ACCORDING TO THE INDICATOR ON THE DASH. THE INDICATOR HAD THE LETTERS ELV WITH A PICTURE OF A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK. IT STATED THAT FOR SAFETY REASONS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND IN ORDER TO START IT RECOMMENDED THAT I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE WARNING WAS IN YELLOW AND SEVERAL TIMES IN RED. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS FOR THE FEAR THAT I WILL BECOME STRANDED IF THE VEHICLE WON'T START. *T…

Look up ODI 10620916 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10779991 · 71,400 mi

RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP TO THE GROCERY, CAR RUNNING FINE, TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, HEARD A NOISE , ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. HAD THE CAR PULLED TO MY GARAGE,, I AM A DIESEL ENGINE REBUILDER SO I DO KNOW ENGINES. I LOOKED THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE HOOD UP, DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANYTHING. GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TRIED TO RE START THE ENGINE, IT ROLLED OVER FINE BUT NO START. I AGAIN LOOKED IN THE ENGINE AREA FOR ANY PROBLEMS. THEN I SAW IT. THE FRONT PULLEY AND CRANKSHAFT WAS CROOKED,, VERY VISIBLE CROOKED. I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE END OF TH…

Look up ODI 10779991 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule