2003 BMW 325I

199 complaints on file, page 1 of 10.

1. Filed Jul 1, 2024Failure Jun 28, 2024Chickasha, OKElectrical systemFire

   On June 28,2024, after parking and turning off the ignition switch, the dash started smoking and within minutes the whole dash and front of car were on fire. The car almost completely burned to the ground before the fire department could get there. The car was recently serviced at a BMW for an air bag recall. Heater ducts were loose when returned. There are also recalls for the 2006 325i for similar dash fires. The cause could be either dealer work or a factory issue.

   NHTSA complaint 11598027
2. Filed Jan 8, 2022Failure Jan 4, 2022Los Angeles, CAExterior lighting

   The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.

   NHTSA complaint 11446729
3. Filed Feb 12, 2021Failure Feb 12, 2021120,000 milesHouston, TXElectrical systemFire

   TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE ARSONIST INVESTIGATOR FILED A REPORT AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11395920
4. Filed Jul 1, 2020Failure Jun 26, 2020130,000 milesVancouver, WABody

   THE DOOR LOCKS STOP WORKING PERIODICALLY WHERE ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL UNLOCK WITH THE KEY. AT THAT TIME, THE REAR AND PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR THE BUTTON IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OR BY PULLING ON THE DOOR RELEASE INSIDE THE DOORS. THE BMW USUALLY UNLOCKS THE DOOR WITH THE FIRST PULL AND THEN OPENS WITH THE SECOND, BUT WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING, THE DOOR RELEASE (DOOR HANDLE) ON THE INSIDE DOES NOTHING. THIS RESULTS IN ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR OPENING AND I HAVE TO REACH BACK OVER THE SEATS TO UNBUCKLE MY KIDS AND THEN PULL THEM OUT OVER THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. SO LONG AS WE START OUTSIDE THE CAR, IT JUST MAKES THE BACK SEATS UNUSABLE. BUT IF I LOCK THE DOORS WHILE THE KIDS ARE IN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND THIS HAPPENS, WE GET INTO THE SCARY/FREAKY SITUATION. I VERIFIED THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS AREN'T ENGAGED FOR THE DOORS THAT DISABLE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES/RELEASES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN, IT JUST HAPPENS PERIODICALLY AND THEN GOES AWAY WITH NOTHING I CAN SEE AS A CAUSE. I HAVE VIDEO OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT THE FILE FORMATS LISTED DO NOT INCLUDE VIDEOS.

   NHTSA complaint 11331952
5. Filed Dec 18, 2019Failure Dec 11, 2019146,000 milesGastonia, NCPower train

   DRIVING ON 12/12/2019 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65MPH, GOING STRAIGHT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN REAR WHEELS (THIS IS RWD - 2003 BMW 325I) LOCKED UP COMPLETELY - THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AT ABOUT 45 DEGREES SIDEWAYS BEFORE IT STRAIGHTENED OUT WHEN THE SPEED DROPPED. THANKFULLY I DID NOT HIT ANYBODY, AND NO ONE HIT ME ALTHOUGH THERE WAS QUITE A BIT OF TRAFFIC ON THIS MULTI LANE INTERSTATE. I GOT AAA TOW IT HOME. HE HAD TO DRAG IT ONTO THE TRUCK BED AS THE REAR WHEELS CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED UP. WHEN I REMOVED AND OPENED THE DIFFERENTIAL TAPERED ROLLER BEARING ROLLERS WERE IN THE OIL SPACE. LOOKING TO SEE WHERE THEY JAMMED THE SYSTEM UP I NOTICED MARKS ON THE CARRIER. IT APPEARS ROLLERS JAMMED UP IN BETWEEN THE CARRIER AND THE INNER WALL OF THE DIFFERENTIAL BOX - SEE PHOTOGRAPHS. THEY MAY ALSO HAVE JAMMED UP IN BETWEEN THE GEARING BUT I DID NOT NOTICE MARKS ON THE TEETH BUT DID NOT HAVE TIME TO SPEND TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY.

   NHTSA complaint 11289962
6. Filed Nov 21, 2019Failure Nov 21, 2019Lindenhurst, NYFuel/propulsion system

   I OWN A 2003 SULEV BMW AND IT NEEDS A FUEL PUMP. THIS ONLY CAN BE REPAIRED BY A DEALERSHIP DUE TO THE FACT IT HAS A SEALED FUEL TANK. THE COST CAN BE 6 TO 8000.00 DOLLARS. I WAS TOLD THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR A SULEV CAR. 150000 MI OR 15 YEARS. I CALLED BMW AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF THAT WARRANTY. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU

   NHTSA complaint 11281679
7. Filed Jul 15, 2019Failure Jul 15, 2019Sterling, VAExterior lighting

   THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST IS TO GET BMW TO HONOR A REMEDY FOR TAILLIGHT DEFECT CAUSED AS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. MY TAILLIGHT GROUNDING WIRES ARE CAUSING A SHORT ON TURNING SIGNALS. FURTHER RESEARCH INDICATED THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000. AFFECTED VEHICLES 325I - 2002-2005 BMW WILL NOT HONOR ITS PROPOSED REMEDY WITH NHTSA, CITING THE VIN HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN RECALL. I CONTACTED BOTH DEALERSHIP IN STERLING VA AND CORPORATE BMW OF AMERICA (800-525-7417). BMW OF AMERICA WAS CONTACTED 7.15.2019. OPERATOR ANDREA EMPLOYEE # 6266 INFORMED ME THE CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER REMEDY. MANUFACTURER: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC MFR'S REPORT DATE: AUG 25, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL SUMMARY: 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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417. THE RECALL IS FOR MODEL YEARS 2002-2005 OF THE 325I, 325XI, 330I AND 330XI CARS, THE MUNICH-BASED COMPANY SAID TODAY IN A POSTING ON THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S WEBSITE. LIGHTS INCLUDING TAIL, BRAKE AND TURN SIGNALS MAY ONLY WORK INTERMITTENTLY ON THE CARS, BMW TOLD THE AUTO-SAFETY REGULATOR.

   NHTSA complaint 11231883
8. Filed Jul 4, 2019Failure Nov 27, 2018North Hills, CAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   MY REAR WINDOW AND THE ROOFTOP DONT WORK I CAN HEAR THE MOTORS BUT NOTHING HAPPENS A TECHNICIAN EXPLAIN THAT THE REGULATOR AND LINES ARE BROKEN ITS A COMMON THING ON MY MODEL HE SPECIFIED.

   NHTSA complaint 11229396
9. Filed Jun 20, 2019Failure Jun 14, 2019174,000 milesMunford, TNElectrical system

   BOTH BACK WINDOWS ON MY 2003 BMW 325I WILL NOT GO UP. GARAGE SAYS BOTH REGULATORS AND ACTUATORS MUST BE REPLACED. RESEARCHING THE INTERNET SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE ON THIS MODEL AND IT IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD.

   NHTSA complaint 11221563
10. Filed Jan 5, 2019Failure Jan 1, 2019160,000 milesMesa, AZAir bags

    AIRBAG LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF

    NHTSA complaint 11165411
11. Filed Apr 25, 2018Failure Jan 25, 2017Greensboro, NCAir bags

    I HAD MY AIRBAGS REPLACED BUT THE MAN SITTING IN THE SEAT IS ON WITH A AIRBACK IN HIS LAP I WAS TOLD THAT THE MRS CONTROL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THE BAD AIRBAGS MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS ISSUE, I WANT TO KNOW IF BMW IS GOINN TO TAKE CARE OF THIS, BECAUSE NONE OF THE AIR BAGS WORK WITHOUT THE MRS MODULE I HAVE NO PROTECTION IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR AT LEAST BMW NEEDS TO PAY FOR HALF THE COST.

    NHTSA complaint 11090042
12. Filed Feb 24, 2018Failure Feb 24, 2018LA Mesa, CAEngine, Power train, Suspension

    STALL LIMPS

    NHTSA complaint 11074684
13. Filed Feb 19, 2018Failure Sep 20, 2016SAN Jose, CAAir bags, Engine

    TAKATA RECALL - CALL THE DEALER ABOUT RECALL AND WAS TOLD I WOULD GET A CALL WHEN THE PART FOR THE JOBS WAS RECEIVED. IT'S BEEN MONTHS AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM THE DEALERSHIP.

    NHTSA complaint 11073554
14. Filed Feb 10, 2018Failure Aug 10, 2013120,000 milesLA Mesa, CAAir bags, Electrical system, Suspension

    STALLING, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, DEAD BATTERIES, SWERVING

    NHTSA complaint 11072105
15. Filed Feb 8, 2018Failure Jun 13, 201775,000 milesELK Grove, CAVisibility/wiper

    THE BOTTOM PART OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR 'MORE THAN 50%- HAS BECOME UNUSABLE. SOME KIND OF REDDISH FLUID LEAKS IN AND GRADUALLY IS BLOCKING THE REAR VIEW. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE MOST VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS BEHIND US. I REALIZE AFTER SOME INTERNET RESEARCH THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. AS ANOTHER COMPLAINANT ON THIS SITE OBSERVED, 'WE EXPECTED BETTER FROM BMW'. THEY TOLD HIM TO POUND SAND, IT WAS HIS PROBLEM TO FIX AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD, AND THEY WOULD ONLY FIX IT IF FORCED TO DO A RECALL (NAMELY, FORCED BY THE PEOPLE ACTING THROUGH THEIR GOVERNMENT.) SO, THUS FAR (13 YEARS) NEITHER BMW NOR THE NHTSA IS WILLING TO ACT ON THIS. SHAME ON BOTH OF YOU. PRAY NOT, BUT EVENTUALLY A POOR DRIVER WILL NOT HAVE REALIZED THAT HIS REAR VIEW MIRROR HAS SO FILLED WITH FLUID THAT HE CANNOT SEE TO THE REAR AT ALL, AND THERE'LL BE SOME HORRIFIC ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. THEN WON'T WE SEE BEVIES OF CORPORATE AND OFFICIAL BOOBIES WRINGING THEIR HANDS AND TELLING THE MEDIA 'HOW COULD THIE HAVE HAPPNED?'

    NHTSA complaint 11071824
16. Filed Nov 15, 2017Failure Jan 6, 201778,000 milesHouston, TXAir bags

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CURB AND CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (MOMENTUM BMW, 10002 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX, 855-645-6452). THE AIR BAG WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL; THEREFORE, THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AGAIN FOR FREE. THE AIR BAG WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED A TAKATA SETTLEMENT NOTICE AND WAS REFERRED TO 833-619-7579. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11046333
17. Filed Nov 4, 2017Failure Nov 4, 2017Reedley, CAAir bags

    I LOOKED UP MY VEHICLE THROUGH A FORM I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL "AIRBAGRECALL" AND MY VEHICLE QUALIFIED FOR THE RECALL. BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS WERE LISTED IN THE RECALL, I TRIED TO CALL THE DEALER TO TAKE CARE OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL, AND THEY COULDN'T HELP ME.

    NHTSA complaint 11043339
18. Filed Aug 14, 2017Failure Aug 14, 2017Guanica, PRAir bags

    TAKATA RECALL -

    NHTSA complaint 11015036
19. Filed May 12, 2017Failure Apr 21, 2017145,000 milesMerced, CAEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325I. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SMOGGED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10985148
20. Filed Apr 22, 2017Failure Apr 20, 2017150,000 milesElkhart, INElectronic stability control (esc), Power train, Suspension

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 10979951