Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2003 BMW 325CI with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the BMW 325CI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 44
26% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
313.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
28.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
28.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
313.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
626.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
417.4%
150,000+ miles
313.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2004peak 4May 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesTehachapi, CAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FOG LIGHTS. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS, AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT OPERATING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10959029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 58,550 milesRehoboth Beach, DE
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,550.
NHTSA complaint #11207993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesTehachapi, CAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE WAS PRESENT UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE FOG LIGHTS. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE FOG LIGHTS, SIGNAL LIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS, AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT WERE NOT OPERATING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10959029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10936783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood Ranch, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10936139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10905843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I ASKED FOR A SERVICE APPOINTMENT ON MARCH 8TH, 2016 BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO SET A CERTAIN DATE FOR THE REPAIR. IS A 5 MONTHS WAIT NORMAL? I AM DRIVING THE CAR DAILY. EVERYTHING WORKS FINE.
NHTSA complaint #10893180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10854344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, CA
AIR BAGS
2003 BMW 325CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG REPLACEMENT NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE RECALL 14V-42B. *SMD
NHTSA complaint #10806936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10749065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSUN City, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10712452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesSUN City, AZ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK ON A FEW DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10712452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bayonne, NJ
AIR BAGS
HELLO, I RECEIVED A PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2014 FOR MY BMW 325 CI YEAR 2003 AND HAVE TRIED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE CALL WITH TWO BMW DEALERSHIPS IN NJ (BLOOMFIELD AND JMK IN SPRINGFIELD) SINCE THIS DATE. BOTH DEALERSHIPS KEEP TELLING ME THERE IS A BACK ORDER ON THE PARTS AND STATE THAT THEY HAVE PLACED MY NAME ON A WAITING LIST. EVERY TIME I CALL THEM (IT IS APRIL 2015 NOW) I GET THE SAME STORY AND IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING. I AM AFRAID TO LET ANYONE SIT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY UNREASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME TO HAVE SOMEONE WAIT FOR SUCH A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. I KINDLY REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING MY VEHICLE'S AIR BAG REPLACED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10712218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesHummelstown, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN INSIDE, ALL DOORS OF THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPEN WITH EITHER THE HANDLES, THE INTERNAL LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON, OR THE UNLOCKING MECHANISM ON THE KEY FOB. STOPPING AND STARTING THE VEHICLE AND MOVING IT A FEW YARDS STOPPED THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME AND THE BMW DEALER DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAULTY CONTROL MODULE. THEY DID NOT CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT WOULD PREVENT EXITING THE CAR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
NHTSA complaint #10678933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED TIMEFRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10664626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesKing George, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB AND KEY FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK THE DOORS BY USING THE KEY FOB AND KEY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE FIVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. MA 09/22
NHTSA complaint #10661095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesMarlton, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO OPERATE; PROBLEM IS INFLUENCED BY TEMPERATURE EXTREMES (HOT AND COLD); SYMPTOMS VARY FROM REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK TO A COMPLETE FAILURE OF ALL DOORS TO UNLOCK. WHEN THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF, THE CENTRAL ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK BUTTON (MOUNTED IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BESIDE THE HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH) IS INOPERABLE. BMW CRASH SAFETY FEATURES INCLUDE MECHANICAL DISCONNECT OF DOOR LATCHES WHEN LOCKED; WHEN THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM MANIFESTS, SOMETIMES THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS WILL REMAIN MECHANICALLY DISCONNECTED, MEANING THAT THE DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED AT ALL. IN A WORST CASE SCENARIO, IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE UNUSABLE FOR ESCAPE DUE TO DAMAGE OR BEING BLOCKED, THE ONLY WAY TO ESCAPE FROM THE VEHICLE IS BY SMASHING WINDOWS. BMWS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A GLASS BREAK DEVICE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A BODY MODULE CALLED THE GM5, WHICH IS MOUNTED ABOVE/IN FRONT OF THE GLOVE BOX; ALL LOCK POWER CIRCUITS RUN THROUGH THIS MODULE; THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A VOLTAGE DROP IN THE MODULE, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT VOLTAGE TO THE LOCK MECHANISMS, AS YOU CAN HEAR THE LOCKS ATTEMPTING TO CYCLE WHEN AND CAN SEE THE LOCK BUTTONS MOVING WHEN THE KEY FOB IS USED IN AN ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK THE DOORS. A GOOGLE SEARCH OF THE TERMS "BMW","DOORS WON'T UNLOCK" GETS AT LEAST 10 PAGES OF RESULTS ON THE ISSUE, INCLUDING SEVERAL THAT IDENTIFY THE GM5 MODULE AS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND WAYS TO FIX IT. REPAIR REQUIRES A NEW GM5 MODULE THAT NEEDS TO BE PROGRAMMED PRIOR TO INSTALL.
NHTSA complaint #10497885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesGranite BAY, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE PASSENGER SIDE HID HEADLIGHT FAILS TO COME ON. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY AND SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN THE WINTER TIME WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS COLDER AND THE AIR HAS MORE HUMIDITY. THIS IS NOT A BULB ISSUE IN THAT I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10467858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesWashington, DC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD PULL OVER SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10383861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesWashington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD PULL OVER SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10383861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesWashington, DC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE TRAVELLING ON ROUTE 50 IN MARYLAND AT 55MPH ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT. THEY CANNOT DIAGNOSE IT WITHOUT AT LEAST $1100 WORTH OF WORK (THEY THINK ITS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM). AFTER $1100 THEY STATE IT WOULD BE AN EASY $200 FIX OR A SUBSTANTIAL $6-8000 FIX. I WILL BE BRINGING IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR SECOND OPINION. I WAS FORTUNATE I WAS NOT IN TRAFFIC AND COULD PULL OVER SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10383861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
PASSENGER DOORS WON'T UNLOCK ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG THE CARS AND THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL ISSUED.
NHTSA complaint #10358970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTopsfield, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP.
NHTSA complaint #10353603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTopsfield, MA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP.
NHTSA complaint #10353603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTopsfield, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP.
NHTSA complaint #10353603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesTopsfield, MA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325CI THE ENGINE WILL SHUT OFF. THIS CAUSES: 1. POWER STEERING STOPS FUNCTIOINING 2. I AM UNABLE TO ACCELERATE 3. BRAKING TAKES EXCESSIVELY LONG WITH ENGINE OFF 4. DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP.
NHTSA complaint #10353603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.