Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2003 BMW 325XI with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 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 — 27
Against the median year of the BMW 325XI. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 24
14% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
314.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
29.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
419.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1047.6%
150,000+ miles
14.8%
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.
Oct 2011peak 3Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2003 BMW 325XI
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V018000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
14V428000
AIR BAGS
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
15V318000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
13V172000
AIR BAGS
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
11V438000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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.
Risk: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 103,000 milesRapid City, SDFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION OFF, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXPANSION TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10734783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEtters, PA1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND FILLED THE DRIVER'S CABIN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED OIL BETWEEN THE VALVE GASKET AND THE HEAD GASKET AS WELL AS OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE OIL DIP STICK WAS REMOVED, HOT OIL SHOT OUT ONTO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS BURNED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCV SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLOS Altos, CACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HYDRO-PLANED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR CAUSE OF AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #10504880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesCatlettsburg, KYFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #10438779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Watertown, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW
NHTSA complaint #11756445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesOwings, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVERS DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, OR WITH REMOTE. OTHER THREE DOORS DO.
NHTSA complaint #11074079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel, NY
AIR BAGS
THANK YOU VERY MUCH JO WHAT I DID TAKE CARE OF THE AIRBAG OR
NHTSA complaint #11064287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berkley, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEATHERFORD BMW OF BERKELEY (735 ASHBY AVE, BERKELEY, CA 94710) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11054992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wichita, KS
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF FAILED AND CAUSED WATER OT ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONCERNED THAT THE WATER WOULD DAMAGE THE CARPET, DASHBOARD, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGONOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. CONSUMER PUT IN NEW ENGINE. NEW RUG IS MESSED UP NOW BECAUSE OF SUNROOF LEAKS. UPDATED 9/13/18
NHTSA complaint #11042250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,000 milesLewiston, ME
AIR BAGS
THIS RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS IN MY BMW IS AFFECTING HOW I GET TO WORK EVERYDAY, I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK SO I AM RELIYING ON OTHERS TO GET ME TO WORK AND I AM OFTEN LATE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THIS, WHICH IS GETTING ME IN TROUBLE AT MY JOB. I AM AT RISK OF LOSING MY JOB AT THIS POINT.
NHTSA complaint #11015693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwich, CT
AIR BAGS
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2015 FOR REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. AS OF THIS DATE 10/15/16 BMW HAS NOT YET NOTIFIED ME OF WHEN THEY WILL NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR TO DEALER TO HAVE DRIVE SIDE AIR BAG REPLACED. CALLS TO BMW IN IN JUNE 2016 SAID TO WAIT UNTIL JULY,CALLS IN JULY SAID TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST, CALLS IN AUGUST SAID PERHAPS BY OCTOBER OR END OF 2016...CALLS TO THE BMW DEALER I USE VARY -ONE TIME THEY SAY MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR IN,NEXT CALL THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NO AIRBAGS...MY QUESTION(S) TO THE NHTSA IS "WILL BMW EVER REPLACE THE AIRBAG" AND IS DEPENDENT ON WHETHER I USE A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTAINING MY BMW.???... I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT SOME COLLEAGUES WITH OTHER TYPES HAVE CARS HAVE BEEN NOT TO DRIVE THEIR CAR UNTIL THE AIR BAG IS REPLACED AND SOME DEALERS HAVE ACTUALLY PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR FOR THEM UNTIL AIR BAG IS REPLACED....ALSO MY WIFE HAS A 2013 ACURA RDX, AND WHILE I BELIEVE THAT YEAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG RECALL, HER ACURA DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY REPLACED HER DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG AFTER JUST A FEW MONTH WAIT....I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 17 MONTHS FOR BMW RO NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR IN FOR AIR BAGS....AND I DO NOT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY THE BMW DEALERSHIP KEEPS CHANGING THEIR STORY ON THE AVAILABILTIY OF REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS YOUR HELP AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED
NHTSA complaint #10916248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winamac, IN
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10897670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OAK Ridge, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. 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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10888283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10845528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boynton Beach, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10839151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parisville, RI
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10836651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98 milesSAN Jose, CA
WHEELS
DRIVING THE CAR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AXIAL SYSTEM FELL OFF WHERE THE BALL BEARING HELD THE WHEEL ON 3/4" BALL BEARINGS FELL OFF THE CAR, AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS READY TO FALL APART AS WELL I WAS DRIVING AND AS I TURNED INTO THE AUTO SHOP DRIVEWAY THE WHEEL FELL APART GOOD THING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR EXPRESSWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10819708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98 milesSAN Jose, CA
STEERING
DRIVING THE CAR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AXIAL SYSTEM FELL OFF WHERE THE BALL BEARING HELD THE WHEEL ON 3/4" BALL BEARINGS FELL OFF THE CAR, AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS READY TO FALL APART AS WELL I WAS DRIVING AND AS I TURNED INTO THE AUTO SHOP DRIVEWAY THE WHEEL FELL APART GOOD THING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR EXPRESSWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10819708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98 milesSAN Jose, CA
SUSPENSION
DRIVING THE CAR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AXIAL SYSTEM FELL OFF WHERE THE BALL BEARING HELD THE WHEEL ON 3/4" BALL BEARINGS FELL OFF THE CAR, AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS READY TO FALL APART AS WELL I WAS DRIVING AND AS I TURNED INTO THE AUTO SHOP DRIVEWAY THE WHEEL FELL APART GOOD THING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR EXPRESSWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10819708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Canaan, CT
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10735307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesRapid City, SDFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION OFF, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXPANSION TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #10734783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEtters, PA1 injured
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND FILLED THE DRIVER'S CABIN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED OIL BETWEEN THE VALVE GASKET AND THE HEAD GASKET AS WELL AS OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE OIL DIP STICK WAS REMOVED, HOT OIL SHOT OUT ONTO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS BURNED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCV SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesRochester, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
NHTSA complaint #10695458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesRochester, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
NHTSA complaint #10695458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10668751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Townsend, WA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V280000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10662883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesMephis, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION AND WERE DETACHED FROM THE HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HOUSING COMPARTMENT AND BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
NHTSA complaint #10627390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boston, MA
SUSPENSION
BILSTEIN IS A MAKER OF AFTERMARKET SHOCKS. THE REAR BILSTEIN SHOCKS FOR THE BMW 3-SERIES FROM 1999-2006 ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE. BILSTEIN HAS UPDATED THE PART TWICE IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SHOCKS CONTINUALLY FAIL. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PREMATURE FAILURES OF THESE SHOCKS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. REAR SHOCK FAILURE CREATES DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEMS, LOSS OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. STOP BILSTEIN FROM SELLING ANY MORE OF THESE DANGEROUS SHOCKS! I HAVE HAD NINE REAR SHOCKS FAIL, AND BILSTEIN KEEPS SENDING OUT THE SAME PART AS PART OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10588545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSheridan, WY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY 2003 BMW 325XI. THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING/SQUIRTING GASOLINE OUT OF THE HOUSING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST WITH THIS ISSUE. EVERY PERSON I'VE SEEN POST THIS ISSUE LIVES IN A COLDER PART OF THE U.S. AND IT HAPPENS WHEN IT GETS COLD. I HAPPEN TO LIVE IN WYOMING WHERE IT'S BEEN GETTING ABNORMALLY COLD. NOT GOOD FOR ME. WHAT I'VE BEEN SEEING IS THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE INJECTOR ITSELF WHERE PARTS OF THE HOUSING SHRINKS IN THE COLD. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AFTER SOME DRIVING THE INJECTORS WILL RETURN TO ITS PROPER STATE AND STOP LEAKING. THE BEST ADVICE I'VE FOUND IS... "FOR THE TIME BEING... TURN YOUR VENTS TO CIRCULATE MODE AND LOW FAN SPEEDS TO PREVENT THE FUMES FROM ENTERING THE CABIN. YOUR WINDOWS WILL FOG A BIT BUT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DRIVE AND THE LEAK WILL STOP ONCE THE TEMP NEEDLE HITS CENTER. ONCE THE FUMES DIE OFF IN YOUR ENGINE BAY YOU CAN OPEN YOUR VENTS AND HEAT ON AGAIN." OR REPLACE THE INJECTORS WITH 2004+ FUEL INJECTORS THE REASONING BEHIND THE 2004+ IS THAT I'VE ALSO FOUND THAT AFTER 2003, BMW UPDATED THE INJECTORS TO A MATERIAL THAT DOESN'T SHRINK IN THE COLD. TO ME, THAT SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL ISSUE. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE PAYING TO FIX SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS AN ISSUE AND THAT THEY FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10562782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.