Owners have filed 52 complaints
about the 2005 BMW 525I with NHTSA between 2007 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 9 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 — 43
Against the median year of the BMW 525I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 27
16% 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
36.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
24.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
24.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
511.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1022.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1943.2%
150,000+ miles
24.5%
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.
Jan 2007peak 3Oct 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 BMW 525I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08001Opened 4 Jan 2008Closed 31 Dec 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN T...
PE07045Opened 4 Sep 2007Closed 4 Jan 2008AIR BAGS
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE.IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06) REGARDING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP.ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS WARN THAT AN OPEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY BE PRESENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR.WHEN BOTH OF THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES IN ADDITIO...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 114,000 milesBoston, MAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF DRAIN CLOGGED INTO TRUNK CAUSING FIRE IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND SPARE TIRE AREA. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN SHOP AFTER NOT BEING RUN FOR HOURS.
NHTSA complaint #10948007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesBoston, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUNROOF DRAIN CLOGGED INTO TRUNK CAUSING FIRE IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND SPARE TIRE AREA. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN SHOP AFTER NOT BEING RUN FOR HOURS.
NHTSA complaint #10948007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 REPAIRS, AND RELOCATED THE MODULE AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL. I FEEL WHERE IT WAS PLACED PREVIOUS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IF I HAD ANY COMBUSTIBLE ITEM IN MY TRUNK MY BMW WOULD HAVE FULLY CAUGHT FIRE. BMW SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLE AND RELOCATION ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY WATER, POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #10764978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 REPAIRS, AND RELOCATED THE MODULE AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL. I FEEL WHERE IT WAS PLACED PREVIOUS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IF I HAD ANY COMBUSTIBLE ITEM IN MY TRUNK MY BMW WOULD HAVE FULLY CAUGHT FIRE. BMW SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLE AND RELOCATION ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY WATER, POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #10764978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesLitonia, MIFire
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT HEATING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE WHILE THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE BACK REST HEATING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V575000 (SEATS: FRONT ASSEMBLY: SEAT HEATER/COOLER). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #10486225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrington Park, NJFire1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
I GOT A SECOND DEGREE BURN FROM MY CAR SEAT HEAT MALFUNCTION FROM MY 2005 BMW 525I. THE CAR SEAT WENT ON FIRE AND BURNED MY CLOTH AND MY SKIN.
NHTSA complaint #10179500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Perris, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from the trunk has shown signs of overheating, evidenced by smoke, which I suspect is related to repeated uphill driving. While the vehicle performs adequately on flat surfaces, it exhibits hesitation and jerking once it surpasses the fourth cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11621558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perris, CA
ENGINE
I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from the trunk has shown signs of overheating, evidenced by smoke, which I suspect is related to repeated uphill driving. While the vehicle performs adequately on flat surfaces, it exhibits hesitation and jerking once it surpasses the fourth cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11621558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Perris, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from the trunk has shown signs of overheating, evidenced by smoke, which I suspect is related to repeated uphill driving. While the vehicle performs adequately on flat surfaces, it exhibits hesitation and jerking once it surpasses the fourth cylinder.
NHTSA complaint #11621558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The tail-lights have gone out creating safty issue and number of warning lights to come up on the dashboard. Dealership stated that the wiring harness around ground wire has melted. They stated that this is same issue that is mentioned under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V407000. The service advisor said that his issue would be fixed by same service bulletin SIB 630613, however my date range is not included in the recall. I would like to report an issue to open a case and extend the recall to include all E60 models from 2004 to 2010. Would you please open an investigation into this matter and contact me for additional information and photos.
NHTSA complaint #11588889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesSomerset, WI
POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED THIS BMW 525I USED FROM A PERSON THAT OBTAINED IT FROM A WHOLESALE DEALER, IT HAD SOME MINOR FRONTEND DAMAGE FROM A FENDER BENDER (BROKEN GRILL, DING TO HOOD) SHOWING 107900 MILES. EVERYTHING ELSE CHECKED OUT. I FEW MONTHS LATER I NOTICED A SLIGHT CHANGE IN TRANSMISSION SOUND, BUT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE COLD TEMPERATURES HERE IN WISCONSIN. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER WHILE JUST FINISHING GOING UP A SLIGHT STRAIGHT INCLINE AT AROUND 45MPH THE TRANSMISSION DROPPED DOWN INTO LIMP DOWN MODE AND A TEMPORARY NOTICE CAME UP ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN INDICATING A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE CLEARED THE PROBLEM, THE NEXT DAY NEAR THE SAME SPOT IT OCCURRED AGAIN. I ASSUMED THE TRANSMISSION MIGHT BE LOW ON FLUID BUT LOOKING ONLINE BMW INDICATED THIS IS A NO SERVICE TRANSMISSION BUT THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO CHECK THE FLUID LEVEL BY ACCESSING A PLUG UNDER THE CAR. WHEN A SERVICE TECH CHECKED HE SAID THE FLUID LEVEL WAS NORMAL BUT SMELLED BURNT. HE RECOMMENDED AGAINST ANY SERVICE IN THAT IT LIKELY WOULD RESULT IN FASTER COMPLETE FAILURE. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT REOCCURRED AND NO CODES SHOW IN THE SYSTEM FILE, IN THAT BMW INSISTED ON NO PROVIDING A METHOD TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID, THEY ASSUMED THE LIABILITY FOR FAILURE IF REGULAR MAINTAINANCE (TRANSMISSION FLUSH) COULD HAVE PREVENTED THIS FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11174764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS A GAS SMELL EVEN IN THE INSIDE SMELLS LIKE GAS
NHTSA complaint #11151790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMemphis, TN
SEATS
AFTER HAVING AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN MY VEHICLE WITH AN ADVANCED SCAN TOOL, THE ERROR THAT CAME UP WAS FOR THE "PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR". THIS FAULT HAS CAUSED BOTH THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT TO REMAN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I HAD THE CODE RESET. BUT AFTER A PERSON SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE ERROR CODE CAME BACK WITH THE SAME FAULT CODE.
NHTSA complaint #11061337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesMemphis, TN
AIR BAGS
AFTER HAVING AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SCAN MY VEHICLE WITH AN ADVANCED SCAN TOOL, THE ERROR THAT CAME UP WAS FOR THE "PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR". THIS FAULT HAS CAUSED BOTH THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT TO REMAN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I HAD THE CODE RESET. BUT AFTER A PERSON SAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE ERROR CODE CAME BACK WITH THE SAME FAULT CODE.
NHTSA complaint #11061337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRock HIL, SC
AIR BAGS
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS FAILED. REAR LEFT HAND BRAKE/BACKUP LIGHT IS PROBLEMATIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WORKS, USUALLY ONLY SHOWS UP ON CAR'S DASHBOARD WHILE IN REVERSE, BUT SOMETIMES WILL STAY ON-SCREEN DURING DRIVING. FRONT ASHTRAY OUTLET/CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOESN'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10970386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRock HIL, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR HAS FAILED. REAR LEFT HAND BRAKE/BACKUP LIGHT IS PROBLEMATIC AND INTERMITTENTLY WORKS, USUALLY ONLY SHOWS UP ON CAR'S DASHBOARD WHILE IN REVERSE, BUT SOMETIMES WILL STAY ON-SCREEN DURING DRIVING. FRONT ASHTRAY OUTLET/CIGARETTE LIGHTER DOESN'T WORK.
NHTSA complaint #10970386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheboygan Falls, WI
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT.
NHTSA complaint #10968236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheboygan Falls, WI
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT.
NHTSA complaint #10968236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesBoston, MAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUNROOF DRAIN CLOGGED INTO TRUNK CAUSING FIRE IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND SPARE TIRE AREA. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN SHOP AFTER NOT BEING RUN FOR HOURS.
NHTSA complaint #10948007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesBoston, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SUNROOF DRAIN CLOGGED INTO TRUNK CAUSING FIRE IN BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND SPARE TIRE AREA. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN SHOP AFTER NOT BEING RUN FOR HOURS.
NHTSA complaint #10948007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE BEING OPERATED AT LOW SPEEDS. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 02/16/17
NHTSA complaint #10917934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFort Worth, TX
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE BEING OPERATED AT LOW SPEEDS. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR AND SERVICE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 02/16/17
NHTSA complaint #10917934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,712 milesSummerfield, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,712. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10837430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLeander, TX
SEAT BELTS
WHEN THE BATTERY WAS CHANGED IN THE CAR, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION, NOR HAS IT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF WRECK. AN AIRBAG LIGHT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT IS NOW ON. BMW SAYS IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10824040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLeander, TX
AIR BAGS
WHEN THE BATTERY WAS CHANGED IN THE CAR, THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION, NOR HAS IT BEEN IN ANY KIND OF WRECK. AN AIRBAG LIGHT AND PASSENGER RESTRAINT LIGHT IS NOW ON. BMW SAYS IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10824040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,400 milesLong Beach, CA
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING WITH A PASSENGER, THE PASSENGER WARNING SENSOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC VERIFIED THAT THE SENSOR IS BAD. I CALLED BMW NORTH AMERICA CONCERNING THE VOLUNTARY RECALL CAMPAIGN #08V384000, BUT THEY SAID MY SPECIFIC VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL THAT COVERED MY MODEL, MANUFACTURE DATE AND THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 94,400 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10821004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesGrapevine, TX
AIR BAGS
I OWN A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHICH SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10820013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 REPAIRS, AND RELOCATED THE MODULE AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL. I FEEL WHERE IT WAS PLACED PREVIOUS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IF I HAD ANY COMBUSTIBLE ITEM IN MY TRUNK MY BMW WOULD HAVE FULLY CAUGHT FIRE. BMW SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLE AND RELOCATION ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY WATER, POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #10764978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesPhiladelphia, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 REPAIRS, AND RELOCATED THE MODULE AWAY FROM THE WHEEL WELL. I FEEL WHERE IT WAS PLACED PREVIOUS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IF I HAD ANY COMBUSTIBLE ITEM IN MY TRUNK MY BMW WOULD HAVE FULLY CAUGHT FIRE. BMW SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLE AND RELOCATION ANY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT CAN BE DAMAGED BY WATER, POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
NHTSA complaint #10764978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFairfax, VA
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10715193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFairfax, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 525I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10715193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.