2004 BMW 325i

Do not drive

Owners filed 147 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the BMW 325i years to avoid. Which BMW 325i years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
81,000 milesMedian miles at failure

84 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 105,000–120,000 miles.

Most common 2004 BMW 325i problems

59 of the 147 complaints (40%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags58
211
Exterior Lighting · headlights35
040
Electrical System14
040
Engine5
111
Visibility/Wiper · wipers4
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches4
000
Structure › Body · body and frame3
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices2
000
Visibility2
000
Unknown or Other2
010

2004 BMW 325i airbags problems

40% of all complaints

59 of the 147 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • shows an airbag warning light12% · 7
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 6

Share of the 59 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
115,000 mi
median of 15 reports
Peak year of filing
2016
20 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 1 · 1
in these complaints
“I was driving by myself on the freeway and a rubble the size of a basketball was rolling towards my path. I do not know if it fell from a construction vehicle or it already hit another car and that the rubble just ricochet towards me. Anyway I was going 65 miles per hour and was in the middle lane and there were cars on both sides and a car not too far off behind.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 26, 2020 at 114,000 miles
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 bmw 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated.”
Owner complaint, filed Apr 26, 2017 at 110,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2004: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'042005: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2006: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags'062007: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2008: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags'082009: 5 complaints, 1 about the airbags2010: 7 complaints, 0 about the airbags'102011: 15 complaints, 1 about the airbags2012: 17 complaints, 0 about the airbags'122013: 6 complaints, 0 about the airbags2014: 14 complaints, 7 about the airbags'142015: 24 complaints, 19 about the airbags2016: 23 complaints, 20 about the airbags'162017: 12 complaints, 6 about the airbags2018: 3 complaints, 1 about the airbags'182019: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2020: 5 complaints, 3 about the airbags'202021: 3 complaints, 0 about the airbags2022: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbags'222023: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2024: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'242025: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 07E023000 (brakes)Recall 11V438000 (headlights)Recall 15V318000 (airbags)Recall 14V428000 (airbags)Recall 20V018000 (airbags)NHTSA investigation EA15001NHTSA investigation PE14016NHTSA investigation EA09019NHTSA investigation PE09036
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2004 325i peaked in 2015, with 24 filed that year. Owners had filed 21 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 15V318000 in May 2015; 38 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags14V428000Do not drive
Filed Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V318000Do not drive
Filed May 28, 2015419,235 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal11V438000
Filed Aug 26, 2011241,000 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. 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.

Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 5 name the 2004 325i.

Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
Opened Feb 24, 2015Led to recall 14V668airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Air Bag Inflator RupturePreliminary evaluation PE14016Closed
Opened Jun 11, 2014Closed Mar 2, 2015Led to recall 13V172000airbags

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field …

Rear Lamp IlluminationEngineering analysis EA09019Closed
Opened Dec 18, 2009Closed Sep 28, 2011Led to recall 11V438000headlights

In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in …

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONPreliminary evaluation PE09036Closed
Opened Aug 7, 2009Closed Dec 22, 2009Led to recall 11V438000headlights

Odi has received complaints from consumers stating that their tail light assembly is not properly illuminating.the tail light assembly consists of a turn signal lamp, a tail lamp and a brake lamp.the complainants have indicated that the issue is with an 8 pin connector and associated ground wiring.these components are allegedly overheating and melting due to excessive electrical current that runs through the system.bmw issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) sib-630306 on february 2007 to address the condition by adding supplementary ground wiring to the tail lamp assembly.odi is upgrading …

REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONDefect petition DP09002Closed
Opened Apr 8, 2009Closed Aug 6, 2009headlights

In march 2009, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition from mr. Mark peters requesting an investigation of rear lamp failure in model year 2002-2005 bmw 3-series vehicles.an information request letter was sent to bmw in april 2009, and odi received bmw's response in june 2009.the tail lamp assembly contains lighting for the brake lamps, tail lamps, and turn signals.a technical service bulletin (tsb) was issued by bmw in january of 2007 instructing service technicians to examine an 8 pin electrical connector for heat-related damage and to incorporate additional ground …

Technical service bulletins

24 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2004 325i. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

airbags 6fuel system 5electrical system 4brakes 3equipment 2engine 2headlights 1steering 1
B651820Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 1, 2020airbags

SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.

B013118Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2019airbags

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B013118Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2019airbags

TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.

B011618Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2019airbags

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

B080119Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 2018airbags

In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.

651414Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2014airbags

Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is a supplier of air bags to several automotive manufacturers. They have informed NHTSA of a small number of cases of …

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 16, 2025GA

I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the GM5

Air Bags
Filed Jun 13, 2022CA

The contact owned a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer own the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module
Filed May 26, 2021VA

2004 BMW 325i. Inquiry on behalf of the constituent, in regards to getting assistance with his BMW. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM FAILED. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS WERE MADE. THE DMTL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 3, 2021CA

THE REFLECTOR BOWL ON THE HEADLIGHTS BURNS, CREATING A SEVERELY DECREASED OUTPUT. THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN BY MANY PEOPLE IN THE BMW COMMUNITY. HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/THREADS/E46-ZKW-REFLECTOR-RECALL-OPEN-NHTSA-INVESTIGATION.552978/

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 11, 202140 milesFL

THIS CAR WAS SOLD TO US UNDER FALSE STATEMENTS,WIPER DISPENSER DOES NOT WORK ,KEY FOB DOES NOT WORK,NO TITLE ,THE CAR HESITATES AND VIBRATES,OIL LEAK,ODOMETER ON CARFAX SAYS 86000 ACTUALLY 111,402.WE WRWE TOLD IT WAS EXCELLENT CONDITION .THE CAR IS NOT. BOUGHT IT 3/10 21 7:00PM , CALLED 3/11 8;00 AM ASK FOR REFUND.THOUGHT WE HAD A 3 DAY GRACE PERIOD. THE DEALER LAUGHED NO. WE ARE SENIORS CITIZEN I GUESS HE THOUGHT HE HAD US. CREST AUTO WHOLESALERS OF S W FLORIDA. CRAIG WALLACE. WELL DRIVING IT STARTED TO VIBRATE. AND HUM? COULD NOT DECLINE GOOD. COULD NOT CLEAN WIND SHIELD.IT VIBRATES WHEN STATIONARY.DIDN'T KNOW UNTIL I STARTED DRIVING IT. THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE CAR COLD? BAD OIL LEAK. AND TIRES NEED BALANCED THOUGHT THAT WAS IT BUT NO.WHAT CAN WE DO OUT $4,500. FOR A CAR THAT'S NOT EXCELLENT IT SAYS ON CAR FAX.THIS HAPPENS ON STREET AND EXPRESS. HELP NOT A SAFE CAR.

Air BagsFire
Filed Dec 4, 2020213,000 milesTX

THE GROUND WIRE ON MY BREAK LIGHT HAS BURNED THROUGH THE 8 PIN CONNECTOR NOT ONLY IS THIS LIMITING MY ABILITY TO WARN OTHER DRIVERS IT IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING A RECALL SERVICE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP I DO NOT BELIEVE. THE PROPER STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM AND IF THIS CAN NOT BE RESOLVED INFORMALLY I WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE FORMAL LITIGATION AGAINST ALL PARTIES INVOLVED AND FOR DISCOVERY PURPOSE ALL RELATED CORRESPONDENCE, VIDEO, AND RECORDED EVIDENCE SHOULD BE PRESERVED. CURRENTLY THE BREAK LIGHT IS NOT WORKING AND THERE ARE DEFECTIVE AND HAZARDOUS AIRBAGS.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 26, 2020114,000 milesNV

I WAS DRIVING BY MYSELF ON THE FREEWAY AND A RUBBLE THE SIZE OF A BASKETBALL WAS ROLLING TOWARDS MY PATH. I DO NOT KNOW IF IT FELL FROM A CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE OR IT ALREADY HIT ANOTHER CAR AND THAT THE RUBBLE JUST RICOCHET TOWARDS ME. ANYWAY I WAS GOING 65 MILES PER HOUR AND WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND THERE WERE CARS ON BOTH SIDES AND A CAR NOT TOO FAR OFF BEHIND. I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO AVOID THE RUBBLE SO I JUST BRACED MYSELF AND HOPE THAT THE RUBBLE WOULD GET PAST ME. UNFORTUNATELY, IT HIT MY LEFT SIDE AND ELEVATED MY CAR AROUND 2 TO 3 FEET FROM THE GROUND AND FLATTENED MY TWO LEFT TIRES. THE AIRBAG ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED, THE ONE ON THE DOOR AND THE ONE ON THE UPPER ROOF PANEL. NONE OF THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I JUST HAD A LITTLE WHIPLASH FROM THE IMPACT BUT I WAS FINE. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE AND UPON INSPECTION THEY CONSIDERED MY VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE DAMAGES. I ALSO CONTACTED BMW AND HAVE YET TO NOTIFY ME OF WHY THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON WHERE THE IMPACT OCCURRED. THEY DID A RECALL SERVICE ON MY VEHICLE AROUND MARCH 2020 FOR THE AIRBAG. AFTER THE SERVICE THERE WERE NO AIRBAG LIGHTS OR ANY WARNINGS ON THE DASHBOARD. IN THE EVENT OF THE ACCIDENT, MY VEHICLE WENT TO AN SOS MODE WHICH SLOWED DOWN THE VEHICLE AND AUTOMATICALLY TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY AND HAD IT TOWED. HOPEFULLY THE CAR MANUFACTURER COULD SEND NOTICE TO OWNERS OF THIS CAR MODEL THAT COULD HAVE THE

Air Bags
Filed Mar 10, 2020CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED TWO BMW DEALERS, INCLUDING THE BMW OF MONTEREY DEALER, LOCATED AT (1 GEARY PLZ, SEASIDE, CA 93955) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 19, 2020112,800 milesWA

WHEN TRAVELING AT 60 MPH ON A RESTRICTED HIGHWAY OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO SURROUNDING VEHICLES OR ANY EVIDENCE OF PROJECTILES THAT WOULD HAVE EXPLAINED THE EXPLOSION. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR, DRY, AND ABOVE FREEZING.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 7, 2020130,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED AT A FUELING STATION AND WHEN EXITING THE STORE NOTICED SMOKE EXITING THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT USED THE KEY FOB TO OPEN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT TRUNK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT DUE TO OPERATOR INVOLVEMENT AND WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS POSSIBLY DUE TO RODENT INTRUSION IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. *LN *DL

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 2, 2019140,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING MATERIAL WAS DETERIORATED AND PREVENTED THE HEADLIGHTS FROM PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Oct 6, 2019180,000 milesTX

CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT. MY FRONT END WAS SERVERLY DAMAGED IN THE FIRE. IT WAS TOTALED.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 30, 2019MD

MY LEFT REVERSE/TAIL LIGHT DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULB AND ASSEMBLY AND ALSO HAVE FOUND ONLINE THAT THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Nov 16, 2018137,000 milesNC

CAR SITTING IN DRIVEWAY OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER REPEATED HEAVY RAINS AND HURRICANES AND SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE WAS SELF EXTINGUISHED BUT STARTED IN DASH ON LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL CENTERED ON THE HEAD-LIGHT CONTROL MODULE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2018194,700 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER DOOR SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA (4171 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (678) 228-8373) TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS WERE NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG WAS STILL HANGING OUT FROM THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,700.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 22, 201840 milesOR

THE CAR SEAT WARMER BURNED THROUGH LEATHER AND BURNED THROUGH MY COAT. I MADE COMPLIANT TO BMW AND SPOKE TO MICHAEL PIGONCELLI. BMW REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT OR TO COMPENSATE ME FOR MY COAT. THE CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED. THE SEAT WARMER WILL SEVERELY INJURE ANYONE WHO USES IT IF A HEAVY COAT IS NOT WORN. I WAS TOLD BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP THAT THE SEAT WARMER BURNING THROUGH THE LEATHER AND PEOPLES SKIN/COAT IS COMMON. BMW (NEWMARKET, ONTARIO) TOOK PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE TO THE SEAT AND MY COAT.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 31, 2017110,000 milesMI

HEADLIGHTS HAVE LOST BRIGHTNESS AND COVERAGE AND DO NOT ILLIUMINATE THE ROAD PROPERLY. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HID XENON LIGHTS PACKAGE AND WHEN NEW WERE EXTREMELY BRIGHT BUT NOW ARE VERY DIM. ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WITH NO MODIFICATIONS OR ACCIDENTS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2017160,000 milesCA

TAKATA RECALL I HAVE REQUESTED SINCE MAY 2015-NOVEMEBR 2017 A REPAIR TO THIS RECALL. MY CAR WAS ON A MOUNTAIN GOING UPHILL AND IT STALLED OUT AND MADE FLICKERING. IT WAS TOWED TO BMW SEALERSHIP WHO KEPT THE CAR FOR ALMOST THREE MONTHS AND COULD NOT FIX. I CALLED BMW TO NO RESOLUTION. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION GOING UP A HILL.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2017FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V31800 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 2017CA

TAKATA RECALL

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2017OK

TAKATA RECALL. RECALL 15V-318 AND 14V-428 ARE RECALLS THAT I CANNOT GET REPAIRED. I HAVE CALLED CUSTOMER RELATIONS TWICE WITHOUT A RESPONSE. I HAVE CALLED WICHITA LUXURY COLLECTIONS 1-316-719-8300 SINCE MAY 2015 AND JULY 2015 AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE PARTS. I EXPECT BETTER SERVICE.IF THEY TAKE THIS RECALL SERIOUSLY.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 27, 201748,831 milesNY

THUR MAY 11, 2017 LOWER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON SUNRISE HIGHWAY NEAR EXIT 49. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUT DOWN AND GOT TO THE SHOULDER AND GOT OUT AND SAW THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE FIRE FLAMES WERE IN THE ENGINE AT BOTTOM OF CAR. A DRIVER BEHIND SAW THE FIRE BENEATH CAR AND WAS TRYING TO CATCH UP WITH ME TO INFORM THAT FLAMES AT BOTTOM OF CAR . FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE HIGHWAY SAFETY UNIT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 21, 2017200,020 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STERLING BMW (3000 WEST COAST HWY, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED, BUT WAS CONTACTED REGARDING RECALL INQUIRIES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,020.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 16, 2017CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUES. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 2017110,000 milesNY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT DUE TO THE FACT THERE HAD BEEN NO INCIDENT REPORTS REGARDING THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG, THEY WERE NOT PLACING THE SAME RUSH ON THE REPAIR AS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2017TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Seats1 injured
Filed Feb 19, 2017WA

SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT AND BURNED THE PASSENGER. THE HEATER WAS SET ON HIGH AT THE TIME. IT HAS REPEATED THIS ISSUE ON ALL THREE SETTINGS. THE LEATHER IS BURNED.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 11, 2017100,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME DIM AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ZEON PROJECTOR IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2016NC

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2016TX

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. 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 CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 12, 2016FL

TAKATA RECALL LETTER DATED AUG. 2016 STATES "WE HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS TO COMPLETE THIS RECALL". WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR (SOUTH MOTORS BMW), THEY STATED THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PART FOR MY CAR AND DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 5, 2016CA

TAKATA RECALL RECEIVED LETTER FROM BMW DATED SEPTEMBER 2016 STATING "FINAL REMEDY AVAILABLE" FOR RECALL 15V-318. CALLED DEALER TO SCHEDULE IMMEDIATE REPAIR AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PART NEEDED HAS NOT YET BEEN RECEIVED AT DEALERSHIP. THE REPAIR CAN NOT BE MADE YET. THEY SAID THEY WILL PUT MY NAME ON A LIST TO BE CALLED WHEN THE PART IS RECEIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 21, 2016AL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 10/28/16 *BF UPDATED 10/31/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Sep 20, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE RECALL 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.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 31, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 25, 2016NJ

I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET A TIME FRAME WHEN I CAN EXPECT AIRBAG REPLACEMENT ON MY VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN CALLING REPEATEDLY TO THE DEALER AND I AM DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR RESPONSE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 2016115,000 milesCA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Aug 15, 2016173,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A LONGER STOPPING DISTANCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07E023000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 173,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 2016WA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 5, 2016CA

2004 BMW 325I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIRBAG MODULE RECALL 15V-318. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR, SINCE THE RECALL FIRST WENT OUT. *JB

Air Bags
Filed Jun 22, 2016CA

RECEIVED NOTICE OF RECALL 15V-318: DRIVER-SIDE FRONT AIRBAG DATED JULY 2015. AS-OF JUNE 22, 2016 THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT. A DELAY OF THIS LENGTH FOR A POTENTIALLY FATAL MANUFACTURING DEFECT IS UNACCEPTABLE. CAN I HAVE THE AIRBAG DISABLED WHILE IT IS A DANGER?

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2016WA

TAKATA RECALL DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG RECALLED. TOLD THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE (JULY 30, 2015) AT DEALERSHIP AND WILL NOTIFY WHEN AVAILABLE. STILL WAITING FOR THE PARTS AND CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 18, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 11, 2016NJ

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A TIME FRAME THAT THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 201653,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 27, 2016175,000 milesPA

HID (XENON) HEADLIGHTS VERY DIM. CAN BARELY TELL THEY ARE ON WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. (THE FOG LIGHTS ARE MUCH BRIGHTER THAN THE HEADLIGHTS). CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MANUFACTURED BY ZKW. THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL DETERIORATES INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY LEADING TO VERY POOR LIGHT OUTPUT. ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED OVER AND OVER. I GUESS IT'S NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH UNTIL SOMEBODY DIES BECAUSE OF THE ISSUE, THAT IS IF THAT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED....THE RIDICULOUS COST OF FIXING THE ISSUE COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM. SORRY I DON'T HAVE AN EXTRA $2,000.00 LAYING AROUND TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS. COME ON BMW STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND FIX THE PROBLEM YOU'RE VERY WELL AWARE OF, PLEASE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 25, 2016141,000 milesTN

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). 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 FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 18, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. 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 CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 2, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/03/16*LJ *JS

Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325I. 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.

Complaints 1-50 of 147, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20121000Routine
20111300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20081310Routine
20071300Routine
20065157210Do not drive
200571520Do not drive
2004 — this page1475110Do not drive
20031998110Do not drive
20021627191Do not drive
2001151781Do not drive
20001200Do not drive
19990100Routine
199531200Routine
199417310Routine
199321300Routine
199240410Routine
19914000Routine
19905000Routine

Compare every 325i year →

2004 BMW 325i: questions buyers ask

Is the 2004 BMW 325i a good car?

It is not among the 325i years to avoid. Owners filed 147 complaints, against about 149 for a typical 325i year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (40%).

What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 325i?

The airbags: 59 of the 147 complaints (40%) are about it. Owners most often say it shows an airbag warning light (12%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (10%). The typical report comes at 115,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2004 BMW 325i have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 15, 2020. 3 of them carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. The largest, 14V428000, covered 574,007 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2004 BMW 325i problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 81,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 115,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2004 BMW 325i?

Yes, 5 times. The latest, EA15001 ("Air Bag Inflator Rupture"), was opened Feb 24, 2015 and is still open.

Are there service bulletins for the 2004 BMW 325i?

The manufacturer filed 24 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (6), the fuel system (5) and the electrical system (4). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.