2004 BMW 325i

Do not drive

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

84 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 105,000120,000 miles; the median is 81,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags58
211
Exterior Lighting35
040
Electrical System14
040
Engine5
111
Visibility/Wiper4
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages4
000
Structure › Body3
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices2
000
Visibility2
000
Unknown or Other2
010

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.

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

20 of 147 complaints, 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 →

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.