2005 BMW 325i

Do not drive

Owners filed 71 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
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

38 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2005 BMW 325i problems

33 of the 71 complaints (46%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags33
001
Exterior Lighting · headlights13
011
Electrical System10
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
302
Visibility2
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission2
000
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Tires › Sidewall1
000
Tires1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes1
000

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 9, 2026127,000 milesTN

The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's mother. The contact's mother owned a 2005 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the contact's brother noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact's brother used a nearby water hose and extinguished the fire. The Fire Department and the Police arrived. A fire report and a Police report were filed, however the Police report information was unavailable. In addition, the contact was informed that the light module was the source of the fire. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2023132,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag warning illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 14, 2018140,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OR ENGINE WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE AND FAIL TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 29, 201790,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG AND FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF ONTARIO (1350 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT BMW WAS NOT AT FAULT, THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2017NY

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE AND COMPLETED THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR A PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RECALL. THE DEALER DID NOT STATE IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. 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 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 17, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 201698,000 milesCA

"TAKATA RECALL" I RECEIVED A LETTER ON JULY 2015 THAT DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MODULE HAD A RECALL NOTICE. I CONTACTED THE BMW PETER PAN IN BURLINGAME, CA IMMEDIATELY. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD CALL ME WHEN THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN CALLING NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAD EVEN BMW OF NORTH AMERICA CALL THE DEALER. I AM FRUSTRATED AS 15 MONTHS DELAY HAS NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID TO USE THE CAR. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT CAN BE DONE.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 17, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) IN JUNE OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2016CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. 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.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 16, 2016VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed May 31, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 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. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 07/27/16*LJ UPDATED 07/28/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed May 17, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. 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.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2016GA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS UNAVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 14, 2016DE

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS 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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 29, 2016MD

I RECEIVED A RECALL IN JULY 2015 AND THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE A REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2016PR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS 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.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 2016CA

TAKATA RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 15V-318: DRIVER-SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MODULE DATED JULY 2015. BMW REPORTS NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AS OF THIS DATE. HOW LONG ARE WE EXPECTED TO WAIT?

Air Bags
Filed Feb 18, 2016SC

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 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. UPDATED 11/07/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS REPLACED ON 10/19/16 AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS REPLACED ON 05/8/15. UPDATED 12/13/16.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Feb 10, 2016NJ

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 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 10, 201680,000 milesCA

BMW ADVISED ME IN JULY 2015 THAT DRIVER SIDE FRONT AIR BAG MODULE HAS SAFETY PROBLEMS AND THEY WOULD REPLACE IT AS SOON AS THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I CALLED THE DEALER IN SAN MATEO,CA BUT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PART. WHY ARE THEY SITTING ON IT. BMW IS LIABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2016OR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. 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 ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 5, 201654,000 milesIL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 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 02/23/16*LJ *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2015CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS 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.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 1, 2015109,000 milesFL

ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE BRAKES WERE USED TO SLOW DOWN AND/OR STOP AND AFTERWARDS THEY CONTINUED TO BE ENGAGED WHILE STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR. ONE TIME THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A BMW DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE OR THE BRAKES. AFTER THE LAST TIME, I COULD FEEL THE HEAT ON THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHERE AS ALL THE OTHER WHEELS WERE NOT AS HOT.

Air Bags
Filed May 14, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014; HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT FELT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 7/9/15*CN

Air Bags
Filed Apr 27, 2015GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); 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.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2015PA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 18, 2015TX

OEM ZKW XENON PROJECTORS BURNED OUT OVER TIME CAUSING EXTREMELY LOW HEADLIGHT OUTPUT DURING NIGH TIME DRIVING. EXTREMELY LOW VISIBILITY DURING RAIN IN THE NIGHT DUE TO SIGNIFICANTLY LOW LIGHT OUTPUT. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V428000 (AIR BAG) WAS RECEIVED IN SEPTEMBER 2014 AND CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V348000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN NOVEMBER 2014. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 21, 2015CA

II RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM BMW STATING THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS BEING RECALLED, BUT THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY THIS COLOSSAL DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 2015CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 16, 2014TX

OEM BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS (MANUFACTURER ZKW) HAVE A BURNED OUT BOWL (REFLECTOR) THAT HAS GREATLY REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT THAT IS PRODUCED. CHANGING BULBS HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM IN VARIOUS USER FORUMS. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 8, 2014DE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIRBAGS). 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 CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 1/21/15*CN UPDATED 01/26/15*JB

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2014VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325 IC. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 18, 201499,830 milesNC

THE OVERHEAD SUNROOF CONTROLS SUDDENLY FELL OUT OF THE CEILING WHILE ACCELERATING, CREATING A DISTRACTION AND LOSS OF VISIBILITY FROM THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR. THE CONTROLS/PANEL REMAINED ATTACHED BY WIRING, COMPLETELY BLOCKING THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE PLASTIC CLIPS ATTACHING THE PANEL TO THE CEILING APPEAR TO HAVE BECOME BRITTLE AND THEN FAILED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 18, 2014101,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jun 9, 2014140,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO THE RIGHT HAND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 22, 201465,648 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS BEING APPLIED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GROUND WIRE KIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,648. UPDATED 06/24/14 MA UPDATED 06/25/2014 *JS

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed May 18, 201322,378 milesOR

WED MORNING WENT TO SCHOOL WITH MY DAUGHTER. WHEN I WALKED BACK TO THE CAR I COULD NOT UNLOCK THE CAR. CANNOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE KEY. CANNOT OPEN GAS TANK. CANNOT UNLOCK OR OPEN PASSANGER DOORS. POWER LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. TRIED TO REPROGRAM THE KEY BUT NOT SUCCESSFUL. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 24, 2013150,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATE WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 07/10/13*LJ

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 24, 201397,150 milesOH

OEM BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS (MANUFACTURER ZKW) HAVE A BURNED OUT BOWL (REFLECTOR) THAT HAS GREATLY REDUCED THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT THAT IS PRODUCED. CHANGING BULBS HAS MADE NO DIFFERENCE. MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM IN VARIOUS USER FORUMS. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Apr 19, 2012HI

2005 BMW 325I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 11V-438 LAMPS IN REAR QUARTER PANEL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL RECTIFIED, BECAUSE THERE WERE NO AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOPS IN HIS IMMEDIATE AREA. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE HIS VEHICLE SHIPPED TO ANOTHER ISLAND. *JB THE CONSUMER STATED BMW HAS SINCE AGREED TO SHIP THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. UPDATED 05/16/12 UPDATED 01//22/15. *JB

Power Train
Filed Apr 15, 2012145,010 milesCA

MY CAR'S TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON SO I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON BUT THE WARNING LIGHT WOULDN'T GO AWAY. AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED ON, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH I COULD HEAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $6,500-. IT SEEMS THAT SEVERAL BMW OWNERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN SINCE I WAS ON A 2-LANE HIGHWAY THROUGH MOUNTAINS WITHOUT ANY CELL PHONE RECEPTION. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 23, 2012FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND OVER TIME, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED. SPORADICALLY, THE FAILURE WOULD ROTATE BETWEEN THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201269,000 milesCA

FAULTY OR INADEQUATE GROUND WIRE WHICH BURNED 8-PIN CONNECTORS AND BULB-HOLDERS IN BOTH REAR QUARTER PANELS. DEALER INSTALLED "ADDITIONAL GROUND CONNECTION TO THE CIRCUIT OF THE LAMPS" AT NO CHARGE ON 1/19/12, BUT I AM STILL FIGHTING WITH CORPORATE OFFICE IN NJ FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF $271.35 INCURRED IN REPLACING THE OTHER BURNED OUT PARTS PRIOR TO THE RECALL IN DECEMBER. MY RESEARCH REVEALED THAT SECTION 6(B) OF THE TREAD ACT REQUIRES MANUFACTURES TO INCLUDE FUNDS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF REPAIR EXPENSES PRIOR TO RECALL IN A RECALL PLAN. ALSO, THE "FINAL RULE" PASSED BY THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION IN OCTOBER 2002 STATES THAT "FOR THOSE RECALLS WHERE THERE IS A REASONABLE POSSIBILITY THAT SOME CONSUMERS WILL BE ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT, THE MAIN BODY OF THE OWNER NOTIFICATION MUST INCLUDE A CONCISE REFERENCE TO THE RIGHT TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, ALONG WITH A DESCRIPTION OF WHERE CONSUMERS WHO BELIEVE THEY MAY BE ENTITLED TO SUCH REIMBURSEMENT CAN OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT." THERE WAS NO REFERENCE TO THE RIGHT OF REIMBURSEMENT IN BMW'S NOTIFICATION LETTER, AND TWO DEALERS (THEIR "EYES AND EARS IN THE FIELD," PER A CORPORATE REPRESENTATIVELY WORDS TO ME) HAVE SAID THEY "KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT" AND "WILL GET BACK TO ME," WHICH NEITHER ONE HAS DONE. ALTHOUGH I MAY VERY WELL STILL GET MY $271.35 REIMBURSED (AM WAITING TO HEAR), I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER ABOUT ALL THE OTHER 2005 325I OWNERS OUT THERE! *TR

Exterior LightingFire1 injured
Filed Jan 13, 201288,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR TAIL LIGHTS BURNED OUT. THE CONTACT WAS CHANGING THE BULBS TWICE WHEN THE BULB AND THE WIRES BURNED HER FINGERS. THE WIRES AND THE HOUSING HAD BECOME SO HOT THAT IT ALSO BURNED A HOLE SURROUNDING THE BULB. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TAIL LIGHTS) BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 13, 2012145,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THE EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHTS BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS) RECALL, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE THE WORK NEEDED TO PERFORM THE RECALL, DUE TO THE DEALER NOT RECEIVING THE NECESSARY PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER, BUT THE DEADLINE HAD PASSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 145,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 9, 2012108,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RESISTANCE IN THE LAMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Visibility
Filed Dec 21, 201120,000 milesSC

THE BOTTOM PART OF THE REARVIEW MIRROR HAS BECOME UNUSABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT IS HARD TO SEE THE VEHICLES BEHIND US ONLY THROUGH THE TOP PART OF THE MIRROR. IT IS A AUTO DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR, AND, JUDGING BY THE POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF MIRROR IN BMWS. REPLACING IT OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD COSTS $425 PLUS TAX FOR THE PART, NOT INCLUDING LABOR CHARGES. WE HAVE HAD MANY CARS OVER THE YEARS AND WE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE WITH A REARVIEW MIRROR; WE EXPECTED BETTER FROM BMW. WE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY SAID THAT BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT UNLESS BMW IS FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 71, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20121000Routine
20111300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20081310Routine
20071300Routine
20065157210Do not drive
2005 — this page71520Do not drive
20041475110Do 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.