2003 BMW 325Xi

Do not drive

Owners filed 31 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 5 times.

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

Most common 2003 BMW 325Xi problems

14 of the 31 complaints (45%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags14
100
Exterior Lighting · headlights4
010
Engine4
001
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
010
Unknown or Other1
000
Suspension1
000
Steering1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system1
000
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · headlights1
000

2003 BMW 325Xi airbags problems

45% of all complaints

14 of the 31 complaints are about the airbags.

Share of the 14 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
71,000 mi
median of 3 reports
Peak year of filing
2016
6 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
1 · 0 · 0
in these complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v428000 and 15v318000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 15, 2017
“Takata recall tl* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac g6. The contact stated that the roof failed and caused water ot enter into the vehicle. The contact concerned that the water would damage the carpet, dashboard, and electrical system. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for diagonostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 1, 2017

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2011: 6 complaints, 1 about the airbags'112012: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbags2013: 2 complaints, 1 about the airbags'132014: 5 complaints, 1 about the airbags2015: 4 complaints, 1 about the airbags'152016: 7 complaints, 6 about the airbags2017: 3 complaints, 3 about the airbags'172018: 2 complaints, 1 about the airbags2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'192020: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'212022: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2023: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'232024: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2025: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags'252026: 1 complaints, 0 about the airbagsRecall 11V438000 (headlights)Recall 13V172000 (airbags)Recall 15V318000 (airbags)Recall 14V428000 (airbags)Recall 20V018000 (airbags)
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)

Complaints about the 2003 325Xi peaked in 2016, with 7 filed that year. Owners had filed 2 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 13V172000 in May 2013; 12 more have come in since. In 2026 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.

Air Bags13V172000Do not drive
Filed May 2, 201343,204 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

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.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

Technical service bulletins

13 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 325Xi. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

airbags 7electrical system 2brakes 2steering 1equipment 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.

B011718Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 1, 2018airbags

For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata …

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.

Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 12, 2026MA

Fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 21, 2018125,000 milesMD

DRIVERS DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, OR WITH REMOTE. OTHER THREE DOORS DO.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2018NY

THANK YOU VERY MUCH JO WHAT I DID TAKE CARE OF THE AIRBAG OR

Air Bags
Filed Dec 15, 2017CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEATHERFORD BMW OF BERKELEY (735 ASHBY AVE, BERKELEY, CA 94710) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 1, 2017KS

TAKATA RECALL TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF FAILED AND CAUSED WATER OT ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONCERNED THAT THE WATER WOULD DAMAGE THE CARPET, DASHBOARD, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGONOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. CONSUMER PUT IN NEW ENGINE. NEW RUG IS MESSED UP NOW BECAUSE OF SUNROOF LEAKS. UPDATED 9/13/18*JB

Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 2017164,000 milesME

THIS RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS IN MY BMW IS AFFECTING HOW I GET TO WORK EVERYDAY, I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK SO I AM RELIYING ON OTHERS TO GET ME TO WORK AND I AM OFTEN LATE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THIS, WHICH IS GETTING ME IN TROUBLE AT MY JOB. I AM AT RISK OF LOSING MY JOB AT THIS POINT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 15, 2016CT

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2015 FOR REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. AS OF THIS DATE 10/15/16 BMW HAS NOT YET NOTIFIED ME OF WHEN THEY WILL NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR TO DEALER TO HAVE DRIVE SIDE AIR BAG REPLACED. CALLS TO BMW IN IN JUNE 2016 SAID TO WAIT UNTIL JULY,CALLS IN JULY SAID TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST, CALLS IN AUGUST SAID PERHAPS BY OCTOBER OR END OF 2016...CALLS TO THE BMW DEALER I USE VARY -ONE TIME THEY SAY MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR IN,NEXT CALL THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NO AIRBAGS...MY QUESTION(S) TO THE NHTSA IS "WILL BMW EVER REPLACE THE AIRBAG" AND IS DEPENDENT ON WHETHER I USE A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTAINING MY BMW.???... I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT SOME COLLEAGUES WITH OTHER TYPES HAVE CARS HAVE BEEN NOT TO DRIVE THEIR CAR UNTIL THE AIR BAG IS REPLACED AND SOME DEALERS HAVE ACTUALLY PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR FOR THEM UNTIL AIR BAG IS REPLACED....ALSO MY WIFE HAS A 2013 ACURA RDX, AND WHILE I BELIEVE THAT YEAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG RECALL, HER ACURA DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY REPLACED HER DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG AFTER JUST A FEW MONTH WAIT....I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 17 MONTHS FOR BMW RO NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR IN FOR AIR BAGS....AND I DO NOT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY THE BMW DEALERSHIP KEEPS CHANGING THEIR STORY ON THE AVAILABILTIY OF REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS YOUR HELP AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

Air Bags
Filed Aug 22, 2016IN

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2016NJ

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 8, 2016NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 2016FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 2016RI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Steering
Filed Jan 12, 201698 milesCA

DRIVING THE CAR THE FRONT DRIVER WHEEL AXIAL SYSTEM FELL OFF WHERE THE BALL BEARING HELD THE WHEEL ON 3/4" BALL BEARINGS FELL OFF THE CAR, AND THE OTHER SIDE WAS READY TO FALL APART AS WELL I WAS DRIVING AND AS I TURNED INTO THE AUTO SHOP DRIVEWAY THE WHEEL FELL APART GOOD THING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT ON THE HIGHWAY OR EXPRESSWAY.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2015CT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jul 17, 2015103,000 milesSD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION OFF, AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXPANSION TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Engine1 injured
Filed Jun 17, 2015100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND FILLED THE DRIVER'S CABIN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED OIL BETWEEN THE VALVE GASKET AND THE HEAD GASKET AS WELL AS OIL LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. WHEN THE OIL DIP STICK WAS REMOVED, HOT OIL SHOT OUT ONTO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT WAS BURNED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCV SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 19, 201593,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2014NJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Engine
Filed Dec 8, 2014WA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V280000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 22, 2014133,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION AND WERE DETACHED FROM THE HOUSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HOUSING COMPARTMENT AND BULBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

Suspension
Filed May 15, 2014MA

BILSTEIN IS A MAKER OF AFTERMARKET SHOCKS. THE REAR BILSTEIN SHOCKS FOR THE BMW 3-SERIES FROM 1999-2006 ARE PRONE TO PREMATURE FAILURE. BILSTEIN HAS UPDATED THE PART TWICE IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE SHOCKS CONTINUALLY FAIL. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PREMATURE FAILURES OF THESE SHOCKS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS. REAR SHOCK FAILURE CREATES DANGEROUS HANDLING PROBLEMS, LOSS OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. STOP BILSTEIN FROM SELLING ANY MORE OF THESE DANGEROUS SHOCKS! I HAVE HAD NINE REAR SHOCKS FAIL, AND BILSTEIN KEEPS SENDING OUT THE SAME PART AS PART OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 3, 2014120,000 milesWY

I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY 2003 BMW 325XI. THE FUEL INJECTORS ARE LEAKING/SQUIRTING GASOLINE OUT OF THE HOUSING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST WITH THIS ISSUE. EVERY PERSON I'VE SEEN POST THIS ISSUE LIVES IN A COLDER PART OF THE U.S. AND IT HAPPENS WHEN IT GETS COLD. I HAPPEN TO LIVE IN WYOMING WHERE IT'S BEEN GETTING ABNORMALLY COLD. NOT GOOD FOR ME. WHAT I'VE BEEN SEEING IS THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE INJECTOR ITSELF WHERE PARTS OF THE HOUSING SHRINKS IN THE COLD. ONCE THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP AFTER SOME DRIVING THE INJECTORS WILL RETURN TO ITS PROPER STATE AND STOP LEAKING. THE BEST ADVICE I'VE FOUND IS... "FOR THE TIME BEING... TURN YOUR VENTS TO CIRCULATE MODE AND LOW FAN SPEEDS TO PREVENT THE FUMES FROM ENTERING THE CABIN. YOUR WINDOWS WILL FOG A BIT BUT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO DRIVE AND THE LEAK WILL STOP ONCE THE TEMP NEEDLE HITS CENTER. ONCE THE FUMES DIE OFF IN YOUR ENGINE BAY YOU CAN OPEN YOUR VENTS AND HEAT ON AGAIN." OR REPLACE THE INJECTORS WITH 2004+ FUEL INJECTORS THE REASONING BEHIND THE 2004+ IS THAT I'VE ALSO FOUND THAT AFTER 2003, BMW UPDATED THE INJECTORS TO A MATERIAL THAT DOESN'T SHRINK IN THE COLD. TO ME, THAT SOUNDS LIKE A RECALL ISSUE. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE PAYING TO FIX SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS AN ISSUE AND THAT THEY FIXED. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 28, 201350,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HYDRO-PLANED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR CAUSE OF AIR BAG FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2013140,000 milesMA

BROUGHT IN MY CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC THREE TIMES FOR OIL LEAK (OIL ON DRIVEWAY, OIL LIGHT SENSOR ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED). IN EACH CASE, I THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT AFTER TWO WEEKS THE DASHBOARD OIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I THOUGHT MY MECHANIC WAS INEXPERIENCED WITH BMW'S, SO I TOOK IT TO A BMW DEALER AND ALL SEEMED FINE ($1,000 REPAIR) UNTIL TWO WEEKS LATER WHEN THE OIL LIGHT YET AGAIN APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE BMW DEALER NEXT WEEK FOR A SECOND TIME. I BELIEVE EVERY POSSIBLE GASKET HAS BEEN REPLACED - REMEMBER IT'S BEEN "REPAIRED" FOR THE SAME PROBLEM FOUR TIMES NOW, SOON TO BE FIVE. THE PROBLEM STARTED LAST YEAR. I HAVE PLACE UPWARDS OF 15 QUARTS OF OIL (ONE QUART OF OIL A WEEK AT TIMES) IN BETWEEN MECHANIC REPAIRS JUST TO SAVE UP MONEY TO BRING IT BACK IN FOR YET ANOTHER REPAIR. NOBODY, INCLUDING BMW SEEMS TO KNOW WHY OR WHERE THE OIL LEAK IS HAPPENING. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON REPAIRS AND AS A CONSUMER AM GETTING TIRED OF IT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 10, 201295,000 milesMN

THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE REGARDING THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY 2003 BMW 325 XI. THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO GEAR. WHICH I ASSUME IS AS DESIGNED. ? HOWEVER THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK ONCE THE VEHICLE IS PLACED BACK IN PARK (ENGINE RUNNING OR NOT) NEITHER BY MANUAL MANIPULATION OF THE LOCK BUTTONS ON THE DOORS OR BY PRESSING THE DOOR UNLOCK SWITCH ON THE CONSOLE. ? FURTHERMORE, WITH THE SINGLE EXCEPTION OF THE DRIVER?S DOOR, ALL OTHER DOOR LATCHES ARE RENDERED NON-FUNCTIONING (INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE) ? NO ONE BUT THE DRIVE CAN OPEN A DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE ALL DOORS ARE RENDERED INOP, YOU CAN?T OPEN THEM FROM EITHER THIS INSIDE OR THE OUTSIDE O NO, THE CHILD LOCKS ARE NOT ENGAGED. AS A MEMBER OF THE FIRE SERVICE AND FIRE MARSHALL FOR THE CITY OF CARVER, MN I SEE THIS AS A HUGE LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. IF THERE WERE EVER A FIRE, THE OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SELF-EXTRICATE (OPEN THE DOOR TO ESCAPE SMOKE AND FIRE). FURTHERMORE, GIVEN THE LIKELIHOOD AND GREAT POTENTIAL FOR RAPID FIRE SPREAD IN CAR FIRES IN GENERAL?. ANY PASSENGERS, CHILDREN/INFANTS STRAPPED INTO IN CAR SEATS IN THE BACK SEATS WOULD MOST CERTAINLY PERISH. BASED ON A MULTITUDE OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS INTERNET BOARDS, I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN ISSUE SPECIFIC TO MY CAR, BUT MUCH BROADER IN SCOPE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Dec 21, 201146,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOOR LOCKS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE OF $1000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Dec 6, 2011115,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 201171,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 BMW 325XI WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SUDDENLY. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT I HIT ANYTHING AND I DID NOT SEE ANY DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE WHEN I INSPECTED THE CAR AFTER THE DEPLOYMENT. BMW INSPECTED THE CAR AND FOUND SOME DAMAGE UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND CLAIMED THAT THIS DAMAGE CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. HOWEVER, I AM ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THIS DAMAGE DID NOT OCCUR AT THE TIME OF THE DEPLOYMENT. BMW WAS NOT INTERESTED IN FURTHER INVESTIGATING MY CASE AND STUCK WITH THE CONCLUSION THAT THE MINOR DAMAGE FOUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. *KB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 7, 2011130,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD FAIL INTERMITTINGLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY GROUND WIRE CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights
Filed Nov 3, 2011120,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE EXTERIOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT STATED THE TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY AND THE WIRES HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE BULB HOLDER PANEL. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS) THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 02/15/12*LJ UPDATED 02/17/12

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 19, 2011124,000 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: TURN SIGNAL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,000.

All 31 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20120200Routine
20110300Routine
20100300Routine
20091300Routine
20080300Routine
20070300Routine
2006110620Routine
200527420Do not drive
200455410Do not drive
2003 — this page31520Do not drive
200268620Do not drive
200114220Do not drive
20000100Do not drive

Compare every 325Xi year →

2003 BMW 325Xi: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 BMW 325Xi a good car?

It is not among the 325Xi years to avoid. Owners filed 31 complaints, against about 55 for a typical 325Xi year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (45%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 325Xi?

The airbags: 14 of the 31 complaints (45%) are about it. The typical report comes at 71,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325Xi have?

5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jan 15, 2020. 4 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 2003 BMW 325Xi problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 115,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 71,000 miles.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 BMW 325Xi?

The manufacturer filed 13 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (7), the electrical system (2) and the brakes (2). 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.