NHTSA attached 3 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
Most common 2005 BMW 325Xi problems
18 of the 27 complaints (67%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
18
0
2
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
2
1
0
0
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
1
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
1
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
1
0
0
0
Suspension › Rear
1
0
0
0
Suspension
1
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
1
1
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
1
0
0
0
2005 BMW 325Xi airbags problems
67% of all complaints
18 of the 27 complaints are about the airbags.
Share of the 18 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.
“The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 3, 2025
“The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V31800 (Air Bags) and 14V428000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 12, 2024
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2005 325Xi peaked in 2016, with 6 filed that year. Owners had filed 5 complaints about the airbags before the first recall that covers it, 15V318000 in May 2015; 13 more have come in since. In 2025 owners filed 1 so far.
4 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.
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.
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 4 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 2005 325Xi.
Air Bag Inflator RuptureEngineering analysis EA15001Open
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
27 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2005 325Xi. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
airbags 8equipment 4electrical system 3steering 3brakes 2fuel system 2equipment adaptive/mobility 1seats 1
B010118Warranty extensionJan 1, 2018seats
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY (OC3) MAT FOR SRS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILES
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.
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?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 …
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 8 bulletins about the airbags, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2025CT
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 12, 2024PA
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V31800 (Air Bags) and 14V428000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2021MA
Front Passenger side window regulator broke. Rolled window down would not go back up could hear motor working . One month later same exact thing just happened to back passenger window
Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 2021MO
2005 BMW 325XI. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING THE TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED IN ORDER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, IT NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE CONSUMER HAD AN UNSATISFATORY EXPERIENCE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP ONCE BEFORE. *JS
Air BagsFire
Filed Dec 9, 20193,100,000 milesPA
I WAS DRIVING AND MY SIDE AIR BAG AND DOOR AIR BAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED WITH NO CAUSE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. I PULLED OVER. NOTHING AT THAT TIME WAS SMOKING OR WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES TO GET CLOSER TO MY BOYFRIEND'S HOUSE. I STOPPED IN A LOT TO CALL HIM. PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND THE FRONT END ON THE RIGHT SIDE STARTED TO SMOKE. I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT END SLOWLY BURSTED INTO FLAMES.
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Sep 13, 201953,328 milesNY
WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY STREETS, UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE AT RED LIGHTS...THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. FORTUNATELY NO BODILY INJURIES, ONLY SMASHED UP CARS...I WILL NOT DRIVE THAT CAR AGAIN AND I DON'T EVEN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE .
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 26, 201965,000 milesNJ
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW MOTOR/WINDOW REGULATOR WITH 3/4 WINDOWS IN THIS CAR! THEY ARE ALL ORIGINAL TO THE CAR. I NEED THEM FIXED BECAUSE IT IS A VISIBILITY/SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY I NEED TO OPEN MY WINDOWS AND THEY DON'T WORK? I CHECKED ONLINE AND MANY MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THUS I KNOW FOR A FACT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE CAR. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT, I JUST FOUND OUT I CAN REPORT IT TO NHTSA. I READ ONLINE ABOUT A GUY WITH THE SAME CAR WHO WAS GRANTED A REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS DEEMED A DEFECT AND I WOULD LIKE THE SAME.
Air Bags
Filed May 28, 2017115,000 milesTX
BMW OF ARLINGTON HAS HAD ME ON A WAITING LIST FOR OVER A YEAR TO COMPLETE THE AIRBAG RECALL. THEY DO NOT SEEM TO CARE IF THIS MANDATORY RECALL GETS DONE OR NOT.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 20, 2017117,000 milesNJ
SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ABS LIGHT ON FUEL SENSOR THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT MULTIPLE CODES R SHOWING UP WHEN VEHICLE HAD A COMPUTER SCAN VEHICLE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET STALLED BRAKES FAILED TO STOP STRIKING A CAR IN FRONT ON I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A USED AR DEALER IN JUNE2016 WHO ASSURED ME HIS WAS A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS THE PROBLEMS STARTED FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKE BRAKES WERE GONE BACK SHOCKS R BROKE N CHECK ENGINES ON ABS LIGHT IS ON. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2016NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 2016NY
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. 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 HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 28, 2016CT
TAKATA RECALL . WE WERE NOTIFIED IN JULY 2014 OF THE PROBLEM AND AS OF NOW BMW STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO REPLACE IT. THIS IS FAR FROM TIMELY!
Air Bags
Filed Aug 21, 2016CT
I HAVE CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP NEW COUNTRY MOTOR CARS OF HARTFORD, CT ONLY TO BE TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THERE ARE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS TO COMPLETE THE REMEDY FOR THESE RECALLS. IT HAS BEEN OVER TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECALL WAS SENT OUT.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 2016MA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. 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 REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. ...UPDATED 02/19/16 *BF UPDATED 04/05/16.*JB
Air Bags
Filed Jan 19, 2016OH
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL 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 Aug 3, 201574,000 milesNJ
IT TOOK OVER A YEAR TO GET PARTS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, JUST GOT THE CAR BACK AND RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL OF THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG AND NO DATE FOR REPAIR, I CAN NOT SELL THE CAR OR TRADE IT IN BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT. BMW REFUSES TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND BY THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING A LOANER CAR OR A REPLACEMENT. I WANT BMW TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SO I CAN OBTAIN A SAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 20, 2015NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR 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 TO PROVIDE THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2015VT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. 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. UPDATED 4/30/15*CN
Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2014PA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WAS THE SAME EXACT AIR BAG USED IN THE RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) COULD POSSIBLY HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG, WHICH WAS INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2014175,000 milesNH
I AM WRITING YOU TO TELL YOU THAT I HAVE A VEHICLE AFFECTED BY THE AIR BAG RECALL - TWICE I HAVE SCHEDULED FOR REPLACEMENT, TWICE THE DEALERSHIP HAS CALLED ME ON THE MORNING OF THE APPOINTMENT TO SAY THE PARTS ARE NOT IN STOCK. THEY ARE NOT APOLOGETIC, NOR CONCERNED FOR THE URGENCY OF THIS SITUATION. I TRAVEL A VERY DIFFICULT ROUTE INTO THE CITY - DURING RUSH HOUR - AND HAVE ASKED THEM TO AT LEAST DISCONNECT THE BAG FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE. THEY REFUSE TO DO SO. THIS EVENING THE NEWS REPORTED THAT EVEN DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAGS ARE BEING RECALLED. WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG? DO DEATHS AND INJURIES HAVE TO TOP THE HUNDRED MARK FOR CAR MANUFACTURERS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO GET INTO HIGH GEAR OVER THIS? THE OCCASIONAL NEWS REPORT JUST ISN;T DOING IT -CAR DEALERS AND MANUFACTURERS ARE RESPONDING IN A VERY SLOW AND SEEMINGLY UNCONCERNED FASHION. AT LEAST MY BMW DEALER IS. SOME HELP WOULD BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 5, 2014WA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. 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 SPECIFY WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air BagsFire
Filed Apr 7, 2014114,000 milesNC
MY WIFE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DOCTORS OFFICE PARKING LOT. IT WAS 58 DEGREES AND RAINING. SHE LEFT OUR FAMILY PET IN THE CAR. WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE SHE SAW THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT BREAK UNDER HER STRENGTH EVEN WITH A GLASS HAMMER THAT SOMEONE MANAGED TO RETRIEVE FOR HER. SHE FINALLY REMEMBERED THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. OUR DOG WAS LIFELESS, FIRE AND RESCUE TRIED TO REVIVE HER TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED SOME WHERE AROUND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OR BEHIND THE VENT WHERE THE CABLES FOR THE DOOR PANEL AIRBAG PASS. IT CAUSED THE DOOR AIRBAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THE FIRE REACHED THE ROOF PANEL BEFORE APPARENTLY SELF EXTINGUISHING DUE TO LACK OF OXYGEN. I ARRIVED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. ALTHOUGH THE LOSS OF MY DOG IS A TRAGEDY THE REALLY HORRIBLE PART IS FINDING THAT I COULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOORS. THE KEY FOB WILL NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. I CLIMBED ACROSS THE DRIVERS SEAT AND COULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. I REACHED BACK AND COULD NOT OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR FROM THE INSIDE EITHER. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN WHICH PASSENGERS CAN NOT EXTRACT THEMSELVES FROM A BURNING AUTOMOBILE? WITH ALL OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF MODERN AUTOMOBILES WAS EGRESS OVERLOOKED? I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT THE NHTSA LOOKS INTO THIS AND ENSURES THAT IT ISN'T CHILDREN THAT ARE TRAPPED IN THE F
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Dec 10, 201285,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OPEN/CLOSE CONTROLS FOR THE REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 2/4/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SIMILAR VEHICLES WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT BECAUSE THE DEALERS IN GERMANY ARE UNDER SOFA AGREEMENT. UPDATED 02/20/2013 *JS
Suspension
Filed Sep 22, 201139,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COILS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HAND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE IF THE HAND BRAKE WAS ON OR NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Suspension › Rear
Filed Feb 28, 201165,039 milesIN
I HAVE A 2005 BMW 325XI WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. I AM TOLD BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS IS A MUCH TOO FREQUENT PROBLEM SEEN ON 3 SERIES BMW'S. IN 40 YEARS OF OWNING AUTOMOBILES, I HAVE NEVER BEFORE HAD ONE WITH A BROKEN SPRING. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM AND ONE THAT WOULD BE CAUSED BY FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 15, 201042,849 milesMD
I HAD A WELL DOCUMENTED EPISODE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (FOOT ON BRAKE, CAR REVVED SUDDENLY, THEN I FLIPPED IT INTO NEUTRAL). THIS OCCURRED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. NO ONE WAS INJURED. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. I HAVE A COPY OF THE RECORDS. I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE USEFUL IN OTHER INVESTIGATIONS OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 6, 200628,868 milesNJ
EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING MY 2005 BMW 325 XI ON TWO CONSECUTIVE MORNINGS, ON THE THIRD THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ON THE PRECEDING DAYS AFTER IT DID START THE CAR RAN NORMALLY THE REST OF THE DAY AND WOULD START WITHOUT HESITATION WITHIN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER NOT STARTING ON THE THIRD DAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I HAD "CONTAMINATED FUEL" AND THAT THE FOLLOWING PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, & FUEL FILTER. THEIR INITIAL REASON FOR THE FAILURE WAS THAT I PURCHASED CONTAMINATED FUEL FROM A FUEL RETAILER. THEIR STORY CHANGED WHEN PRESSED THAT ETHANOL IN THE FUEL ABSORBS CONTAMINATES AND FOULS FUEL SYSTEM. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT SEEMS THAT A COATING ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK REACTS WITH THE FUEL, POSSIBLY BREAKS DOWN AND FOULS THE FUEL SYSTEM. BMW CORPORATE WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE SO I GOT MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY STATE FARM INVOLVED. STATE FARM IS INVESTIGATING BUT AS OF TODAY I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $1802.81 REPAIR BILL. I ASKED HOW TO AVOID THIS OCCURRING AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT "...IT PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THE FUEL YOU USED TO PURCHASE CONTAINED MBTE AND THAT ADDITIVE WAS ABSORBED INTO THE TANK. WHEN THE MBTE WAS REPLACED BY ETHANOL THE ETHANOL REACTED WITH THE MBTE AND CONTAMINATED THE FUEL. SINCE MBTE IS NO LONGER USED THE ISSUE SHOULD NOT ARISE AGAIN. AS I PULLED BEHIND THE DEALERSHIP AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I COUNTED ELEVEN FUEL TANKS STACKED BEHIND THE BUILDING. *NM
It is not among the 325Xi years to avoid. Owners filed 27 complaints, against about 55 for a typical 325Xi year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (67%).
What is the most common problem with the 2005 BMW 325Xi?
The airbags: 18 of the 27 complaints (67%) are about it. The typical report comes at 115,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 325Xi have?
4 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 2005 BMW 325Xi problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 74,000 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 115,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2005 BMW 325Xi?
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 2005 BMW 325Xi?
The manufacturer filed 27 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the airbags (8), the electrical system (3) and the steering (3). They include a warranty extension, B010118, filed Jan 1, 2018. 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.