2007 BMW 525i

Routine

Owners filed 72 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the BMW 525i years to avoid. Which BMW 525i years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

56 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2007 BMW 525i problems

24 of the 72 complaints (33%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags24
204
Steering12
000
Electrical System8
000
Engine6
000
Seats4
000
Service Brakes · brakes3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine3
010
Seat Belts2
101
Power Train · transmission2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)17V683000
Filed Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 29, 2025TX

Unknown, the car shut down on me two time in a month.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 30, 2023100,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remain illuminated, indicating a possible failure to the air bag system. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 24, 2023102,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 18, 2022284,191 milesLA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair however, upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure had worsened while at a complete stop. Over time, the service engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was placed on an indefinite hold until the call disconnected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 284,191.

Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2022189,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-85 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) , but the vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 11, 2022CA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Mar 10, 202234,406 milesNY

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under an unknown NHTSA campaign; however, the failure recurred with a burning odor detected. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,406. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 9, 2021NC

I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by Hendrick BMW (Charlotte, NC) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to Hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the same issue. Ive seen many of these cars while casually driving around town. It would seem to be a MAJOR issue if an active drivers head and tail lights suddenly stopped working on a busy road. Also due to the cost most people probably wouldnt fix the issue on their own and drive the car anyway causing an ever bigger safety issue. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle brand ive owned. Ive looked into this issue with other brands and most tell me they use wiring which will not do this. I a

Power Train
Filed Aug 18, 2020188,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION GOES IN TO SAFE MODE SUDDENLY ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED RANDOMLY AND SLOWS DOWN MAKING IT DANGEROUS SITUATION. CODE P17EC .

Electrical System
Filed Jul 21, 2020103,500 milesTX

HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ROT LEAD TO FAILED HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENT FAILURES OF BOTH BEAMS ON PASSENGER SIDE. SEE PHOTO FOR EXAMPOLE OF DISINTEGRATED WIRING ON DRIVER HIGH BEAM WIRING HARNESS. ONLY KNOWN OPTION IS TO BUY A COMPLETE NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ($1250+ PER SIDE) OR ATTEMPT DIY. THIS PROBLEM IS WELL-KNOWN AND HAS LONG BEEN REPORTED BY OTHER BMW E60 (5 SERIES 2004-2010) OWNERS AT BIMMERFEST.COM AND 5SRIEST.NET. SEE THESE URLS FOR MORE INFORMATION: HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=798640 HTTPS://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=883000 HTTPS://5SERIES.NET/FORUMS/E60-E61-PARTS-ACCESSORIES-MODS-22/OPENING-UP-E60-HEADLIGHTS-138473/

Engine
Filed Oct 24, 201950,000 milesAP

THE NHTSA DATABASE IS SHOWING A RECALL FOR MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. HOWEVER I AM CURRENTLY IN SOUTH KOREA WITH MY CAR AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IS TELLING ME THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN COMPLETED. THIS IS A CONFLICT. I CAN NOT SHIP MY CAR BACK TO THE US WITHOUT THIS RECALL BEING CLEARED. CAN SOMEONE PROVIDE ME DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN SATISFIED.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 25, 2018GA

2007 BMW 525I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE RECALLED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTION. *AS *JS

Engine
Filed Mar 2, 2018CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN BMW DEALER IN HEMET, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Jan 25, 201856,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, AN UNKNOWN ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS DO TO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF OCALA 5145 SW COLLEGE RD, OCALA, FL 34474, (352) 861-0234) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 19, 2017125,000 milesTX

MY WARNING LIGHT "FAULT IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" ILLUMINATED WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. HAS NOT COME OFF.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 2017110,000 milesCA

OVERHEATED, I HAVE SPENT OVER $3000 TO REPAIR THE OVERHEAT PROBLEM, IT KEEP COMING BACK

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 3, 201775,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 BMW 525I ON A CITY STREET AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN THE BRAKES WERE NON EXISTENT. THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST ALL OF ITS PRESSURE AND WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN WITHOUT STOPPING THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT STOP AT THE STOP SIGN AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP WAS USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH BARELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK SO I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION UNDER MY HOOD, I FOUND A BROKEN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE WHICH BROKE APART AND THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO BE INJURED.

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2017CA

LIGHTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL ITS BEEN LOCK CAME OUT, THE CAR WAS PARK AND WAS READY TO GO TO WORK, BUT WHEN I TURNED ON THE LIGHT SHOW UP ON THE PANEL, AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT LOCK, I WAS ABLE TO TURN IT,, I TURN IT OFF AND ON AGAIN AND THE LIGHT STILL ON

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2017120,000 milesFL

MY BMW DRIVERS SEAT GET SO HOT IT FEELS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO CATCH FIRE ( I DON'T HAVE HEATED SEATS } SOMETIMES IN MOTION SOMETIME AFTER I SHUT TI OFF

Steering
Filed Mar 2, 2017TX

THE CAR WILL NOT START, A STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTION AND A ENGINE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE APPEAR. HAD BMW MECHANICS TRY TO RESOLVE PROBLEM. CHANGED STEERING LOCK MECHANISM, REPROGRAM MODULES, CHANGE SEVERAL SENSORS, PLACE NEW BATTERY AND EVEN REPLACE THE DME. THE ONLY THING THAT SEEMS TO PARTIALLY ALLOW THE CAR TO START IS TO "RESET THE CAS" WITH A COMPUTER.

Steering
Filed Jan 5, 201751,000 milesVA

AT 51000 MILES A RED LIGHT WITH A STEERING WHEEL AND A PADLOCK APPEARED ON THE DASH. THE CAR STARTS AND STEERS OK WITH THE RED STEERING LOCK LIGHT ON. THERE ARE NO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR BUT THE LIGHT AND A MESSAGE STATING GO TO A SAFE PLACE BEFORE TURNING THE CAR OFF. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TELL ME THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN HAS TO BE REPLACED TO GET RID OF THE RED LIGHT AND THE MESSAGE ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN. THIS WAS AFTER REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN SWITCH CLUSTER AT A COST OF $1033.THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT OF THE STEERING SENSOR CAUSING THE ABS LIGHT TO SHOW UP ON THE DASH. APPARENTLY BMW HAS BUILT IN DEFECTS THAT SHOW UP ON THE DASH AS A WARNING LIGHT . THERE ARE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE WARNING LIGHT BUT A VERY COSTLY FIX TO HAVE THE WARNING LIGHT REMOVED. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE BMW DEALERSHIP SAID HE DIDN'T QUOTE ME ON THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT WASN'T WORTH DOING. SO I AM DRIVING THIS BMW WITH A RED DASH LIGHT SHOWING A STEERING WHEEL AND A PADLOCK WITH A MESSAGE ON THE NAVIGATION SCREEN TELLING ME TO DRIVE TO A SAFE PLACE BEFORE TURNING THE ENGINE OFF BECAUSE THE ENGINE MAY NOT START AGAIN. AFTER GOING ON LINE AND DOING SOME RESEARCH THE STEERING WHEEL/PADLOCK LIGHT ISSUE IS A COMMON PROBLEM. BMW NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON BOTH OF THESE ITEMS AND REPAIR THEM FREE OF CHARGE WHEN THEY OCCUR. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 2016131,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 (NA) BMW 525I. 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 STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, AND SOMETIMES REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT PROVIDED. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Steering
Filed Jul 29, 2016GA

MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND CAR CANNOT START.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2016110,000 milesTX

WENT TO REPLACE MY FRONT HEADLAMP BULBS AFTER HEADLAMP FAILURE WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT, ON A WINDING ROAD, IN RURAL TEXAS. MECHANIC PULLED THE "SEALED" HOUSING, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WIRES IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY HAD FAULTY INSULATION. THE INSULATION HAD "FLAKED" OFF TO THE POINT THAT MANY OF THE WIRES WERE EXPOSED, CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT, AND FAILURE OF THE HEADLAMP. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON MANY FORUMS, AND IT IS A COMMON OCCURRRENCE. REPLACEMENT COSTS OF EACH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS APPROX $1500. THE USE OF SUBPAR INSULATION APPEARS TO BE THE CAUSE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2016140,000 milesFL

WHEN I REALIZED A LIGHTBULB IN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT I BOUGHT THE BULB ONLINE READY TO REPLACE IT. I REALIZED WHEN REPLACING THAT THE WIRES CONNECTING TO THE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY FLAKED OFF. SO I WANTED MONEY ON A NEW BULB BECAUSE IT WON'T LIGHT UP REGARDLESS. NOW THIS NOT ONLY CAUSES THE BULB TO NOT WORK BUT IT MESSES WITH THE LIGHTS IN THE WHOLE SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT. MY ENTIRE LEFT HEADLIGHT TWEAKS. SOMETIMES JUS ONE PARKING LIGHT IS OUT, THEN IT'S THE HIGH BEAM THAT DOESN'T WORK, THEN IT'S THE LOW BEAM. SOMETIMES WHEN I HAVE LOW BEAMS ON THE LEFT HEADLIGHT HAS ITS HIGH BEAMS ON BY ITSELF. ALL THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I TRIED TO CHANGE A BULB AND THE WIRINGS JUS FLAKED OFF AS SOON AS THEY MOVED OR BENDED A BIT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHT WON'T WORK SOMETIMES AND THAT MAKES ME NOT SO VISIBLE AT NIGHT. ALSO I END UP UNINTENTIONALLY HAVING MY HIGH BEAMS ON WITH NO WAY FOR ME TO TURN IT OFF BESIDES COMPLETELY TURNING OFF MY HEADLIGHTS. PRETTY SURE IT'S AN ELECTRICAL OR FIRE HAZARD TOO TO HAVE A BUNCH OF NAKED WIRES SIDE BY SIDE. FAULT NUMBER 2 IS THE BRAKES. WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP MY CAR JERKS. THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I TALKED TO A COUPLE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME MODEL CAR AS ME AND THEY ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. IT JUST HAPPENS ONCE THE CAR GETS TO A HIGH NUMBER OF MILES. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE A FUNCTIONAL CAR SHOULDN'T BE JERKING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. ESPECIALLY IF THE BRAKES ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION.

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 201571,400 milesKY

RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP TO THE GROCERY, CAR RUNNING FINE, TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY, HEARD A NOISE , ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. HAD THE CAR PULLED TO MY GARAGE,, I AM A DIESEL ENGINE REBUILDER SO I DO KNOW ENGINES. I LOOKED THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE HOOD UP, DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE ANYTHING. GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND TRIED TO RE START THE ENGINE, IT ROLLED OVER FINE BUT NO START. I AGAIN LOOKED IN THE ENGINE AREA FOR ANY PROBLEMS. THEN I SAW IT. THE FRONT PULLEY AND CRANKSHAFT WAS CROOKED,, VERY VISIBLE CROOKED. I REACHED DOWN AND GRABBED THE END OF THE CRANKSHAFT AND IT IS BROKEN. NEVER EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. THE CAR ONLY HAS LIKE 71400.00 MILES ON IT. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS CONDITION IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. BMW HAS MANY PROBLEMS WITH THEIR ENGINES. THIS IS CLEARLY A MATERIAL FLAW FOR A CRANKSHAFT TO BREAK. I HAVE BEEN READING LOTS OF STORIES ABOUT THEIR ENGINES FAILING OVER BAD MATERIALS USED IN BUILDING BMW ENGINES. I THINK BMW SHOULD FIX MY CAR UNDER A FACTORY RECALL AT NO COST TO ME. THIS CAR HAS COST ME TONS OF MONEY TO KEEP UP, AND I BABY THIS THING. ENGINE FAILED GOING NO MORE THAN 5MPH IN MY DRIVEWAY. AND YES IT WAS FULL OF OIL AND ALL FLUIDS. THE CAR LOOKS BRAND NEW. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP ON THIS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 3, 2015124,000 milesCA

PASSENGER AIRBAG RESTRAINT FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON. I LOOKED ONLINE TO FIND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS MATTER ON YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL BUT NOT ON VIN.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jul 17, 2015105,000 milesFL

WE WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO BE AWARE THAT MYSELF AND A FEW COLLEAGUES OWN BMW AND HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE. BMW HAS PURPOSELY BUILT THESE VEHICLES TO FAIL AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD WHEN A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY WE BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS SPECIFICALLY WITH THE SEALS AROUND ALL ALL WINDOWS INCLUDING WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW AS WELL AS THE SEALS AROUND THE TRUNK, HOWEVER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUNK BMW KEEPS A MAIN COMPONENT BOARD UNDERNEATH THE SPARE TIRE , ONCE THE SEALS BEGIN TO FAIL IT CAUSES WATER AND MOISTURE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THIS COMPARTMENT AND CAUSE THE BOARD TO IGNITE AND CATCH FIRE AND CAUSE CAR TO GO CRAZY WITH ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION, WHY PLACE A MAIN COMPONENT IN THIS LOCATION WITH 10 FEET OF EXTRA WIRE AND NO DRAIN, I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO POINT OUT ALL BMW'S OF THE SAME YEAR EXPERIENCE M MELTING OF THE PLASTIC INTERIOR PARTS AND THE PAINT TO COMPLETELY BREAK DOWN UNDERNEATH THE CLEAR COAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH AX IS APPLIED THESE ARE MAJOR FLAWS AND BMW IS WELL AWARE OF THEM, THERE VEHICLES AND SERVICE IS TERRIBLE THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD

Steering
Filed May 14, 201571,000 milesCA

I HAVE A BMW 525I 2007, WHICH WAS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BOUGHT FROM EAST BAY BMW. AROUND 71,000 MILES, THE 'STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION' LIGHT CAME ON (RED COLOR). THE CAR IS DRIVABLE, AND WORKS FINE, HOWEVER, THE LIGHT IS STILL ON WITH A WARNING THAT THE ENGINE MAY NOT START. I ASKED BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW FOR A QUOTE. THEY SAY THAT THE ELV LOCK (STEERING WHEEL LOCK) AND SCREWS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR $1521.49!! THAT'S INSANE. I SEE MANY MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. MANY OWNERS SAY THAT SIMPLY REPROGRAMMING THE CAS (CAR ACCESS SYSTEM) MODULE FIXED THE PROBLEM. BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW SAID THAT THEY WILL CHARGE $200 FOR THE REPROGRAMMING, WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL FIX THE ISSUE. IF AFTER REPLACING THE ELV LOCKS + SCREWS ANOTHER REPROGRAMMING NEEDS TO BE DONE, THAT WOULD BE ANOTHER $200 FOR PROGRAMMING. THIS ISN'T RIGHT. BMW PLEASE OWN UP TO YOUR DEFECTS.

Seats
Filed Apr 6, 201575,000 milesCT

BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUG STARTED USING THE SEAT WARMER ABOUT DECEMBER OF 2014. HERE AND THERE UPON USING I'D SMELL SOMETHING BURNING SO I WOULD TURN IT OFF! BUT NOT ALL THE TIME WHEN USING THE WARMER DID I SMELL BURNING! LATE MARCH MY HUSBAND NOTICED A BURN HOLE ON MY DRIERS SEAT, I INSTANTLY REMEMBERED THE BURNING SMELL WHEN SOMETIMES USING THE SEAT HEATER! I'M LUCKY I WAS NOT BURNED BUT MY DRIVER SEAT IS RUINED AND I'M NOW AFRAID TO USE THE HEATERS, EVER! *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 20, 2015HI

THE WIRES IN THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY ARE BRITTLE AND BREAK UPON JUST TOUCHING THEM. CAUSING DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS TO FAIL AS WIRES ARE BARE AND TOUCHING EACH OTHER. THIS IS ALSO A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 201497,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT LISTED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 14, 201489,950 milesPA

I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO HOME FROM WORK, AND A RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SAYING "STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION" I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST BMW 3 SERIES AND SOME 5. I HAD THE BATTERY CHANGED ONE YEAR AGO FOR $800, SO IT CAN'T BE THE BATTERY. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE BMW KNOWS ABOUT, BUT WILL NOT ISSUE THE PROPER RECALL. *TR

Seats
Filed Sep 9, 201473,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE ELECTRONIC SEAT CONTROL SWITCH WOULD REVERSE WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE SEAT FORWARD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 8, 201477,500 milesFL

ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE FAILED TO START BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED ACCORDING TO THE INDICATOR ON THE DASH. THE INDICATOR HAD THE LETTERS ELV WITH A PICTURE OF A STEERING WHEEL WITH A LOCK. IT STATED THAT FOR SAFETY REASONS THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START AND IN ORDER TO START IT RECOMMENDED THAT I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE WARNING WAS IN YELLOW AND SEVERAL TIMES IN RED. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHILE RUNNING ERRANDS FOR THE FEAR THAT I WILL BECOME STRANDED IF THE VEHICLE WON'T START. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2014NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JANUARY 2014 INDICATING THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH OF 2014. THE CONTACT HAD NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES IN REFERENCE TO PARTS AVAILABILITY ONLY TO BE INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT EXHIBITED THE FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 2014AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED SHE RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIME TO CONTACT THE DEALER IN REGARDS TO THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 24, 201494,000 milesUT

PASSENGER RESTRAINT FAILURE WARNING CAME UP ON MY 2007 525I. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM ON PREVIOUS MODELS BUT AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND WOULD COST ME ROUGHLY $2000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AS NOBODY CAN RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH THE OTHER VEHICLES. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 14, 201452,000 milesGA

I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE LACK OF URGENCY SHOWN BY BMW IN ADDRESSING MY CONCERNS WITH REGARDS TO THE RECALL ISSUED DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING OF THE FRONT AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. MY CAR HAD THIS PROBLEM IN MID DEC 2013, JUST BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED. SINCE THIS MALFUNCTION WAS SAFETY RELATED, I RUSHED TO GET THE CAR REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY. MY LOCAL BMW DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE SENSOR MODULE AVAILABLE; THEREFORE, I HAD TO GET THE REPAIR DONE FROM THE CERTIFIED BMW SERVICE PROFESSIONAL WHERE I INCURRED AN EXPENSE OF $851.84. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING UP WITH BMW SINCE JANUARY TO GET PAID FOR THIS REPAIR AND HAVE MADE REPEATED CALLS (ON DATES 3/26, 4/15, 6/9) BUT EVERY TIME I GET TOLD THAT I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET THIS PAYMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE RUN OUT OF PATIENCE. HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS GO THROUGH THIS DISGRACEFUL ?RUN AROUND?? WHEN I PURCHASED A BMW, I SIGNED FOR HIGH LEVELS OF QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE COMPANY HAS FAILED ME ON BOTH COUNTS. I HAVE LOST PATIENCE AND WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW ABOUT THIS SUB PAR SERVICE PROVIDED BY BMW. *JS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum
Filed Jun 2, 2014120,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 525 BMW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHOUT WARNING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD BECOME STIFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM BOOSTER HAD MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO CONTAMINATION. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 19, 201486,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NOTICE: 13V564000. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 201470,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND WOULD SPORADICALLY FLASH ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 06/10/14 MA

Seats
Filed Feb 2, 201496,673 milesTX

2007 BMW SEAT MAT SENSOR FOR ACTIVATION OF AIR BAG, FAILED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HE EXPERIENCED, IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. THE CONSUMER SOLD THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, HE IS STILL SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 02/19/14 UPDATED 06/09/14. *JB

Power Train
Filed Oct 9, 201384,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION JERKS AND THE CAR GIVES A KICK WHEN THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTS FROM 2 TO 1. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. SEEN MANY REFERENCES OF TRANSMISSION JERK / KICK ISSUES ONLINE ON BIMMERFEST. REPORTS TO BMW USA AS WELL. BMW USA REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 30, 2013MI

UPDATED: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS A REAR PASSENGER AND WAS THROWN FORWARD AS THE LAP BELT CUT INTO HER STOMACH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENDURE SURGERY TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE TO HER STOMACH CAUSED BY THE SEAT BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/30/13*CN

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 8, 201373,000 milesCA

TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO STOP, DOWNSHIFTING TRANSMISSION ISSUE FROM 2 TO 1 SPEED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jul 22, 201363,000 milesCA

STARTED THE ENGINE. PASSENGER SAT IN VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT APPEARED ON SCREEN. I THOUGHT IT WAS A GLITCH. THE LIGHT APPEARED ON AND OFF FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. WENT TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SEAT MAT OR SENSOR AND THE COST WOULD RUN AROUND 1500 AT THE DEALER. WAS TOLD TO CHECK TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL. CHECKED ON THE WEBSITE AND THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING FOR THE 2006 VEHICLES. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 7, 2013106,000 milesWI

WARNING MESSAGE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO DEALER AND TOLD IT WAS THE SEAT SENSOR. I DID NOT REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WAS WAY TO MUCH MONEY. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO PEOPLE WITH THIS CAR. PRIOR YEAR CARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE. IT SURE SEEMS LIKE THIS YEAR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP ALL OF US BMW OWNERS OUT. THANK YOU! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 1, 201393,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, WHO STATED THAT THE CENSOR IN THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 72, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20110100Routine
20100100Routine
20091110Routine
20081100Routine
2007 — this page72220Routine
200677340Routine
200535040Routine
2004840170Routine
200332210Do not drive
200229420Do not drive
200122460Do not drive
20000100Do not drive
19991000Routine
19982000Routine
199524310Routine
19947400Routine
19935310Routine
199218420Routine
199113400Routine
199011300Routine

Compare every 525i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Oct 30, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.