KnownCarProblems2001 BMW 325i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 151 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 325i, most often about the air bags (31% of complaints, typically around 98,000 miles). It is 4th of 11 325i model years by number of complaints and has 6 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory2 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2001 BMW 325i problems
Air bags
46 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
I just read that your agency have asked BMW to recall 2006 3 series for a defect in the passenger side airbag sensor. I currently have a 2001, BMW 325i. And my passenger side airbag sensor is not working, and last year was repaired by the dealer. This latest occurrence happened after my 12 year old nephew moved the…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the air bag warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bag and the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the remedy failed to correct the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of…
Engine
23 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 98,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, engine, exhaust system.
Ever since I've had the car I have had overheating problems after replacing the water pump all the hoses HVAC hoses under the manifold the car still wants to overheat I've been in traffic I've had this problem having a I'm cars behind me and my temperature gauge going to age and I can't crank the car because I don't…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. While driving at 45 MPH, the fans began running unusually loud. The contact stated that the engine was also extremely loud. The vehicle would also make a beeping sound intermittently. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was…
Lights
23 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 130,000 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, turn signal, tail lights.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. While driving various speeds, both rear lights failed. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 11v438000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that his dashboard began to illuminate indicating light failure and immediately after the contact turned the headlights on and they began to flash. The contact was able to remedy the failure by unplugging the rear brake assembly. The contact was informed of a recall…
Electrical
18 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 107,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition.
The connectors on the rear tail lights are defective they are burnt and shorted and wire is burnt. In same location. I have to replace the connector, the burnt wire, and the taillight assembly on both sides. Its the same wire (brown #4 I believe).
Gm5, and mass airflow sensor not working on my 2001 325i BMW. It shuts off when get a dead stop and about to take off again. The doors will unlock and lock after pressing the buttons multiple times. The remote as well will not unlock or lock the doors everytime. Its at random with no specific pattern.
Visibility and wipers
13 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 59,500 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield, rearview mirrors/devices.
While driving, the rear view mirror fell off. A chunk of glass was retained on the rear view mirror attaching bracket. The windshield were the bracket is glued to retain an indenture with the chunk of glass missing just on the inside. No visible damage noticed on the outside of the windshield.
I have a 2001 BMW 2.5 automatic with about 55k miles. The service engine soon light came on around 12k and the dealer replace the coil. It came on again several time later over the course of 2 years for few days. Every time by the time I took the car to the dealer, the ses disappeared and dealer can't find any thing…
Transmission
12 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 129,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
My car was functioning perfectly fine the morning of the incident. I went into a restaurant and when I came out and got into my car and tried to back out of the parking lot my car would not move. The engine would rev up but no movement. I pushed it out and put it into drive and the car works fine but there is no…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle jerked forward and backwards when attempting to shift into reverse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,866.
Brakes
8 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the brake light sensor illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the brake lights had failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and…
Ever since I've had the car I have had overheating problems after replacing the water pump all the hoses HVAC hoses under the manifold the car still wants to overheat I've been in traffic I've had this problem having a I'm cars behind me and my temperature gauge going to age and I can't crank the car because I don't…
Body and structure
6 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: body.
I am writing with regards to file# 0304924 a complaint with BMW north america. As you received copies of all BMW's communications with me you are aware that a final repair attempt letter was sent to me. I would like to make you aware that on 10-09-03i came out of my office and my front floorboard was full of water…
When shifted to reverse engine rpms went wideopen causing it to spin out of control from our driveway into mobilehome across from me then into a van and shoved it into another mobilehome
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 BMW 325i recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began november 10, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323ci, 325ci, 328ci, 330ci, 323it, and 325it vehicles equipped with non-azide driver air bag inflators (nadi) manufactured by takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement nadi inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Air bags
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.
Fix: 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].
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: fan
Risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during september 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206). Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Engine: fan
Risk: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began september 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Wheels and tires: rim
Risk: This could lead to a sudden loss of air from the tire affecting handling and vehicle control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the five wheels for possible damage. If damage from the mounting machine is found on any wheel, all five wheels will be replaced.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The machine used to mount and inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant may have damaged the inner rim flange of the wheels.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2001 BMW 325i
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 325i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (46 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles); engine (23 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles); lights (23 complaints, typically around 130,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 325i have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 15, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the BMW 325i?
- It is 4th of 11 325i model years by number of complaints, with 151 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.