KnownCarProblems2003 BMW 325i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 199 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW 325i, most often about the air bags (31% of complaints, typically around 92,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about 325i model year since 2000 and has 7 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory4 recalls for this car came with a do-not-drive warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2003 BMW 325i problems
Air bags
62 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 92,500 miles. Parts named most often: side/window.
Srs warning lamp illuminated. Passenger discriminating sensor defective, replacement required to eliminate mil and restore SRS to operating condition.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, he was advised that the air bag sensor for the passenger front seat had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
Lights
48 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 75,500 miles. Parts named most often: headlights, tail lights, turn signal, brake lights.
I have experienced several times when our turn signal light fails to work and the indicator light of failure is shown on the dashboard. The light will work then stop working in short periods of time. I have replaced bulbs on numerous occasions with some success while other times nothing helps. There appears to be some…
Right taillamp failure and left taillamp intermittent operation. Electrical system repair: right rear taillamp connector and bulb carrier corroded. Dealer replaced pigtail harness and bulb carrier with updated design: socket housing, terminal, contact, cable connector, hose, insulation housing, flat contact, cable…
Electrical
43 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, 12v/24v/48v battery, wiring, alternator/generator/regulator.
Doors will not open because door locks will not unlock. Key fob button will not unlock any doors 90% of the time. Most of the time I can only get in car on drivers side with manual operation of driver's side door lock (sticking key in lock and turning). Once in car, 90% of time I still cannot unlock any other doors…
Tl contact owns a 2003 BMW 325i. The contact stated that the wiring harness for both tail lights have shortened out and melted. She is concerned that this failure could cause her vehicle to catch fire. The dealer stated that this is a common failure among the 2001-2003 models. The current and failure mileages were…
Transmission
18 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
Xenon lights went out shortly after the 50,000 mark. Shortly after car kept going into fail safe mode, kept getting low voltage readings on diagnostics. One BMW dealers kept telling me I needed to rebuild transmission. All they would do is plug the car into the computer and see the tranny reading on the scanner. The…
Bought 2003 BMW 325i brand new. After driving it for 4 years (39,800milies) it started making a thumb sound and started losing transmission power and the gear indication light turns on. Brought to dealership and I thought it was fixed. It was always happening until the warranty expired. I can not use the car specially…
Engine
16 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
Engine vapor separator, hoses, dipstick, and vanos line replacement. This part separates the water vapor from the oil to remove condensation so it doesn't circulate inside the engine. The car was unsafe to drive with a faulty vapor separator and can cause engine vapor lock if it fails. The repair was about $1,400.
Car ran perfectly, then I turned off, then I restarted 5 seconds later to reposition in garage. Engine then revving from 800 to 1200 RPM rhythmically, approx once per second, eml light on, brake light on, service engine light on, very hard to stop car, had anyone been close I would have hit them. Engine revving…
Doors and locks
13 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 104,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW 325i. While the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted numerous times to access the exterior front driver's side door with the remote key fob and also manually however, the lock mechanism would not open. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the door…
The drivers side door would not open either with the keyless remote or by pulling on the door handle inside the car (the windows were down so I could reach inside) I had to open the passenger door and climb across the seat to get into the driver's seat. The button between the seats to unlock all of the doors also…
Fuel system
8 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
Tl contact owns a 2003 BMW 325i. The contact noticed a crack in the fuel tank that caused gasoline to leak out. Each time the gasoline tank is filled, he smells fumes. Recently, after filling the vehicle with gasoline, the contact parked his vehicle and observed approximately a quarter tank of fuel on the ground. He…
The fuel pump went bad ,and left me stranded on a busy street,it suppose to have a manufacturer warranty for 15years or 150,000 miles from BMW, but they don't honor it at the dealer,I feel this should be a recall due to the fact that the fuel pump is sealed inside the tank,which leaves no access to change the pump,and…
Suspension
6 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 47,000 miles. Parts named most often: rear.
Rear springs on 2003 BMW 325x1 both broken--yet shocks fully operational. Mechanic at local BMW dealership said this a defect in manufacturing(car has 47,000 miles) BMW refuses to acknowledge or repair defect.
Four times since I buy a 2003 BMW 325i , I have to get the auto to guarantee service for replacement of the struct front bushing, now , after replace them at 32,000 miles about four month ago, my car at 37,000 miles request a new bushings. They said me that BMW was no longer replace them by guarantee because of the…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 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
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.
Air bags: inflator module
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.
Fix: 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 activit
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags
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.
Fix: 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].
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: turn signal
Risk: Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
Risk: Occupants could be pinched by a window that is being closed.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. Owner notification began may 27, 2003. 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 window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: If a gear is selected, the driver may feel as if the vehicle is being pushed.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began may 5, 2003. 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 and sport wagon vehicles with automatic transmissions, with the engine running, and the vehicle at rest, an increase of engine idle speed (up to 1,300 RPM) may occur.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Rear lamp illumination
Summary
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 the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary gr
Rear lamp illumination
Summary
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 to an ea to further investigate the issue.
Rear lamp illumination
Summary
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 wiring to the connector.complainants have alleged that significant thermal damage to the connector and a
Questions about the 2003 BMW 325i
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 325i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (62 complaints, typically around 92,500 miles); lights (48 complaints, typically around 75,500 miles); electrical (43 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325i have?
- 7 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 2003 a bad year for the BMW 325i?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about 325i model year since 2000, with 199 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.