CarRecallWatchThe 2003 BMW 325i has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 11 fires, 12 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (62 reports).
2003 BMW 325i recalls
Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator in these BMW vehicles can degrade over time, especially after long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.
Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger side frontal airbag may build up excessive internal pressure when it deploys, which could cause the inflator to rupture.
Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.
Most common 2003 BMW 325i problems
Problem areas named in the 199 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 62 |
| Exterior Lighting | 51 |
| Electrical System | 43 |
| Power Train | 19 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 13 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 11 |
| Suspension | 8 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 |
| Steering | 6 |
| Visibility | 5 |
What owners report
On June 28,2024, after parking and turning off the ignition switch, the dash started smoking and within minutes the whole dash and front of car were on fire. The car almost completely burned to the ground before the fire department could get there. The car was recently serviced at a BMW for an air bag recall. Heater ducts were loose when returned. There are also recalls for the 2006 325i for similar dash fires. The cause could be either dealer work or a factory issue.
The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE ARSONIST INVESTIGATOR FILED A REPORT AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO A DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
THE DOOR LOCKS STOP WORKING PERIODICALLY WHERE ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR WILL UNLOCK WITH THE KEY. AT THAT TIME, THE REAR AND PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE REMOTE OR THE BUTTON IN THE CENTER CONSOLE OR BY PULLING ON THE DOOR RELEASE INSIDE THE DOORS. THE BMW USUALLY UNLOCKS THE DOOR WITH THE FIRST PULL AND THEN OPENS WITH THE SECOND, BUT WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING, THE DOOR RELEASE (DOOR HANDLE) ON THE INSIDE DOES NOTHING. THIS RESULTS IN ONLY THE DRIVERS DOOR OPENING AND I HAVE TO REACH BACK OVER THE SEATS TO UNBUCKLE MY KIDS AND THEN PULL THEM OUT OVER THE BACK OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. SO LONG AS WE START OUTSIDE THE CAR, IT JUST MAKES THE BACK SEATS UNUSABLE. BUT IF I LOCK THE DOORS
DRIVING ON 12/12/2019 ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ABOUT 65MPH, GOING STRAIGHT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN REAR WHEELS (THIS IS RWD - 2003 BMW 325I) LOCKED UP COMPLETELY - THE VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AT ABOUT 45 DEGREES SIDEWAYS BEFORE IT STRAIGHTENED OUT WHEN THE SPEED DROPPED. THANKFULLY I DID NOT HIT ANYBODY, AND NO ONE HIT ME ALTHOUGH THERE WAS QUITE A BIT OF TRAFFIC ON THIS MULTI LANE INTERSTATE. I GOT AAA TOW IT HOME. HE HAD TO DRAG IT ONTO THE TRUCK BED AS THE REAR WHEELS CONTINUED TO BE LOCKED UP. WHEN I REMOVED AND OPENED THE DIFFERENTIAL TAPERED ROLLER BEARING ROLLERS WERE IN THE OIL SPACE. LOOKING TO SEE WHERE THEY JAMMED THE SYSTEM UP I NOTICED MARKS ON THE CARRIER. IT APPEARS ROLLERS JAMMED UP
2003 BMW 325i questions
Does the 2003 BMW 325i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2003 BMW 325i: Passenger airbag may explode and send metal shrapnel into occupants; Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments; Air Bags; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW 325i?
Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (62), Exterior Lighting (51), Electrical System (43).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 BMW 325i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.