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2001 BMW 325I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

81 reports with mileage · 70 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports8 fire reports17 injury reports

What owners actually said

151 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2018
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COOLING FAN FAILED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, BUT THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COOLING FAN FAILED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO BRIAN HARRIS BMW (12336 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70817, (225) 754-1200). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #11084894

300,000 miles · Feb 16, 2018
Air BagsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HERE IN GEAR BMW, I 55, JACKSON, MS) WAS NOTIFIED, B…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HERE IN GEAR BMW, I 55, JACKSON, MS) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11073286

300,000 miles · Feb 12, 2018
Air BagsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO VISIBLE METAL FRAGMENTS; HOWEVER, THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND CEILING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO VISIBLE METAL FRAGMENTS; HOWEVER, THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND CEILING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE RIM WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND NECK CAUSED BY THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. *TT *TR

NHTSA ODI #11072339

100,049 miles · Nov 9, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

WILE IN MOTION ONE BRAKE WILL OPERATE AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE SIDE WITH THE MOMENTARY LOCKED BRAKE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE YAW CONTROL . THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS STRAIGHT AHEAD OR TURNING.

NHTSA ODI #11044923

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. I'VE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH 'URGENT RECALL NOTICE' EMAILS (LASTLY 07/14 AND 07/20) AND POSTCARDS FROM BMW, NHTSA AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ABOUT SAFETY RECALL' NOS. 17V-047 AND 13V-172/14V-428. AND MY WIFE RECEIVED A SIMILAR POSTCARD FROM 'BMW OF NORTH HAVEN.' ON AUGUST 10, RITA, BMW RECALL CENTER (1…

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TAKATA RECALL. I'VE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH 'URGENT RECALL NOTICE' EMAILS (LASTLY 07/14 AND 07/20) AND POSTCARDS FROM BMW, NHTSA AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ABOUT SAFETY RECALL' NOS. 17V-047 AND 13V-172/14V-428. AND MY WIFE RECEIVED A SIMILAR POSTCARD FROM 'BMW OF NORTH HAVEN.' ON AUGUST 10, RITA, BMW RECALL CENTER (1-877-432-7841) CONFIRMED THAT MY CAR WAS DUE FOR REPAIRS, AND ARRANGED FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH 'BMW OF NEW LONDON,' 543 COLMAN ST, NEW LONDON, CT 06320, WHERE I'VE SPEND THE WHOLE MORNING ON AUGUST 18, ONLY TO BE TOLD BY NICK PARSON (STANDING IN FOR FREDDIE ILLAS, TAG NO.W959), THAT THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE OF 'THE TYPES WHICH DID NOT NEED A REPLACEMENT', CLAIMED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY AIR BAG ALTERATIONS, BUT ALSO DID NOT GIVE ME ANY WRITTEN CONFIRMATION THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SAFE. THEREFORE, I'VE TRIED TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS SITUATION BY CONTACTING BY EMAIL CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM (CORRESPONDENCE 1-9923906859), WHERE KATIE G., AND SEVERAL OTHERS, ADVISED ME TO CALL 1-800-831-1117 (BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES DEPARTMENT), HOWEVER WITHOUT ANY EFFECT. THEN I'VE TALKED TO CRYSTEL, BMW RECALL HOTLINE (1-800-525-7417), WHO, AGAIN, DID NOTHING TO ANSWER MY SAFETY CONCERNS, BUT SWITCHED ME TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE, WHICH I FINALLY IGNORED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I REQUEST A WRITTEN STATEMENT ABOUT THE CURRENT SAFETY STATUS OF MY VEHICLE, CLEAR EXPLANATION WHY I'VE BEEN FORCED TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO A BMW SERVICE STATION, AND FULLY COMPENSATED FOR THE UNNECESSARY TRAVEL, 65 MILES (TOTAL) AND LOST WAGES, $680.

NHTSA ODI #11021587

206,862 miles · Jul 27, 2017
Air BagsInjury

MY NAME IS [XXX], I OWN BMW 325I 2001, ON 17TH JULY 2017 , DRIVERS SIDE AND SHOULDER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITH NO IMPACT , AFTER 911 CALL LAWRENCEVILLE POLICE OFFICER [XXX] PLACED A REPORT WITH DETAILS, ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT. I WILL ATTACH REPORT NUMBER, 5 WEEKS BEFORE IT HAPPEN I CHANGED 2 FRONT AIRBAGS AT NALLEY BWM …

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MY NAME IS [XXX], I OWN BMW 325I 2001, ON 17TH JULY 2017 , DRIVERS SIDE AND SHOULDER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITH NO IMPACT , AFTER 911 CALL LAWRENCEVILLE POLICE OFFICER [XXX] PLACED A REPORT WITH DETAILS, ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT. I WILL ATTACH REPORT NUMBER, 5 WEEKS BEFORE IT HAPPEN I CHANGED 2 FRONT AIRBAGS AT NALLEY BWM ATLANTA. I CONTACTED ADVISOR [XXX], WAS ASKED TO BRING CAR TO SERVICE, AND SAID MY MODULE FAILED,BEFORE ASKED TO AUTHORIZE DIAGNOSTICS, WHAT I WILL ATTACH TO THIS MESSAGE. IM ASKING MORE INFORMATION WHAT I HAVE TO DO IN THIS SITUATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11011116

100,000 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Air BagsCrashFireInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER SIX TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SPRAIN TO HER NECK AND BACK, CONSISTENT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER SIX TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SPRAIN TO HER NECK AND BACK, CONSISTENT HEADACHES, AND INTERNAL BLEEDING FROM HER GALLBLADDER. THE OTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT SPECIFICS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10969277

97,000 miles · Dec 9, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER WAS ONLY PERSON IN VEHICLE. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND ALTHOUGH THE ACCIDENT WASN'T EXTREMELY SERIOUS, IT INJURED DRIVER TO THE POINT HE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE HIS EYE. DRIVER DIDN'T IMPACT HIS FACE WITH ANYTHING BUT THE AIRBAG THAT CAME OUT WITH TOO MUCH FORCE. INJURY …

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VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER WAS ONLY PERSON IN VEHICLE. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND ALTHOUGH THE ACCIDENT WASN'T EXTREMELY SERIOUS, IT INJURED DRIVER TO THE POINT HE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE HIS EYE. DRIVER DIDN'T IMPACT HIS FACE WITH ANYTHING BUT THE AIRBAG THAT CAME OUT WITH TOO MUCH FORCE. INJURY REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION OF SEVERAL DAYS (5).

NHTSA ODI #10934260

130,000 miles · Sep 22, 2016
Exterior Lighting

TL* 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 MILEAGE WA…

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TL* 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 MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10908681

180,125 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Electrical System

ALL 3 PASSENGER DOORS LOCK AND INTERMITTENTLY CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. THIS HAS TO DO WITH A FAULTY GM5 MODULE.

NHTSA ODI #10850810

Official recalls

6

20V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

19V853000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Nov 26, 2019

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

14V428000 · Air Bags

Jun 11, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

02V138000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

May 16, 2002

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

01V206000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

Jun 21, 2001

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

00V383000 · Wheels:rim

Nov 20, 2000

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.