Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
1025–50K
1250–75K
1075–100K
24100–150K
19150K+
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
177,236 miles · Jan 5, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 177,236. UPDATED 02/09/12*LJ UPDATED 02/13/12
NHTSA ODI #10442514
86,000 miles · Dec 30, 2011
Exterior LightingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE WIRES IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED AND WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE WIRES IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INLCUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10441741
Mileage unknown · Dec 20, 2011
Exterior LightingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE WIRING HAD BURNED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10440603
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2011
Power Train
2001 BMW 325I. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE TRANSMISSION BLEW OUT *TGW
NHTSA ODI #10440711
189,500 miles · Dec 7, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS CAUSED THE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,500.
NHTSA ODI #10438922
112,000 miles · Nov 14, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT HIS TAIL LAMPS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR TAIL LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WAS ADVISED THAT HIS TAIL LAMPS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR TAIL LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS RELATED TO HIS VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.
NHTSA ODI #10435481
156,111 miles · Jun 11, 2011
Electrical System
CAR IS A BMW 325I. MODEL YEAR 2001. THE ELECTRICAL DOOR UNLOCK MECHANISM DOES NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK THE DOORS. IN PARTICULAR, THE BUTTON TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS NOW. I SUSPECT THAT IT IS RELATED TO A FAULTY GENERAL MODULE 5 UNIT IN THE CAR. ON RARE OCCASIONS UNLOCK…
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CAR IS A BMW 325I. MODEL YEAR 2001. THE ELECTRICAL DOOR UNLOCK MECHANISM DOES NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK THE DOORS. IN PARTICULAR, THE BUTTON TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR A NUMBER OF MONTHS NOW. I SUSPECT THAT IT IS RELATED TO A FAULTY GENERAL MODULE 5 UNIT IN THE CAR. ON RARE OCCASIONS UNLOCKING THE DOOR WILL NOT WORK WHEN PULLING THE DOOR LATCH WHEN THE ALL DOOR LOCK BUTTON IS NOT WORKING, LEADING TO DRIVER/PASSENGERS TRAPPED IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405973
113,025 miles · May 27, 2011
Electrical System
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10403607
Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
2001 BMW 325I. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS REGARDING VEHICLE RECALL REPAIRS *TGW WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 140,000 MILES IT BEGAN RUNNING UNUSUALLY LOUD WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN INTERMITTENT BEEPING SOUND. ACCORDING TO AN INVOICE, THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, BUT TH…
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2001 BMW 325I. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS REGARDING VEHICLE RECALL REPAIRS *TGW WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 140,000 MILES IT BEGAN RUNNING UNUSUALLY LOUD WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING AN INTERMITTENT BEEPING SOUND. ACCORDING TO AN INVOICE, THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE DECLINED. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO EXERCISE HIS RIGHT TO HAVE THE RECALL REMEDIED DUE TO THE VEHICLE POTENTIALLY CATCHING ON FIRE. RECALL NUMBERS 01V206000 AND 02V138000 WERE MENTIONED IN THE LETTER. *JB UPDATED 05/12/11. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10387688
170,000 miles · Feb 18, 2011
Air Bags
MY 2001 BMW 325I AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY AND ENGINE STALL AT LOW SPEED( MOST OF THE TIME WHEN I REVERT). *LN
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2001 BMW 325I Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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