NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
151 reports1,500 miles · Dec 24, 2010
Visibility
MY 2001 BMW 325I HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF MORE THAN 15 REPAIRS OF WINDOW REGULATORS. THE ORIGINAL BMW WINDOW REGULATORS LAST FOR A FEW MONTHS, AND FAIL ONE AFTER ANOTHER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A SEVERE RAIN STORM, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DISRUPTION OF DRIVERS CONCENTRATION, AS WELL AS CAR FLOODING AN…
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MY 2001 BMW 325I HAS A DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF MORE THAN 15 REPAIRS OF WINDOW REGULATORS. THE ORIGINAL BMW WINDOW REGULATORS LAST FOR A FEW MONTHS, AND FAIL ONE AFTER ANOTHER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A SEVERE RAIN STORM, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DISRUPTION OF DRIVERS CONCENTRATION, AS WELL AS CAR FLOODING AND WATER DAMAGE. I BELIEVE IT IS A VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH WAS NEVER CORRECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10372359
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
BMW 325I E46 MODEL HAS DOOR LOCKING ISSUES. THE DOORS WILL LOCK AND NOT UNLOCK TRAPPING PASSENGERS INSIDE THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IS TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHICH FIXES THE ISSUE BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND BMW SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE THROUGH A RECALL. IT IS A…
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BMW 325I E46 MODEL HAS DOOR LOCKING ISSUES. THE DOORS WILL LOCK AND NOT UNLOCK TRAPPING PASSENGERS INSIDE THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IS TO CRAWL OUT THE WINDOW AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY WHICH FIXES THE ISSUE BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND BMW SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE THROUGH A RECALL. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT PEOPLE CANNOT GET OUT OF THE CAR, WHAT IF THEY WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND COULD NOT ESCAPE THE VEHICLE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355669
115,000 miles · Aug 23, 2010
Visibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE WINDOW WOULD OPEN BUT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE WINDOW; THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY PULL THE WINDOW BACK UP WHILE ENGAGING THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON. A PORTION OF THE REGULATOR FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE FRONT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. THE WINDOW WOULD OPEN BUT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE WINDOW; THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO MANUALLY PULL THE WINDOW BACK UP WHILE ENGAGING THE POWER WINDOW BUTTON. A PORTION OF THE REGULATOR FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
NHTSA ODI #10351264
127,000 miles · Jun 18, 2010
Latches/locks/linkages
I HAVE A 2001 BMW 325I SEDAN (PRODUCTION DATE 10/2000) AND I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH MY DOOR LOCKS. TODAY WHEN GOING TO PICK UP MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL, I WAS UNABLE TO EXIT MY VEHICLE. I ALWAYS LOCK MY DOORS ONCE I BEGIN DRIVING FOR MY OWN COMFORT AND SAFETY. SO AFTER PARKING MY CAR AND REMOVING MY KEY, NORMALLY I WOULD BE ABLE TO P…
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I HAVE A 2001 BMW 325I SEDAN (PRODUCTION DATE 10/2000) AND I'M HAVING A ISSUE WITH MY DOOR LOCKS. TODAY WHEN GOING TO PICK UP MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL, I WAS UNABLE TO EXIT MY VEHICLE. I ALWAYS LOCK MY DOORS ONCE I BEGIN DRIVING FOR MY OWN COMFORT AND SAFETY. SO AFTER PARKING MY CAR AND REMOVING MY KEY, NORMALLY I WOULD BE ABLE TO PULL THE INTERIOR HANDLE TO THE DRIVERS DOOR AND THE DOOR WOULD UNLOCK, IT DIDN'T. I DON'T HAVE AN ALARM ON THE CAR SO I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON. I PUSHED THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON INSIDE THE CAR TO ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK THE DOOR WITH NO SUCCESS. I PRESSED THE BUTTON ON MY KEY TO ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH AGAIN, NO SUCCESS. THE ONLY WAS I WAS ABLE TO EXIT MY VEHICLE WAS TO PUT THE KEY BACK IN THE IGNITION, OPEN THE DRIVERS WINDOW, TAKE THE KEY BACK OUT AND USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED, BUT IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHERE I WAS LOCKED INSIDE MY CAR. IT HAPPENED ONCE IN THE WINTER AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET INTO MY CAR FOR OVER 30MINUTES. THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR. I COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AND CAN'T GET OUT THE CAR THROUGH THE DOORS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. THE MOST SCARY PART IS THAT I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST ME ALMOST $800 TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MY CAR. I SEARCHED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL OR SOMETHING FOR THIS ISSUE OFFERED BY BMW AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING BUT MORE PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME EXPENSIVE ISSUE. THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF I WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND ALL DOORS WERE LOCKED BUT THE DRIVERS DOOR, HOW WOULD MY PASSENGERS GET OUT??? VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10339093
40,000 miles · Jun 11, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE DRIVER ERROR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FOR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE DRIVER ERROR BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD AND AFTER THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE BEGAN INDEPENDENTLY DECREASING IN SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DANGLING FROM ITS HOUSING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
NHTSA ODI #10335778
101,000 miles · May 11, 2010
Air Bags
DROVE OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A STREET, AND THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS PREMATURELY DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD TO ORDER A NEW SIDE AIRBAG. I AM STILL UNABLE TO ORDER A CURTAIN AIRBAG. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE AIRBAGS COULD HAVE INJURED MY PASSENGER. THE CAR HAS NO BODY DAMAGE, AND DRIVES PERFECTLY. I HAVE…
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DROVE OVER A SMALL POTHOLE ON A STREET, AND THE SIDE AND CURTAIN AIRBAGS PREMATURELY DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAD TO ORDER A NEW SIDE AIRBAG. I AM STILL UNABLE TO ORDER A CURTAIN AIRBAG. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE AIRBAGS COULD HAVE INJURED MY PASSENGER. THE CAR HAS NO BODY DAMAGE, AND DRIVES PERFECTLY. I HAVE A AIRBAG SIGNAL ON THE DASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330030
148,241 miles · May 2, 2010
Fuel System, Other
BMW 325I 2001 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR THE SOUND OF METAL DRAGGING. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE PASSENGER SIDE GAS TANK UP HAD BUSTED WELDS WHERE THE STRAP ATTACHES TO THE FRONT. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE STRAP WAS COMPLETELY GONE AND YOU COULD SEE THAT THE WELDS CLEARLY…
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BMW 325I 2001 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I STARTED TO HEAR THE SOUND OF METAL DRAGGING. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE STRAP THAT HOLDS THE PASSENGER SIDE GAS TANK UP HAD BUSTED WELDS WHERE THE STRAP ATTACHES TO THE FRONT. THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE STRAP WAS COMPLETELY GONE AND YOU COULD SEE THAT THE WELDS CLEARLY BROKE. THIS SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE STRAP THAT DANGLES DOWN DRAGS ON THE GROUND AND I'M SURE CAUSES SPARKS RIGHT UNDER THE GAS TANK THAT IS UNSUPPORTED DUE TO THE FAILURE. UPON LOOKING ON A BMW FORUM THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND IT HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. MY EMAIL IS [XXX] IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME TO HELP MAKE BMW TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10328422
100,000 miles · Apr 8, 2010
Power Train
2001 325 I TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - WILL NOT REVERSE , AFTER LOOKING INTO IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL AND YEAR . I AM ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND NOW CANNOT LOOK FOR WORK DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILLED AGAINST BMW IN NJ , AND WAS WON ! I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY BMW FIX BECAUSE THIS IS…
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2001 325 I TRANSMISSION PROBLEM - WILL NOT REVERSE , AFTER LOOKING INTO IT IS A WELL KNOW PROBLEM WITH THAT MODEL AND YEAR . I AM ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND NOW CANNOT LOOK FOR WORK DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FILLED AGAINST BMW IN NJ , AND WAS WON ! I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY BMW FIX BECAUSE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT BMW IS WELL KNOWN ABOUT AND DID NOTHING TO FIX IT ! PLEASE HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324614
140,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* 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 160,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323733
142,000 miles · Mar 11, 2010
EquipmentSteering
IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR. I GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, I TRIED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WHIL…
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IN THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE, THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 1 HOUR. I GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL FELT VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, I TRIED TO REVERSE THE CAR AND STARTED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT BUT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE SPOT, MEANWHILE I WAS USING ALL OF MY STRENGTH BUT THEN I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND GOT STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO HAVE A BY-STANDER HELP PUSH THE CAR TO A PARKING LOT WHILE I TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE COMPLAINT IS THAT IF THIS PROBLEM TURNS OUT TO BE THE POWER STEERING PUMP THIS WILL BE THE 3RD TIME I HAVE HAD IT REPLACED IN THIS CAR AND I BELIEVE THAT IS UNHEARD OF! I HAVE THIS REPLACED AT LEAST 1 TIME A YEAR WHICH SEEMS EXCESSIVE. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS THAT CAR HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FINE AND SUDDENLY THE POWER STEERING WILL GO, IT IS VERY SCARY AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL HAPPEN ONE DAY WHILE I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318867
Official recalls
6Jan 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗