BMW 325 overheating problems

Filed Jun 16, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 145,000 miles · CA · fire

Recall date: 09-28-2001 units potentially affected: 1,550 the federal safety agency campaign number: 02v138000 defective part or component: engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan description: 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. 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. 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 01v20 ). This vehicle was sold to me 03-2004 with the above problems documented by several service repair shops. I begin having problems with the car the next month after purchase. The problems have been overheating because of the fan motor not functioning properly. I was not advised by the dealership that sold me the car of the federal safety agency recalls for safety issues and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Last year the car overheated and bmw in duluth, ga advised on my service order vehicle unsafe to drive. I have had multiple repairs only to know have a completely damaged engine and filed transmission as of 6-11-09. After researching the matter I am contacting your agency for assistance the car is not running and now is completely damaged engine and transmission, along with thermostat, air injections, spark plugs and oxygen sensor needing to be replaced. It has been noted.

Filed Jul 9, 2002 · Engine · CA

The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on three occasion for an overheating problem, the consumer is concerned that the repeated overheating of the engine could result in a fire.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Engine · NY · fire

Day after purchasing vehicle engine cooling fan failed, allowing engine to overheat. This resulted in a fire, 8" flame in engine compartment. Dealership replaced engine cooling fan. However, fan failed again, and engine coolant was found to be all over the engine compartment , unknown if a fire occurred in the second incident. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Engine · NJ

Overheated in its first encounter with light stop & go traffic. No recall notice from bmw, supposedly because of a shortage of replacement fan units.

Filed Jul 30, 2001 · Engine · MA

Defective coolant fan caused overheating at less than 1000 miles and while sitting in a parking lot. Dealer said bmw was aware that there were defective fans and replaced the fan with the same type of defective fan. On 7/29/01 while sitting in traffic the car overheated again and the engine coolant light came on. As traffic moved, car cooled but engine coolant light stayed on. Car towed to dealer for replacement fan.

Filed Jun 18, 2001 · Engine · NY

The car has overheated twice. It was not driveable and was towed to dealer where I purchased it. They claim it was a malfunctioning fan, and the part was replaced twice.

Filed Jun 15, 2001 · Engine · CA

Auxiliary fan stopped and engine overheated during regular driving.

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Engine · CA

Auxiliary cooling fan problem caused engine overheating. Overheating broke engine thermostat & thermostat housing.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Engine · PA

Electric cooling system fans on bmw 325 series are failing with regularity. Replacement fan alleged to be upgraded version. Recently all such vehicles entering u.s. Are having this size fan replaced with old style, larger, high volume fans. Have no confidence my present replacement/upgraded fan will not fail again, particularly in light bmw are replacing such size fans with much larger ones prior to delivery as these vehicles enter the u.s. Check www.bimmer.org in the e46 series bulletin board for the last three months comments on "aux fans". It 'appears' bmw have been aware of this problem for some reasonable length of time and continued to install and deliver defective fans in these automobiles. There are presently fans from this original defective batch still on the motorways. I know of one instance where an 'upgraded' fan stopped working leaving the motorist stranded, though later was said to be operable. The safety implication surrounds automobiles breaking down, particularly in slow/congested traffic situations, leaving motorists and vehicle at risk of collision on congested motorways. Suggest recall and removal of these size fans and fitment of the larger high volume fans that are capable of the duty cycle demanded under all anticipated conditions for these vehicles. There is one instance where failure of the fan 'may' have failed thus causing engine overheat and engine compartment accessory meltdown and/or fire in the engine compartment of a u.s. Specification vehicle being operated in paris, france prior to shipment by the u.s. Owner/operator to america. This is a safety problem for the motoring public. Thank you.

Filed Apr 1, 1997 · Lights, Locks · NJ

Brake lights were inoperative; in addition, cannot open the unlocked door from inside/ driver's seat wobbles and seat heater overheated, burning driver.