Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. While the vehicle was being inspected by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the rear driver's side coil spring was fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,550.
The worst 2003 BMW 325CI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags10
- Electrical5
- Engine3
- Fuel system3
- Suspension3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags10
- Electrical5
- Engine3
- Fuel system3
- Suspension3
- Lights2
- Locks2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
Recalls 5
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 20V018000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V‑348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
Recall number 15V318000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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 intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V172000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
- Risk
- Occupants could be pinched by a window that is being closed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. Owner notification began may 27, 2003. 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.
Recall number 03V160000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger and sport wagon vehicles with automatic transmissions, with the engine running, and the vehicle at rest, an increase of engine idle speed (up to 1,300 RPM) may occur.
- Risk
- If a gear is selected, the driver may feel as if the vehicle is being pushed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. Owner notification began may 5, 2003. 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.
Recall number 03V124000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 BMW 325CI 22
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Service action
- E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE: E46 M56 vehicles, in addition to meeting the SULEV (Super...
- Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs
- Takata class action settlement. customer support program. front driver side airbag modules.
- For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?)...
- For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW...
- E46 PZEV/SULEV (M56) FUEL TANKS: REPLACEMENT AND PARTS RETURN PROCEDURE: BMW of North America, LLC (ÒBMW...
- In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has...
2003 BMW 325CI fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 26-27 | 21 |
What 2003 BMW 325CI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. While operating the vehicle, smoke was present under the hood. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the smoke was coming from the fog lights. The contact later discovered that the fog lights, signal lights, high beams, and passenger side brake light were not operating. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Takata recall I asked for a service appointment on march 8th, 2016 but have not received a call back from the dealership to set a certain date for the repair. Is a 5 months wait normal? I am driving the car daily. Everything works fine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags). The part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
2003 bmw 325ci. Consumer writes in regards to front passenger airbag replacement not available to complete recall 14v-42b.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325ci. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the part needed was unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Doors failed to unlock on a few different occasions.
Compare the 2003 BMW 325CI
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Questions about the 2003 BMW 325CI
Is the 2003 BMW 325CI reliable?
Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2003 BMW 325CI, fewer than a typical 325CI model year.
What is the 2003 BMW 325CI year score?
The 2003 BMW 325CI scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 325CI: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 325CI?
Airbags, with 10 complaints. Next is electrical (5).
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325CI have?
5 recalls, covering air bags, visibility and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW 325CI airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 20V018000, 15V318000, 13V172000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 325CI have bad airbags?
The BMW 325CI model years with the most airbags complaints are 2004 (41 complaints), 2002 (23 complaints) and 2006 (23 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 325CI get?
Official estimates for the 2003 BMW 325CI range from 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 26-27 highway.
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