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2001 BMW 325I problems

The most common problem on the 2001 BMW 325I is airbags, typically around 98,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical 325I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
66/100
Owner complaints
151
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
16
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2001 BMW 325I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 BMW 325I

Door locks 8Airbag light 7Fire or smoke 7Overheating 7Power windows 7Stalling 6Headlights 5

Recalls 6

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles affected
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 moduleReported November 26, 2019 · 74,185 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 19V853000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 11, 2018 · 574,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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 [email protected].

Recall number 14V428000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported May 16, 2002 · 1,550 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V138000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported June 21, 2001 · 76,469 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 01V206000 · Recall details

Wheels: rimReported November 20, 2000 · 1,914 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 00V383000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2001 BMW 325I

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 BMW 325I 16

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 16 bulletins for the 2001 BMW 325I

2001 BMW 325I fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 6‑cylRWD17-1825-2720-21

What 2001 BMW 325I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 30, 2025 · Airbags, Steering · CA

Steering wheel angle sensor internal abc-dsc issues, yellow light is on.. Is there a recall for this issue!? Also front door passenger side air bag is not working, I have used OBD reader to confirm all the above...

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · Airbags · FL

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and 17V047000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer Ferman BMW (31400 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · 195,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2022 · Engine · 188,000 miles · NC · fire

The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked overnight and off, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact was alerted by her father that the vehicle was on fire. There were no occupants at the time of the fire. The entire front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene. It was unknown if there was a fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The father of the contact had a truck parked in front and due to the flames of the vehicle fire, it melted the front of the parked vehicle causing damage. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not driveable after the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.

Filed Oct 4, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · AZ

I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering Wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Acceleration, Body · 222,504 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

When shifted to reverse engine rpms went wideopen causing it to spin out of control from our driveway into mobilehome across from me then into a van and shoved it into another mobilehome

Filed Feb 11, 2020 · Brakes · 243,000 miles · IL

I have been recently getting the takata airbag recall which I am getting done soon. I noticed however an old recall on some bmw 325is starting in 2001. An issue with the handbrake... The database is showing that my VIN doesn't have this issue but I can sure tell you I had this issue and bad. Driving 70 down the highway when the handbrake clamp or adjuster... Something broke and fell into the drum of the brake disc. It then made a horrible noise and fully destroyed the parking brake assembly and sounded like a washing machine filled with metal. I took the disc off and found all the parts just inside wrecked. Was this recall not covered for enough cars or does a recall expire? I literally feel this could've been a serious issue if it somehow had locked a wheel!

Filed Oct 18, 2019 · Airbags · 89,000 miles · TX

Recall number 19v698 could not be verified using VIN no wbaav33481f[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 11, 2019 · Brakes, Engine · 98,000 miles · GA

Ever since I've had the car I have had overheating problems after replacing the water pump all the hoses HVAC hoses under the manifold the car still wants to overheat I've been in traffic I've had this problem having a I'm cars behind me and my temperature gauge going to age and I can't crank the car because I don't want to ruin the motor I've had to let the car cool be late for jobs work and other things appointments are the car cool down and I've had to add coolant in it at $20 a piece by the coolant runs right back out

Filed May 4, 2018 · Electrical, Lights · TX

Faulty tail lights- the right tail bulb assembly on the car got so hot it melted along with the plug. I called the bmw hot line 800‑525‑7417, they informed me that the car had 2 recalls for airbags, also told me that the car had a faulty tail lite repair in 2002. I trailered the car on 4/11/18 to sewell grapevine bmw, where scott lord in the service dept took it in. I ask for them to find out also about the tail light assembly melting & I left the part with the car. On 4/11/18 I rented the same trailer & went to pickup the car, (I live 40 mls from there). Upon talking with mr. Lord, the 2 recalls where performed & he said the technician left brochures in the car on how the melted tail light is repaired & that the car is too old for them to do it. First off, thanks to the federal safety agency web site, I learned that there where 210,000 of these cars recalled for the same problem, beginning with the year of this car. 2nd, I 've never known a recall to expire until fixed. I called bmw recall back 5/2/18 & she said no recalls are showing now & that I'd have to contact the federal safety agency, so here I am, do they fix it, or should I contact a lawyer? Thank you the federal safety agency! I'm glad there was not a can of gas in the trunk

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Questions about the 2001 BMW 325I

Is the 2001 BMW 325I reliable?

Owners have filed 151 complaints about the 2001 BMW 325I, close to a typical 325I model year.

What is the 2001 BMW 325I year score?

The 2001 BMW 325I scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 325I: 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 2001 BMW 325I?

Airbags, with 46 complaints, typically around 98,000 miles. Next is engine (23).

How many recalls does the 2001 BMW 325I have?

6 recalls, covering air bags, engine and engine cooling and wheels.

Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 325I airbags?

Yes, 3 recalls: 20V018000, 19V853000, 14V428000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the BMW 325I have bad airbags?

The BMW 325I model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (241 complaints), 2003 (62 complaints) and 2004 (62 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 325I get?

Official estimates for the 2001 BMW 325I range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 25-27 highway.

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