Engine suddenly shot off complete stall - lost power steering on freeway while going 70 MPH
BMW 325I stalling problems
43 of the 1,367 owner complaints about the BMW 325I describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 43
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 65,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 2Steering lock-up 2Overheating 2Loss of power 2Engine failure 2Airbag light 2Won't start 1Water leak 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system). The vehicle was taken to south bay bmw (18800 hawthorne blvd, torrance, ca 90504) and the recall repair was performed. After the contact retrieved the vehicle, it overheated while driving 15 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for further diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the part may be available, and they would perform diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Stall limps
Stalling, electrical issues, dead batteries, swerving
Takata recall I have requested since may 2015-novemebr 2017 a repair to this recall. My car was on a mountain going uphill and it stalled out and made flickering. It was towed to bmw sealership who kept the car for almost three months and could not fix. I called bmw to no resolution. The car was in motion going up a hill.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 3251. The contact stated that while driving at various speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. In addition, the contact noticed a strong abnormal odor from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the coil cylinder needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
I bought my 2002 bmw 325i from san francisco bmw in 2003, so far I have received only one notice about the recall of the rear light. I was under warranty for a year, during that period they discovered a faulty idle air valve and they did not replace it trying to save money under warranty. I complained many times to them about the stalling of my car on the streets, it is very dangerous. I e-mailed to the manager who ignored my complaint. Fearful for my life and safety I dare not drive on the freeway. I called about the recall of the airbags, they said it did not apply to my car, I asked them to send me e-mail to confirm, they never did. They put my life at risk. Their business license should be suspended.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the steering wheel became stuck as the steering wheel lock warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the steering wheel column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 66,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while attempting to exit his residential driveway, the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the rear electrical cable was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 92,000 and the current mileage was 93,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 325i. The contact stated that while driving at low, unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer where it was found that the battery cables were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered not assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. The current mileage was approximately 93,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V‑683.
Recall number 19V273000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
- 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: fan
- 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
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
- Risk
- If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Recall number 98V178000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW 325I stalling
Which BMW 325I years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (13 complaints), 2006 (8 complaints) and 2001 (6 complaints).
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