fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW
The worst 2003 BMW 325XI problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags14
- Lights5
- Engine4
- Fuel system3
- Electrical2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags14
- Lights5
- Engine4
- Fuel system3
- Electrical2
- Locks2
- Suspension2
- Steering1
- Wheels1
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
- 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
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
Exterior lighting: turn signal
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. Over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and/or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel, to stop working.
- Risk
- Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions. This could cause a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on february 15, 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 11V438000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 BMW 325XI 13
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
- Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs
- Takata class action settlement
- 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...
- In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has...
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes...
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles
2003 BMW 325XI 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 | 4WD | 17 | 24-25 | 20 |
What 2003 BMW 325XI owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Drivers door lock does not unlock with key, or with remote. Other three doors do.
Thank you very much jo what I did take care of the airbag or
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 14v428000 and 15v318000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Weatherford bmw of berkeley (735 ashby ave, berkeley, ca 94710) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Takata recall tl* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac g6. The contact stated that the roof failed and caused water ot enter into the vehicle. The contact concerned that the water would damage the carpet, dashboard, and electrical system. The contact did not take the vehicle to the dealer for diagonostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Consumer put in new engine. New rug is messed up now because of sunroof leaks. Updated 9/13/18
This recall on the airbags in my bmw is affecting how I get to work everyday, I don't dare to drive my car to work so I am reliying on others to get me to work and I am often late to work because of this, which is getting me in trouble at my job. I am at risk of losing my job at this point.
I received a recall notice in 2015 for replacement of driver side air bag. As of this date 10/15/16 bmw has not yet notified me of when they will notify me that I can bring my car to dealer to have drive side air bag replaced. Calls to bmw in in june 2016 said to wait until july,calls in july said to wait until august, calls in august said perhaps by october or end of 2016...calls to the bmw dealer I use vary -one time they say make an appointment to bring the car in,next call they say that they have no airbags...my question(s) to the federal safety agency is "will bmw ever replace the airbag" and is dependent on whether I use a bmw dealership for maintaining my bmw.???... I would also like to note that some colleagues with other types have cars have been not to drive their car until the air bag is replaced and some dealers have actually provided a rental car for them until air bag is replaced....also my wife has a 2013 acura rdx, and while I believe that year was not affected by the airbag recall, her acura dealership actually replaced her driver side air bag after just a few month wait....I have been waiting for almost 17 months for bmw ro notify me that I can bring my car in for air bags....and I do not quite understand why the bmw dealership keeps changing their story on the availabiltiy of replacement air bags your help and attention to this matter is greatly appreciated
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw 325xi. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Compare the 2003 BMW 325XI
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Questions about the 2003 BMW 325XI
Is the 2003 BMW 325XI reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2003 BMW 325XI, close to a typical 325XI model year.
What is the 2003 BMW 325XI year score?
The 2003 BMW 325XI scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 325XI: 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 325XI?
Airbags, with 14 complaints. Next is lights (5).
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325XI have?
5 recalls, covering air bags and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 2003 BMW 325XI airbags?
Yes, 4 recalls: 20V018000, 14V428000, 15V318000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 325XI have bad airbags?
The BMW 325XI model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (64 complaints), 2004 (30 complaints) and 2005 (18 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2003 BMW 325XI get?
Official estimates for the 2003 BMW 325XI range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 17 city and 24-25 highway.
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