Model year record

2002 BMW 325xi recalls & problems

The 2002 BMW 325xi has 6 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (15 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints68filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

4 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsJan 15, 2020

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 20V018000292,948 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsJun 11, 2018

Air bags

Recall 14V428000574,007 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Air bagsMay 28, 2015

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 15V318000419,235 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsMay 2, 2013

Air bags

Recall 13V17200043,204 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Exterior lightingAug 26, 2011

Turn signal

Recall 11V438000241,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Components: Exterior lighting › Turn signal; Exterior lighting › Brake lights; Exterior lighting › Tail lights

Service brakes, airMar 18, 2002

Disc › Rotor

Recall 02V088000799 vehicles

Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A PROBLEM IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE CREATION OF A CRACK WHERE THE BRAKE DISC AND THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM MEET. FURTHER CRACKING OF THE ROTOR COULD OCCUR DUE TO BRAKING TORQUE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE BRAKE DRUM, CONNECTED TO THE WHEEL HUB, WOULD COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE DISC.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE TO TURN, BUT THE DISC WOULD STOP, AND THERE WOULD BE NO BRAKING CAPACITY AT THAT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR BRAKE ROTORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 25, 2002. 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

325xi

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

325xi Sport Wagon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 24 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

325xi

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

325xi Sport Wagon

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical system	15	0	0	0	71,775 mi
Engine	15	0	0	0	61,957 mi
Air bagsFrontal	13	1	0	4	50,000 mi
Exterior lightingTail lights; Brake lights	13	0	1	0	101,250 mi
Suspension	9	0	0	0	75,000 mi
Steering	7	0	0	0	52,770 mi
TiresSidewall	5	0	0	0	20,000 mi
Power train	4	0	0	0	91,620 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Cooling system	3	0	0	0	67,500 mi
Unknown or other	3	0	1	0	—
Service brakes, airDisc › Rotor	2	0	0	0	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325XI. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that approximately 7-months after the repair, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer where a diagnostic test showed that a wire from the A-pillar connector to side air bags had high resistance. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact stated that several days later the air bag warning light disappeared without the repair being performed. The manufacturer was notified of the…
Sep 1, 2021 · 44,743 miles
Engine
IGNITION SELANIOD ISN'T WORKING. WHEN I TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR, THE IGNITION THINKS THE CAR HAS STARTED, BUT THE ENGINE DOESN'T TURN OVER. IT TAKES MULTIPLE TRIES TO GET THE CAR TO START.
Sep 13, 2017 · 172,400 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
WHILE DRIVING OUR CAR THE DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND THE CAR WILL LOOSE ALL POWER. WE HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF WAIT A MINUTE WITH KEY COMPLETELY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR THEN ALL LIGHTS ARE OFF AND CAR IS COMPLETELY DRIVABLE. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY NO MATTER WHAT SPEED IS BEING DRIVEN. ALSO WITHIN THE SAME MONTH THE LOCKS WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN CAR IS STOPPED AND SHUT OFF OR BY THE POWER BUTTON INSIDE THE CAR. AS WELL AS OUR 4 WAY INDICATOR WHICH IS ON SAME SWITCH AS THE POWER LOCK BUTTON NO LONGER WORKS.
Nov 21, 2015 · 160,000 miles
Unknown or otherFire
CAR WAS PARKED IN PRIVATE DRIVEWAY, 200 FEET FROM STREET, AND HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN OR STARTED FOR 4 DAYS. AWOKE TO CAR COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE TRUCK NEEDED TO PUT OUT FIRE, AND TO PROTECT NEARBY HOUSE. FIRE INSPECTOR COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE OF FIRE, DUE TO EXTEND OF DAMAGE, THOUGH NO EVIDENCE OF VANDALISM. NO COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE, SO CAR A COMPLETE WRITE OFF. SALVAGE YARD SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN A CAR SO COMPLETELY DESTROYED BY FIRE. BMW CONTACTED, AND COMPLETELY UNINTERESTED AND UNHELPFUL. HEARD ABOUT NHTSA COMPLAINT REPORTING IN ARTICLE ABOUT UNEXPLAINED BMW FIRES.
Oct 28, 2015
Engine
THE CAMSHAFT POSITIONING SENSOR A CIRCUIT INTERMITTENT CAN GO BAD LEADING THE ENGINE TO STOP WORKING ALL TOGETHER THIS COULD CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF DRIVING ON THE ROAD
Feb 24, 2017 · 166,983 miles
Electrical system
LOCKS OCCUPANTS IN CAR AND CANNOT ELECTRICALLY OR MECHANICALLY UNLOCK. MANY BMW OPERATORS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM ON INTERNET BUT NO RECALL EXISTS FOR DEALERSHIPS TO REPAIR/REPLACE. HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, ON A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY, TURNING OR ANYTIME THE SYSTEM LOCKS THE DOORS TRAPPING OCCUPANTS
Jul 4, 2016 · 89,000 miles
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR WITH THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER ONLY INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER, WHICH HAD BEEN LONGER THAN A YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION…
Jul 1, 2015
Air bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA 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 NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 11/29/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART FINALLY ARRIVED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN NOVEMBER 2016. UPDATED 12/14/16.*JB
Jul 11, 2015

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Rear Lamp IlluminationClosedLed to recall 11V438000
In a letter submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) dated August25, 2011, BMWindicated that it will conduct a voluntary recall campaign to remedy the subject vehicles.The issue involves the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel.Through normal vehicle use over time, the rear lamps ground wiring and associated 8-pin connector can experience an increase of the resistance at the electrical contact points.This can lead to intermittent or permanent loss of the rear lamp functions which include tail, brake, and turn signal operation.The recall consists of modifying the rear lamps in the vehicles body panel by adding a secondary ground connection in parallel to the existing primary ground connection.An 8-pin connector that attaches the primary ground wiring to the rear lamp assembly will also be inspected and replaced if necessary.BMW will complete dealer notification in…
EA09019 · opened Dec 18, 2009 · closed Sep 28, 2011
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONClosedLed to recall 11V438000
ODI HAS RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS STATING THAT THEIR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS NOT PROPERLY ILLUMINATING.THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONSISTS OF A TURN SIGNAL LAMP, A TAIL LAMP AND A BRAKE LAMP.THE COMPLAINANTS HAVE INDICATED THAT THE ISSUE IS WITH AN 8 PIN CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING.THESE COMPONENTS ARE ALLEGEDLY OVERHEATING AND MELTING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT RUNS THROUGH THE SYSTEM.BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) SIB-630306 ON FEBRUARY 2007 TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION BY ADDING SUPPLEMENTARY GROUND WIRING TO THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI IS UPGRADING TO AN EA TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE.
PE09036 · opened Aug 7, 2009 · closed Dec 22, 2009
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATIONClosed
IN MARCH 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. MARK PETERS REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF REAR LAMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES.AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER WAS SENT TO BMW IN APRIL 2009, AND ODI RECEIVED BMW'S RESPONSE IN JUNE 2009.THE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY CONTAINS LIGHTING FOR THE BRAKE LAMPS, TAIL LAMPS, AND TURN SIGNALS.A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) WAS ISSUED BY BMW IN JANUARY OF 2007 INSTRUCTING SERVICE TECHNICIANS TO EXAMINE AN 8 PIN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR HEAT-RELATED DAMAGE AND TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL GROUND WIRING TO THE CONNECTOR.COMPLAINANTS HAVE ALLEGED THAT SIGNIFICANT THERMAL DAMAGE TO THE CONNECTOR AND ASSOCIATED GROUND WIRING HAS OCCURRED.THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR TOTAL LOSS OF ALL LIGHTING (BRAKE, TAIL, AND TURN SIGNAL) FOR THE EFFECTED REAR LAMP ASSEMBLY.ODI WILL OPEN A…
DP09002 · opened Apr 8, 2009 · closed Aug 6, 2009