2002 BMW 325CI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 BMW 325CI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 BMW 325CI. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Owner complaints
30 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon…
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact's husband stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed to power on, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster was not working when the vehicle was brought to the dealer. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was not informed if the repair was covered by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the issue was between the contact and the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
- Air bags
I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but…
I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but on my way home the dash light returned and faults were present after taking to 2 independent specialists. I returned to the dealer and spoke to service manager who said they would review and let me know their findings. They never responded and left me with a car that is now unsafe to drive. I believe this is the result of poor workmanship in addressing an NHTSA recall and has turned a potential safety concern into a real one. I have contacted BMW USA about this as well.
- Air bags
2002 BMW 325 i. Consumer writes in regards to airbag safety recall. the consumer stated the air bag warning light remained illuminated after the recall repair was completed. The dealer and manufacturer stated the consumer would be responsible for any remaining expenses.the vehicle's warranty has expired.
- Seat belts
When putting on seatbelt on both driver and passenger side the seatbelt will go in and moments later during driving it will unclique and come off this happens every once in a while not all the time. Just happens while the vehicle IS in motion and stationary mostly while the vehicle IS stationary.…
When putting on seatbelt on both driver and passenger side the seatbelt will go in and moments later during driving it will unclique and come off this happens every once in a while not all the time. Just happens while the vehicle IS in motion and stationary mostly while the vehicle IS stationary. You can hear it click and sometimes I even pull it to make sure it IS clicked in because of this problem and sometimes after I do that it will unclick, it happens mostly on the driver side but every once in a while on the passenger side not know if this happens in the rear seat belts.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While making a left turn, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver of the contact's vehicle sustained bruises, but did not require medical attention. The…
TL* the contact owned a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While making a left turn, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver of the contact's vehicle sustained bruises, but did not require medical attention. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for the air bag failure. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Air bags
Just took my 2002 BMW in to replace defective airbags. BMW sterling, va wanted $1611.05 to replace airbag control unit/sid. did not pay them... this should be looked into immediately... they are ripping people off. they replaced the airbags and you have a light on - so are they functional or…
Just took my 2002 BMW in to replace defective airbags. BMW sterling, va wanted $1611.05 to replace airbag control unit/sid. did not pay them... this should be looked into immediately... they are ripping people off. they replaced the airbags and you have a light on - so are they functional or not... they are ripping people off... [xxx] [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'*jb
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 13v172000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. 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.
- Air bags
I got this recall last year...i called the dealership here in clear lake houston, and I was told they don't make the airbags for this recall... And he said call back ......well I have for 2 years not! Then I got a new letter saying that they where in stock and make an appointment so I callled the…
I got this recall last year...i called the dealership here in clear lake houston, and I was told they don't make the airbags for this recall... And he said call back ......well I have for 2 years not! Then I got a new letter saying that they where in stock and make an appointment so I callled the dealership again.........and again I was told they don't make these parts......im sorry but this doesn't make me feel very safe. I guess I just don't understand why they don't make these parts..its suppose to protect me
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall hello, I'm at my BMW service center now (BMW of fairfax) to have service done on my car. I received notification of the takata air bag recall and notified the service center as to when I can get my air bags fixed. They could not give me a definitive time line. I went to the service…
Takata recall hello, I'm at my BMW service center now (BMW of fairfax) to have service done on my car. I received notification of the takata air bag recall and notified the service center as to when I can get my air bags fixed. They could not give me a definitive time line. I went to the service center today to have regular service done on my car and again they could not give me an exact time line. They said, "maybe a year but we're not sure." I also asked if BMW IS still offering their car rental program until the issue IS resolved but the service center said BMW IS no longer offering this. I'm concerned that the service center does not want to perform the work as I'm sure this IS at a major cost to them.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. There was no remedy. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. There was no remedy. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available...updated 05/09/16 *bf
- Air bags
Received recall on airbags in 2015 called dealership and they said they don't have them. Both of them need replaced this IS not safe...how can you not have these.
- Air bags
I was notified of recall campaign no: 15v-318 in july 2015. Driver side air bag needs to be replaced due to possible serious injury or death if inflated on impact. I have called the local dealership. Inskip BMW on numerous occasions and they say that they have not received the replacement part. If it IS this dangerous, why IS it taking so long?
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags)was received in may of 2015. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags)was received in may of 2015. After contacting the dealer and the manufacturer on multiple occasions, the contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be given. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. While operating the vehicle, the air bag sensor light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was not available to schedule the recall repair within a reasonable timeframe. The dealer failed to provide a specific date for when the part would…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was not available to schedule the recall repair within a reasonable timeframe. The dealer failed to provide a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. updated 7/21/15*cn updated 9/23/15 *js
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 13v172000 (air bags) however, the part needed 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. The vin was not available.
- Air bags
Driving to work this morning, the passenger airbag above the door erupted. My vehicle was not hit by anything. I have no damage to the outside at all. I need to know how this airbag recall affects me, because it talks about in the event of a crash...and I wasn't in a wreck of any sort. *tr
- Air bags
Message: hi, there was a safety recall on air bags. We own a 2002 BMW and our vehicle IS also included in this recall. We contacted our local BMW dealer (niello BMW at sacramento, ca) several times but they said they don't have the parts to replace. how long do we have to wait ? thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
Contacted in september of 2014 regarding recall for defective air bags. dealer scheduled repair in september, but when we showed up for our appointment we were informed there were no air bags. we have called 4 times since then and told a shipment was coming in and we would be contacted. the last (#5) still no airbags, probably sometime in january. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 BMW 325ci. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received nhtsa campaign number:14v428000 (air bags) and believed the failure was related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
After completing a trip of approximately 25 miles coming into a parking spot and bringing vehicle to a stop the vehicle was shut off. driver was able to egress out of vehicle without issue, passenger door was unable to be opened. door remained locked with seemingly no mechanical link to door…
After completing a trip of approximately 25 miles coming into a parking spot and bringing vehicle to a stop the vehicle was shut off. driver was able to egress out of vehicle without issue, passenger door was unable to be opened. door remained locked with seemingly no mechanical link to door latch. driver attempted to open door from outside, also unable to do so. passenger had to egress vehicle through drivers door, passenger door unable to open despite repeated use of unlock button on center console and unlock feature on keyless entry. automatic locking on drive off locked doors, occupants were unable to unlock or open door by any means. *tr
- Air bags
Out of the blue the airbag light came on. I became concerned and did not want to drive it- I didn't know why or what to do about it. the light stays on constantly and never goes out. I had an auto mechanic look at it but he had not knowledge of what it might be. I continued to drive the care…
Out of the blue the airbag light came on. I became concerned and did not want to drive it- I didn't know why or what to do about it. the light stays on constantly and never goes out. I had an auto mechanic look at it but he had not knowledge of what it might be. I continued to drive the care and the light remained on. I wasn't driving it everyday so I was not worried very much. but I had read about a recall of some bmw's were having problems with their airbags and I thought that could be it. I am going to get to the bottom of this problem as that seems to be the only problem I have been experiencing with my car, hope this works out and it can be repaired as it IS a safety issue and how would I know if the airbag will deploy if I should need it for protecting me and my family. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
- 10184591SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while driving on an uneven roadway.
- 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
- 10153726Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10150160State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read out and displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it is possible that only the last 7 digits of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10149558For the above-referenced vehicles with passenger?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata passenger?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
- 10148179Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles. INFORMATION 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons. When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3. After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10148100Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not deploy correctly. BMW is cooperating with this request. Takata is a supplier of air bags to several automotive manufacturers. They have informed NHTSA of a small number of cases of improperly deploying air bags in a few specific areas of the US. None of the reported cases involve any BMW vehicles. No determination has been made by BMW and Takata that a safety issue exists.This program involves the driver and front passenger air bag system. Specifically, the air bag system may have been manufactured with an inflator that was not produced to specification. After long-term exposure in high absolute humidity environments, in a crash in which air bag system deployment occurs, the air bag system housing may rupture. To assist Takata with their determination, BMW will be collecting air bags from a limited number of customer vehicles. Once the affected vehicle population has been determined, owners of affected vehicles will be notified by letter to visit their authorized BMW center to have their air bag(s) replaced. Additional information will be provided at that time. A press release from NHTSA on this topic is expected to be issued on Monday, June 23, 2014.
- 10147242Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 04 14 dated December 2014. Designates changes to the bulletin. INFORMATION 1.Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form. These surface hairline cracks are usually spread over the entire brake disc friction area, and have no negative influence on the durability or braking performance. The rotors should not be replaced only for their appearance reasons.When performing routine service on the brake system (pad replacement due to wear), the brake discs should be replaced if surface cracks are found to be greater than 13 mm, or if the brake disc thickness is below the minimum thickness. Always replace brake discs in pairs (per axle). Install new brake pads when replacing discs. By doing this, the service life of the friction pad surface is increased, and an even material loss is ensured. 2. Vibrations and/or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking are caused by applying the brakes on discs with minimal to heavy corrosion. These vibrations are most noticeable when braking from high speeds with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F), and will diminish with normal everyday operation. Parts replacement is not required. 3.After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes, and may also be heard to a limited extent after the brakes are released. (See the note in the Owner's Manual). These noises are reduced during normal everyday operation, due to further erosion of the brake pad friction lining. Visible surface cracks or craterlike recesses on the brake pad surface are caused by a minor difference in the material of the pad lining, which will decrease with further operation and should not be replaced due to their appearance.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10033130BMW vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it IS necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery unit (suction jet assembly) do not need to be replaced as well. In some cases, epc does not show that the repair kit IS available separately in the illustration, but it IS available in the parts description. All models. No model years listed.
Every BMW 325CI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.