2003 BMW 325I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 BMW 325I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2003 BMW 325I. 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 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…
Risk and remedy
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. the seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. the recall began during april 2007. owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Occupants could be pinched by a window that IS being closed.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the electronic control unit for the window lifting anti-pinching device. owner notification began may 27, 2003. 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.
On certain passenger and sport wagon vehicles with automatic transmissions, with the engine running, and the vehicle at rest, an increase of engine idle speed (up to 1,300 rpm) may occur.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If a gear IS selected, the driver may feel as if the vehicle IS being pushed.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the digital engine management control unit. owner notification began may 5, 2003. 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.
Owner complaints
199 complaints7 involved a crash11 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
On June 28,2024, after parking and turning off the ignition switch, the dash started smoking and within minutes the whole dash and front of car were on fire. The car almost completely burned to the ground before the fire department could get there. The car was recently serviced at a BMW for an air…
On June 28,2024, after parking and turning off the ignition switch, the dash started smoking and within minutes the whole dash and front of car were on fire. The car almost completely burned to the ground before the fire department could get there. The car was recently serviced at a BMW for an air bag recall. Heater ducts were loose when returned. There are also recalls for the 2006 325i for similar dash fires. The cause could be either dealer work or a factory issue.
- Exterior lighting
The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it…
The xenon projector bowls in the headlight assembly on both sides of the vehicle have slowly been burning. The bowl is made of plastic and with the heat of the xenons burns the plastic creating not only a fire hazard but also greatly reduces the effectiveness of the headlight beam, rendering it almost useless. This is specific to the OEM manufacture of the headlight assembly, ZKW. This has also been well documented on various forums for these vehicles over the years.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owned a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact stated that the fire arsonist investigator filed a report and provided a case number. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Structure › Body
The door locks stop working periodically where only the drivers door will unlock with the key. at that time, the rear and passenger doors will not unlock with the remote or the button in the center console or by pulling on the door release inside the doors. the BMW usually unlocks the door with…
The door locks stop working periodically where only the drivers door will unlock with the key. at that time, the rear and passenger doors will not unlock with the remote or the button in the center console or by pulling on the door release inside the doors. the BMW usually unlocks the door with the first pull and then opens with the second, but when this IS happening, the door release (door handle) on the inside does nothing. this results in only the drivers door opening and I have to reach back over the seats to unbuckle my kids and then pull them out over the back of the drivers seat. so long as we start outside the car, it just makes the back seats unusable. but if I lock the doors while the kids are in the car while driving and this happens, we get into the scary/freaky situation. I verified the child safety locks aren't engaged for the doors that disable the interior door handles/releases. I don't know what causes this to happen, it just happens periodically and then goes away with nothing I can see as a cause. I have video of this happening, but the file formats listed do not include videos.
- Power train
Driving on 12/12/2019 on interstate highway about 65mph, going straight, when all of a sudden rear wheels (this IS RWD - 2003 BMW 325I) locked up completely - the vehicle went forward at about 45 degrees sideways before it straightened out when the speed dropped. Thankfully I did not hit anybody…
Driving on 12/12/2019 on interstate highway about 65mph, going straight, when all of a sudden rear wheels (this IS RWD - 2003 BMW 325I) locked up completely - the vehicle went forward at about 45 degrees sideways before it straightened out when the speed dropped. Thankfully I did not hit anybody, and no one hit me although there was quite a bit of traffic on this multi lane interstate. I got aaa tow it home. He had to drag it onto the truck bed as the rear wheels continued to be locked up. When I removed and opened the differential tapered roller bearing rollers were in the oil space. Looking to see where they jammed the system up I noticed marks on the carrier. It appears rollers jammed up in between the carrier and the inner wall of the differential box - see photographs. They may also have jammed up in between the gearing but I did not notice marks on the teeth but did not have time to spend to look more closely.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I own a 2003 sulev BMW and it needs a fuel pump. This only can be repaired by a dealership due to the fact it has a sealed fuel tank. The cost can be 6 to 8000.00 dollars. I was told there IS an extended warranty for a sulev car. 150000 mi or 15 years. I called BMW and they never heard of that warranty. Can you please help. thank you
- Exterior lighting
The purpose of this request IS to get BMW to honor a remedy for taillight defect caused as a manufacturing defect. my taillight grounding wires are causing a short on turning signals. further research indicated this has been reported nhtsa campaign ID number: 11v438000. Affected vehicles 325I -…
The purpose of this request IS to get BMW to honor a remedy for taillight defect caused as a manufacturing defect. my taillight grounding wires are causing a short on turning signals. further research indicated this has been reported nhtsa campaign ID number: 11v438000. Affected vehicles 325I - 2002-2005 BMW will not honor its proposed remedy with nhtsa, citing the vin has not been identified in recall. I contacted both dealership in sterling va and corporate BMW of america (800-525-7417). BMW of america was contacted 7.15.2019. operator andrea employee # 6266 informed me the car IS not covered under remedy. manufacturer: BMW of north america, llc mfr's report date: aug 25, 2011 nhtsa campaign ID number: 11v438000 component: exterior lighting:turn signal summary: 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. consequence: 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 IS expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. the recall IS for model years 2002-2005 of the 325I, 325xi, 330I and 330xi cars, the munich-based company said today in a posting on the national highway traffic safety administration's website. lights including tail, brake and turn signals may only work intermittently on the cars, BMW told the auto-safety regulator.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My rear window and the rooftop dont work I can hear the motors but nothing happens a technician explain that the regulator and lines are broken its a common thing on my model he specified.
- Electrical system
Both back windows on my 2003 BMW 325I will not go up. Garage says both regulators and actuators must be replaced. Researching the internet shows this to be a common failure on this model and it IS considered a safety hazard.
- Air bags
Airbag light won't turn off
- Air bags
I had my airbags replaced but the man sitting in the seat IS on with a airback in his lap I was told that the mrs control needs to be replaced, and at the dealership they said that the bad airbags may have caused this issue, I want to know if BMW IS goinn to take care of this, because none of the…
I had my airbags replaced but the man sitting in the seat IS on with a airback in his lap I was told that the mrs control needs to be replaced, and at the dealership they said that the bad airbags may have caused this issue, I want to know if BMW IS goinn to take care of this, because none of the air bags work without the mrs module I have no protection if I am in an accident this needs to be recalled or at least BMW needs to pay for half the cost.
- Engine · Power train · Suspension
Stall limps
- Air bags · Engine
Takata recall - call the dealer about recall and was told I would get a call when the part for the jobs was received. It's been months and have heard nothing from the dealership.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Suspension
Stalling, electrical issues, dead batteries, swerving
- Visibility/wiper
The bottom part of the rearview mirror 'more than 50%- has become unusable. Some kind of reddish fluid leaks in and gradually IS blocking the rear view. this IS a safety hazard because the driver cannot see most vehicles or pedestrians behind us. I realize after some internet research that this…
The bottom part of the rearview mirror 'more than 50%- has become unusable. Some kind of reddish fluid leaks in and gradually IS blocking the rear view. this IS a safety hazard because the driver cannot see most vehicles or pedestrians behind us. I realize after some internet research that this IS a common problem. as another complainant on this site observed, 'we expected better from BMW'. they told him to pound sand, it was his problem to fix after the warranty period, and they would only fix it if forced to do a recall (namely, forced by the people acting through their government.) so, thus far (13 years) neither BMW nor the nhtsa IS willing to act on this. shame on both of you. pray not, but eventually a poor driver will not have realized that his rear view mirror has so filled with fluid that he cannot see to the rear at all, and there'll be some horrific accident as a result. then won't we see bevies of corporate and official boobies wringing their hands and telling the media 'how could thie have happned?'
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle struck the curb and caused the passenger side air bags to deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (momentum BMW, 10002 southwest freeway, houston, tx, 855-645-6452).…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle struck the curb and caused the passenger side air bags to deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (momentum BMW, 10002 southwest freeway, houston, tx, 855-645-6452). The air bag was previously repaired per an unknown recall; therefore, the dealer would not repair it again for free. The air bag was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact also received a takata settlement notice and was referred to 833-619-7579. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
- Air bags
I looked up my vehicle through a form I received in the mail "airbagrecall" and my vehicle qualified for the recall. Both of my airbags were listed in the recall, I tried to call the dealer to take care of this safety hazard and they told me that they did not have the necessary parts to take care of the recall, and they couldn't help me.
- Air bags
Takata recall -
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. When the contact took the vehicle to be smogged, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. When the contact took the vehicle to be smogged, the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train · Suspension
I have a 2003 325I when coming to a stop with the foot on the brakes (lightly), as the transmission downshifts I can hear a thud/clunk coming from the rear end of my car along with a increase in the rpm's. I also hear it as soon as I let off my foot of the gas pedal or accelerate causing my car…
I have a 2003 325I when coming to a stop with the foot on the brakes (lightly), as the transmission downshifts I can hear a thud/clunk coming from the rear end of my car along with a increase in the rpm's. I also hear it as soon as I let off my foot of the gas pedal or accelerate causing my car to not drive properly and my transmission to hit my suspension very hard. so, I've searched this issue and other BMW forums and found that other people had the same complaints and this exact problem which IS dangerous & very scary.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward and the rpms raced without warning. The contact experienced the failure while accelerating from a stop. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to ensure that the vehicle did not surge when at a stop.…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward and the rpms raced without warning. The contact experienced the failure while accelerating from a stop. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal to ensure that the vehicle did not surge when at a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than twice, but they were unable to provide a solution and stated that further diagnostic testing was needed. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v124000 (vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was waiting for them to provide a solution to the dealer. The failure mileage was not available.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Part distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall despite multiple calls to our dealer coast BMW nissan of san luis obispo, ca (805-543-4423) we have never been called back to have this airbag problem remedied.
- Air bags
Takata recall I was notified of the recall for faulty airbags in july 2015 the recall campagin # 15v-318 the drivers side air bag IS not available, I have been calling every two months since I recieved this notice, I need this repaired. The passengers side has been replaced. I drive ths car more than I haul passengers, please help me get this fixed.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear Lamp Illumination
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…
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 September 2011 and will begin owner notification in October 2011.All 3 series sedans (except for the M3 sedan which utilized a different rear lamp assembly) that were built between September 1, 2001 and March 1, 2005 are included in this recall, totalling approximately 241,000 vehicles.The action taken by BMW is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.
- Rear lamp illumination
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…
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.
- Rear lamp illumination
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…
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 preliminary evaluation to further examine this issue including further evaluating BMW complaints and related warranty data.
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.
- 10181217E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE: E46 M56 vehicles, in addition to meeting the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission) tailpipe emission standard, also conform to the Zero Evaporative Emissions (PZEV) regulations. In order to meet these strict standards, the SULEV's fuel tank is a completely sealed unit manufactured from a high-grade stainless steel.
- 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.
- 10150299E46 SULEV Fuel Tank Parts Collection . INFORMATION Starting on October 10th, 2013, BMW will be collecting defective E46 SULEV fuel tanks (P/N 16 11 6 763 569) for a special analysis project. To remove and prepare the fuel tank for shipping, please follow the procedure described below. Your dealer will receive a package addressed to your Shop Foreman, containing the plugs and caps needed to secure the fuel tank. If additional plug kits are needed, please contact Michael Murray via email at michael.murray@bmwna.com.
- 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.
- 10147919As a safety precaution, when handling fuel tank always wear safety goggles and plastic (not latex) gloves, Nitrile preferred. 2.Remove defective fuel tank from the vehicle and place it on a workbench in an area where good ventilation is provided. As outlined in SI B01 03 14, starting in March 2014, the initial phase of the E46 SULEV (PZEV) fuel tank remanufacturing process will begin. When this fuel tank is replaced and a corresponding claim is submitted for reimbursement, BMW NA will request that the fuel tank be returned to the Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC) after claim payment. Please ensure that your workshop technicians and Parts department personnel handle the removed fuel tank(s) properly to avoid unnecessary damage. The fuel tank disposal procedure outlined in the bulletin applies only to non-claim related tank replacements. BMW NA will not request that these tanks be returned to the WPRC. In the case of a non-claim related fuel tank replacement on an E46 3 Series M56 SULEV (PZEV) engine vehicle, the following disposal procedure must be performed prior to scrapping a non-returned requested fuel tank. BEFORE STARTING AND WHILE CONDUCTING THE STEEL FUEL TANK DISPOSAL , FOLLOW ALL LOCAL AND STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICALLY POWERED TOOLS OR OPEN-FLAME DEVICES (E.G., ACETYLENE TORCHES) DURING THIS
- 10147916"E46 SULEV (PZEV) Fuel Tanks: New Warranty Parts Return Procedure. BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") will begin offering factory remanufactured fuel tank assemblies for E46 3 Series SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)/PZEV (Partial Zero Emission Vehicle) model vehicles with the M56 engine. Starting in March 2014, the initial phase of the remanufacturing process will begin. When this fuel tank is replaced and a corresponding claim is submitted for reimbursement, BMW NA will request to have the fuel tank returned to the Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC) after claim payment. Please ensure that your workshop technicians and Parts department personnel handle the removed fuel tank(s) properly to avoid unnecessary damage. The E46 SULEV (PZEV) Fuel Tank Disposal Procedure outlined in SI B16 01 04 applies only to non-claim related tank replacements. BMW NA will not request that these tanks be returned to the WPRC IMPORTANT INFORMATION A ""used"" fuel tank is eligible for classification as ""UN3363, Dangerous Goods in Apparatus, 9."" The following requirements apply when shipping: * There are limitations on the amount of liquid which can remain in the tank: It MUST be less than 0.5 liters of fuel. * The tank must be placed in strong outer packaging; this topic is addressed in the procedure section. * This package is a hazardous material shipment; you are required to mark the package accordingly, as noted in the procedure section. * As the shipper, your center is responsible for proper packaging and documentation completion. * The shipping document requires the UN number, proper shipping name and hazard class (UN3363, Dangerous goods in apparatus, 9), the number of packages and total quantity, along with a shipper's certification and a signature. * The person preparing and packaging the fuel tank(s) for shipping must have received the hazardous material training per 49CFR 172.702 and the IATA regulations. Those training records must be on file at your center. The U
- 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.
- 10147133"BMW NA is not requesting that these fuel tanks be returned to the Warranty Parts Return Center (WPRC) after a claim payment. When performing a fuel tank replacement on an E46 ""3 Series with the M56 SULEV (PZEV) engine"" (claim and non-claim related), the following pre-disposal procedure must be performed prior to scrapping the fuel tank. BEFORE STARTING AND WHILE CONDUCTING THE STEEL FUEL TANK DISPOSAL , FOLLOW ALL LOCAL AND STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICALLY POWERED TOOLS OR OPEN-FLAME DEVICES (E.G., ACETYLENE TORCHES) DURING THIS."
- 10145287E46 PZEV/SULEV (M56) FUEL TANKS: REPLACEMENT AND PARTS RETURN PROCEDURE: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) will begin offering factory remanufactured fuel tank assemblies for E46 (3 Series) PZEV/SULEV (Model vehicles with the M56 engine).
- 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.
- 10000372Engine wiring harness section replacement for ignition coils.
Every BMW 325I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.