2004 BMW 325I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2004 BMW 325I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2004 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 2002-2005 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.
Owner complaints
147 complaints5 involved a crash11 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the GM5
- Air bags
The contact owned a 2004 BMW 325i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as she no longer own the vehicle. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
- Fuel system, diesel › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module
2004 BMW 325i. Inquiry on behalf of the constituent, in regards to getting assistance with his BMW. THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM FAILED. MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS WERE MADE. THE DMTL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIRS.
- Exterior lighting
The reflector bowl on the headlights burns, creating a severely decreased output. This IS an issue known by many people in the BMW community. https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e46-zkw-reflector-recall-open-nhtsa-investigation.552978/
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
This car was sold to us under false statements,wiper dispenser does not work ,key fob does not work,no title ,the car hesitates and vibrates,oil leak,odometer on carfax says 86000 actually 111,402.we wrwe told it was excellent condition .the car IS not. Bought it 3/10 21 7:00pm , called 3/11 8;00…
This car was sold to us under false statements,wiper dispenser does not work ,key fob does not work,no title ,the car hesitates and vibrates,oil leak,odometer on carfax says 86000 actually 111,402.we wrwe told it was excellent condition .the car IS not. Bought it 3/10 21 7:00pm , called 3/11 8;00 am ask for refund.thought we had a 3 day grace period. The dealer laughed no. We are seniors citizen I guess he thought he had us. Crest auto wholesalers of s w florida. Craig wallace. Well driving it started to vibrate. And hum? Could not decline good. Could not clean wind shield.it vibrates when stationary.didn't know until I started driving it. Thought it was because car cold? Bad oil leak. And tires need balanced thought that was it but no.what can we do out $4,500. For a car that's not excellent it says on car fax.this happens on street and express. Help not a safe car.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Service brakes
The ground wire on my break light has burned through the 8 pin connector not only IS this limiting my ability to warn other drivers it IS a major fire hazard this was discovered during a recall service at the local dealership I do not believe. The proper steps have been taken to remedy this problem…
The ground wire on my break light has burned through the 8 pin connector not only IS this limiting my ability to warn other drivers it IS a major fire hazard this was discovered during a recall service at the local dealership I do not believe. The proper steps have been taken to remedy this problem and if this can not be resolved informally I would like to pursue formal litigation against all parties involved and for discovery purpose all related correspondence, video, and recorded evidence should be preserved. Currently the break light IS not working and there are defective and hazardous airbags.
- Air bags
I was driving by myself on the freeway and a rubble the size of a basketball was rolling towards my path. I do not know if it fell from a construction vehicle or it already hit another car and that the rubble just ricochet towards me. Anyway I was going 65 miles per hour and was in the middle lane…
I was driving by myself on the freeway and a rubble the size of a basketball was rolling towards my path. I do not know if it fell from a construction vehicle or it already hit another car and that the rubble just ricochet towards me. Anyway I was going 65 miles per hour and was in the middle lane and there were cars on both sides and a car not too far off behind. I never had the chance to avoid the rubble so I just braced myself and hope that the rubble would get past me. Unfortunately, it hit my left side and elevated my car around 2 to 3 feet from the ground and flattened my two left tires. The airbag on the front passenger side deployed, the one on the door and the one on the upper roof panel. None of the driver side airbags deployed. I just had a little whiplash from the impact but I was fine. I contacted my insurance and upon inspection they considered my vehicle a total loss due to the damages. I also contacted BMW and have yet to notify me of why the driver side airbag did not deploy on where the impact occurred. They did a recall service on my vehicle around march 2020 for the airbag. After the service there were no airbag lights or any warnings on the dashboard. In the event of the accident, my vehicle went to an sos mode which slowed down the vehicle and automatically turned on the hazard lights. I was able to pull to the right shoulder of the freeway and had it towed. Hopefully the car manufacturer could send notice to owners of this car model that could have the same issue with airbags on the side of impact not deploying.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v018000 (air bags). The contact called two BMW dealers, including the BMW of monterey dealer, located at (1 geary plz, seaside, ca 93955) and it was confirmed that the parts were not…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 20v018000 (air bags). The contact called two BMW dealers, including the BMW of monterey dealer, located at (1 geary plz, seaside, ca 93955) and it was confirmed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Unknown or other
When traveling at 60 mph on a restricted highway our sunroof exploded. There were no surrounding vehicles or any evidence of projectiles that would have explained the explosion. weather conditions were clear, dry, and above freezing.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owned a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while parked at a fueling station and when exiting the store noticed smoke exiting the trunk of the vehicle. The contact used the key fob to open the trunk of the vehicle and saw that trunk was engulfed in flames. The fire department…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while parked at a fueling station and when exiting the store noticed smoke exiting the trunk of the vehicle. The contact used the key fob to open the trunk of the vehicle and saw that trunk was engulfed in flames. The fire department and police department were called for assistance. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire and police report were filed. The fire department stated that the fire was not due to operator involvement and was caused by an electrical failure. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer which stated that the failure was possibly due to rodent intrusion in the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. *Ln *dl
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact stated that the headlights failed. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the headlight housing material was deteriorated and prevented the headlights from providing adequate illumination. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Unknown or other
Car caught fire within 5 minutes of driving it. My front end was serverly damaged in the fire. It was totaled.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My left reverse/tail light does not work. I have replaced the bulb and assembly and also have found online that there were recalls for this specific issue.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Car sitting in driveway of primary residence for several days after repeated heavy rains and hurricanes and spontaneously caught fire. Fire was self extinguished but started in dash on left side of steering wheel centered on the head-light control module.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. While driving 15 mph, the passenger door side curtain air bag deployed independently and without an impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to BMW of south atlanta (4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291, (678) 228-8373) to be repaired. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. While driving 15 mph, the passenger door side curtain air bag deployed independently and without an impact. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to BMW of south atlanta (4171 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291, (678) 228-8373) to be repaired. The dealer stated that the air bag underneath the dashboard was replaced; however, the side curtain air bags were not replaced. The contact stated that the side curtain air bag was still hanging out from the side curtain air bag housing. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 194,700.
- Electrical system · Seats
The car seat warmer burned through leather and burned through my coat. I made compliant to BMW and spoke to michael pigoncelli. BMW refused to repair the defect or to compensate me for my coat. The car has been maintained. The seat warmer will severely injure anyone who uses it if a heavy coat IS…
The car seat warmer burned through leather and burned through my coat. I made compliant to BMW and spoke to michael pigoncelli. BMW refused to repair the defect or to compensate me for my coat. The car has been maintained. The seat warmer will severely injure anyone who uses it if a heavy coat IS not worn. I was told by the BMW dealership that the seat warmer burning through the leather and peoples skin/coat IS common. BMW (newmarket, ontario) took pictures of the damage to the seat and my coat.
- Exterior lighting
Headlights have lost brightness and coverage and do not illiuminate the road properly. Vehicle IS equipped with hid xenon lights package and when new were extremely bright but now are very dim. Original equipment with no modifications or accidents.
- Air bags · Engine · Seats
Takata recall I have requested since may 2015-novemebr 2017 a repair to this recall. My car was on a mountain going uphill and it stalled out and made flickering. It was towed to BMW sealership who kept the car for almost three months and could not fix. I called BMW to no resolution. The car was in motion going up a hill.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 and 15v31800 (air bags). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v428000 and 15v31800 (air bags). The parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, but the parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
Takata recall
- Air bags
Takata recall. recall 15v-318 and 14v-428 are recalls that I cannot get repaired. I have called customer relations twice without a response. I have called wichita luxury collections 1-316-719-8300 since may 2015 and july 2015 and they still do not have parts. I expect better service.if they take this recall seriously.
- Engine
Thur may 11, 2017 lower engine caught fire while driving on sunrise highway near exit 49. vehicle began to shut down and got to the shoulder and got out and saw the smoke coming out of the engine. The fire flames were in the engine at bottom of car. A driver behind saw the fire beneath car and was trying to catch up with me to inform that flames at bottom of car . Fire was put out by the highway safety unit.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. While attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to sterling BMW (3000 west coast hwy, newport beach, ca 92663) where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank and fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified, but was contacted regarding recall inquiries. The approximate failure mileage was 200,020.
- Air bags · Exterior lighting
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 11v438000 (exterior lighting), 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 11v438000 (exterior lighting), 14v428000 (air bags) and 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that due to the fact there had been no incident reports regarding the driver side air bag, they were not placing the same rush on the repair as the passenger side air bag. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with consistently high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly, ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016, four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016, four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The PE is now closed/upgraded to an Engineering Evaluation (EA15-001) to include all manufacturersand vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's EA investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The recalls related to this PE are: 14V343, 14V344, 14V348, 14V351, 14V353, 14V655, 14V700, 14V701, 14V752, 14V763, 14V770, 14V773, 14V787, 14V802 and 14V817.The number of vehicles affected are an estimate since some vehicles may have both the driver and passenger side inflators recalled. The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
- 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.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 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.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 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.
Every BMW 325I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.