2001 BMW 325XI
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2001 BMW 325XI. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 BMW 325XI. 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.
Owner complaints
14 complaints2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not…
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17T013000 (Tires) and 16T017000 (Tires) however, the contact did not receive the recall notifications. The failure mileage was not available.
- Air bags
I received a recall notice from BMW and brought the car in to them at BMW o f sudbury, sudbury ma under recall 17v-047 driver's air bag module on july 19, 2017, but they returned the car without replacing the air bag - they said they didn't have to do it.
- Electrical system · Engine
I think I know why the car catches on fire since mine almost did and I troubleshoot the problem. the alternator IS not disconnected from the battery when the ignition key IS turned off and the car IS parked in the driveway. if the alternator ever overheats for any reason (such as the cooling…
I think I know why the car catches on fire since mine almost did and I troubleshoot the problem. the alternator IS not disconnected from the battery when the ignition key IS turned off and the car IS parked in the driveway. if the alternator ever overheats for any reason (such as the cooling vent comes loose), the pass transistor in the built in regulator of the alternator begins to short. since it IS never disconnected from the battery (even with the ignition key removed) the fist symptom appears to be a bad battery as the alternator kills the battery. especially if you replace the battery with a new, fresh one and continue to drive the car the pass transistor continues to short more and more (it charges the battery more and more leading to overcharging and possible fire) and eventually shorts so bad that even when turned off it draws so much current from the battery that it starts to catch fire. if at this point you don't happen to be there to disconnect the battery it becomes a cascaded failure and will become an engine fire. I know because this IS exactly what happened to me. I was lucky enough to catch it and figured it out by measuring the resistance of the alternator and was shocked at how low it was. I replaced the alternator and everything has been fine since. I still have the old alternator if anyone wants to examine it. in my opinion the alternator should never be left connected to the battery with the ignition key off. I just don't see any reason for it. sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Suspension
Second rear coil failure. first was 4/2007 at 39800 mi (ref odi 10189296). exactly same location in coil as last time. corroded cracked surface (>95%) indicates part failed long before the coil end broke off and flew out of car. final failure was under braking. part was forcebly ejected and could have injured a bystander or oncoming vehicle.
- Electrical system
I was locked inside my car tonight. I entered my car through the unlocked driver's door. other doors were locked. started engine and left my driveway. driver's door locked automatically. when I attempted to exit my car, the doors would not unlock. door handle pulled as if disengaged to any…
I was locked inside my car tonight. I entered my car through the unlocked driver's door. other doors were locked. started engine and left my driveway. driver's door locked automatically. when I attempted to exit my car, the doors would not unlock. door handle pulled as if disengaged to any mechanical connection other than return spring. I attempted to unlock doors with the center console switch to no avail. turned off engine, removed key and attempted to unlock with fob to no avail. attempted door pull on other three doors with results the same as previously described. I returned home to my driveway, parked the car and attempted to open the doors from the inside of the car with no success. I attempted with the key in the ignition and engine running, engine off, key removed from ignition, etc. every option was attempted. the only operational unlock mechanism was for the rear hatch glass, which became my exit by my crawling through the passenger compartment. I was trapped. the electrical system failed and interlocked the mechanical pull.
- Seat belts
Took the car to BMW service center at field's BMW, northfield, il 60093 3 august 2015 as supplemental restraint system light alert stays on and was advised there IS a danger but it IS not covered by any recall. stated the airbag for passenger may not deploy. BMW and field's will not pay for replacement or repair stating IS not part of recent recall.
- Air bags
I am the original owner of a 2001 BMW 325xi vehicle. I live in the south. The passenger side only takata airbag was recalled by BMW and replaced with another takata airbag. the driver side airbag was not recalled. the passenger side airbag IS not as close to a potential passenger, although BMW…
I am the original owner of a 2001 BMW 325xi vehicle. I live in the south. The passenger side only takata airbag was recalled by BMW and replaced with another takata airbag. the driver side airbag was not recalled. the passenger side airbag IS not as close to a potential passenger, although BMW considered it very necessary to recall, but the driver side airbag IS much closer to the driver, since it IS behind the steering wheel. this makes no sense. Both airbags should have been and now should be recalled. I fear for my life or potential serious bodily injury. There has been no recall, nor IS there an open recall on the driver side airbag, stated on the safercar.gov website, which I constantly check by using my vin number. I urge you to order a recall on the driver side airbag at once. I have watched and will continue to watch the hearings. I have also contacted my government representatives and senators and taken notes on the hearings. Please continue your thorough work, but also please help me! updated 09/10/15*lj
- Exterior lighting
The oem tail lamp assemblies overheat at the plugin pin #3 causing fire. This affects both right and left tail lamp assemblies. I have had to replace both tail lamp assemblies multiple times. This problem also affects the xenon headlamp function causing the headlamps to fail, sometimes both headlamps at the same time making it dangerous during night time driving. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Pin number 3 on the taillight bulb housing begins to melt at the connection point causing any number of things to happen with the electrical system. You may experience flickering headlights, loss of taillight function, loss of turn signal function, or electrical fire. *tr
- Power train
After you enter 5TH gear, the shifter will not return to the neutral position and prevents access to 3RD gear. This will ultimately cause the driver to downshift into the incorrect gear causing engine damage, damage to the gearbox, and/or cause an accident while driving during certain conditions. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
Door locks do not operate correctly. When unlocking vehicle with the remote key fob, the doors attempt to unlock but do not. When inside the vehicle, passengers are unable to exit the vehicle and must exit through the window. If an accident/fire occurs, all passengers will be stuck in vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
My passenger brake light out of the blue started not working as I took it in the dealership they said a socket connector that involves the wires have been corrupted and burnt out. This IS a serious hazard while out on the roads,i have seen many other post about that are having the same issues and im unaware of any recalls about this IS issues. This IS a issues that needs to have some attention. *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that while parked, she noticed that the exterior lighting warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the passenger side tail light socket and wiring was melted and was emitting smoke. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that while parked, she noticed that the exterior lighting warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the passenger side tail light socket and wiring was melted and was emitting smoke. The mechanic stated that the tail light panel would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2001 BMW 325xi. The contact stated that the tail light failed. The contact replaced the tail light bulb, but the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the failure as the tail light wires being corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 90,000.
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.
Every BMW 325XI model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.