2005 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
25 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
I was going down the road doing about 45 mph, at night on a back road when my front headlight on the drive side without. On the dishboard of the car the check bulb light came on. I got home the next day when tk the part place to get a bulb to find out the wires where bare there was only metal no…
I was going down the road doing about 45 mph, at night on a back road when my front headlight on the drive side without. On the dishboard of the car the check bulb light came on. I got home the next day when tk the part place to get a bulb to find out the wires where bare there was only metal no plastic. Theg told me you had to replace the hole thing witch cost over 1000 dollars for. I went home research it online, and found out it happens a lot on BMW, and they never recall them. That they have even been on fire due to this. I called BMW and they told me they know of the issue, and they have yet to recall then and after you fit it it will happen again and about five years due to heat.
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
The incident occurred 6-5-2017. the vehicle was parked and on ignition start, the car's engine was unusually loud and revved up. Upon shifting the automatic gear to reverse, the car self-accelerated in reverse without pressing the gas. Attempts to repeatedly break did not work, so gear was…
The incident occurred 6-5-2017. the vehicle was parked and on ignition start, the car's engine was unusually loud and revved up. Upon shifting the automatic gear to reverse, the car self-accelerated in reverse without pressing the gas. Attempts to repeatedly break did not work, so gear was shifted to drive to move forward and avoid a collision into a neighborhood home that was behind the parked car. Upon changing gear to drive, the car continued to self-accelerate forward, and again brakes did not work. in forward motion, at high speed the car went over the curb and hilly ground. Attempt to shift now to park along with brake did not work. to avoid massive accident and collision with parked cars ahead, the driver turned the wheels toward a utility pole to stop the vehicle. the car stopped only after a collision with the utility pole. the car was smoking in the back and was still revving when stopped. according to the driver, car was moving at speed 60 mph. no floor mats were misplaced near driver pedals. Driver was able to get help, at which point 911 call was made. Driver was transported by ambulance to fairfax hospital emergency room. Driver suffered fractured nose and tears in face that required surgical repair and sutures. Event reported to BMW north america, 6-6-2017. Most people will try to conclude that this was driver error. However, various malfunctioning self-acceleration issues with bmws have been reported online; including E46 generation bmws, which IS the model of my car. In cases where the problem was successfully solved (for bmws), replacing either the vanos solenoid sensors or wheel speed sensors did the trick. In unsuccessful cases, the drivers simply sold/replaced the entire car because the dealerships were unable to detect or recreate the issue using the software and techniques they had.
- Exterior lighting
Passenger headlight low beam reflector IS burnt out due to faulty material being used. reflector IS made out of plastic and normal heat from bulb melts the plastic. this makes it very unsafe and difficult to see at night. this seems to be extremely common on the internet. The solution IS very…
Passenger headlight low beam reflector IS burnt out due to faulty material being used. reflector IS made out of plastic and normal heat from bulb melts the plastic. this makes it very unsafe and difficult to see at night. this seems to be extremely common on the internet. The solution IS very expensive and due to this cost,most people will not fix and drive under this unsafe situation. please look into this and hold BMW responsible.
- Air bags
Takata inflators, has been over a year and BMW dealership still has no answer
- Air bags
Takata recall parts not available. Original appointment attempted for 10/27/16. Peter pan BMW canceled appointment and notified me the parts were not in stock and there was no estimate for delivery. 30 days have passed with no updates from the dealership. Both driver and passenger airbags are affected by the recall.
- Air bags
Takata recall I received a notice about the recall back on july 2015 and still have not been notified that I can have this fixed! I had a toyota vehicle that was remedied very quickly! this recall should not take over a year to have it fixed. I am driving this car and want this documented!
- Air bags
I received a printed notification from BMW of north america, llc dated july 2015 under the subject matter: "recall campaign no. 15V-318: driver-side front air bag module." since I received the notification, 13 months have passed and still I have not received any letter from catonsville BMW in…
I received a printed notification from BMW of north america, llc dated july 2015 under the subject matter: "recall campaign no. 15V-318: driver-side front air bag module." since I received the notification, 13 months have passed and still I have not received any letter from catonsville BMW in maryland regarding replacement of the airbag. Since I am the original owner of the car and still owns it, I am driving it risking my life and limb for myself and other members of my family. it IS therefore requested that necessary actions be taken for replacement of the driver-side airbag of my 2005 BMW 325I by catonsville BMW as soon as possible to avert potential destruction of life and limb of myself and my family. Thank you. *tr
- Air bags
Takata recall - driver side airbag has been recalled for over 12 months - today I received the second notification from BMW. I have been unable to have BMW make the repair in over a year due to unavailability. what IS "within a reasonable amount of time" that this complaint should be made?
- Air bags
Takata recall: in july 2015 received notice of recall due to driver's side air bag deficit. have called 2 dealers several times in attempt to obtain replacement during the past year. have consistently been told that I'm on a wait list and that replacement parts are not available. although there…
Takata recall: in july 2015 received notice of recall due to driver's side air bag deficit. have called 2 dealers several times in attempt to obtain replacement during the past year. have consistently been told that I'm on a wait list and that replacement parts are not available. although there has been no incident or failure, one year seems an excessively long time to wait given the safety risk. complaint issued by phone but vin not available at the time.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 3 series. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 BMW 350ci. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the remedy was not yet available. The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2005 BMW 350ci. The contact received a recall notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the remedy was not yet available. The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. ....Updated 07/05/16 *bf
- Air bags
Takata recall it has been almost a year since the recall on my drivers side air bag was issued and they have still not replaced it.
- Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
Side mirrors fading into a brown color. Making the visibility through them impossible. Many times I have almost side swiped cars that are on the side of me due to my not being able to see our of my side mirrors. Also front light keeps going out. I have changed it 3 times in two months and it keeps either going out or falling out of the hole making the indicator light come on.
- Air bags
Takata recall. the dealer, life quality motor sales inc of brooklyn new york and BMW of north america llc refuse to complete this takata passenger airbag recall on my vehicle
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2005 BMW 3 series. The contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
Per my letter from BMW, I am to notify nhtsa that BMW IS unable to remedy the airbag recall situation within a reasonable amount of time. I received the recall letter in july 2015 and called BMW today 11-16-15 to find out that they have no idea when they will receive parts to replace the defective airbag.
- Unknown or other
Rear view mirror leak onto the tan color console of the car. This IS due to the manufactures malfunction rear view mirrors placed in most models. The liquid leak IS the make up of the dimmer in order to work. Because the liquid spilled out, the dimmer no longer works and I have a black stained on…
Rear view mirror leak onto the tan color console of the car. This IS due to the manufactures malfunction rear view mirrors placed in most models. The liquid leak IS the make up of the dimmer in order to work. Because the liquid spilled out, the dimmer no longer works and I have a black stained on my tan color consoled that does not removed and a very expensive mirror that does not work properly as expected by manufacture.
- Air bags
BMW recalled this car for the airbag many moths ago. BMW advised us the air bag replacement parts would be available by the end of december 2014. I have contacted BMW and they advised me they have no dates when they would be available. My local dealer states I am on a list and 40 people are in…
BMW recalled this car for the airbag many moths ago. BMW advised us the air bag replacement parts would be available by the end of december 2014. I have contacted BMW and they advised me they have no dates when they would be available. My local dealer states I am on a list and 40 people are in front of me and it can take in excess of three months to schedule the repair if they get the parts. BMW has been unresponsive and can not provide any information other than the parts are on back order. *tr
- Air bags
Received front airbag recall notice in mid-september 2014 and was told I would be contacted about replacement. It has now been 4 months since notice and the car still has not been fixed and I have been without use of car for 4 months. this IS unacceptable! *tr
- Air bags
After 4 weeks of receiving recall notice and many calls to BMW north america they tell me there are no parts available and they don't know when they might be available. they also told me this IS a "voluntary recall" and implied that they are in no hurry to satisfy customers! they have also warned me several times not to drive with a passenger in the front seat! *tr
- Structure › Body
Vehicle leaks rainwater profusely through the doors/vapor barriers to the interior of the car. rain water pools in the footwells excessively. could pose potential danger if feet are wet and slipping on brake, clutch or gas pedals. also worried about pooling of water affecting safety sensors/systems located under driver seat. *tr
- Air bags
I was driving northbound on sepulveda blvd in los angeles on july 29th,2013 around 10:00 pm with my brother, suddenly the passenger side airbag deployed for no reason and bruised my brother's right arm my car stopped operating and we called payless tow to tow my vehicle to rusnak BMW in westlake…
I was driving northbound on sepulveda blvd in los angeles on july 29th,2013 around 10:00 pm with my brother, suddenly the passenger side airbag deployed for no reason and bruised my brother's right arm my car stopped operating and we called payless tow to tow my vehicle to rusnak BMW in westlake village were I purchased the vehicle from. I talked to the service dept in regards to my car airbag incident, they told me that the warranty was expired and I have to pay out of pocket. I contacted my insurance company state farm to see if they provide coverage, they told since this was vehicle malfunction this was not covered under my policy. I strongly believe that this should be handled by BMW corporation. they have to repair my vehicle and pay for my brother injury. please feel free to contact me at any time should you have any further question I appreciate your assistance in this regard thank you, sincerely ms.shahrzad babaeian
- Visibility/wiper
Rear view mirror has "bubbles" and IS almost impossible to use now. *tr
- Exterior lighting
I received a recall letter from BMW for the problem with rear lamps. At that time,all real lamps were working on my car. however for safety concern, I brought my car to be checked; few months later, one of the tail light not working. I took my car back to the dealer, they said they were done…
I received a recall letter from BMW for the problem with rear lamps. At that time,all real lamps were working on my car. however for safety concern, I brought my car to be checked; few months later, one of the tail light not working. I took my car back to the dealer, they said they were done for the recall . I need to pay if I want to fix the problem. But I found there was no positive voltage on the light bulb circuit. I traced the wire and discovered the wire was broken. Then I also found all other wires for the tail lights were aging, the plastic of the wires were deteriorated and the copper wire explored to visible. that mean the dealer didn't do the right work last time. Because it's no reason the wire will deteriorate that fast if they did it right for the recall. I complaint to BMW and the representative said they already done with my car. If I need any work to be done I need to pay by myself. The copper wires explored to visible, it would cause electric fire. This IS a safety issue. I have the picture showing the aging wire condition on my car. I can email to you if you need it. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
2005 BMW 320I . Tail light indicator warning came on. Turns out the wire was melted around the metal where the wire plugs into tail light!! Very expensive to fix! *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 10145320CONNECTEDDRIVE/BMW ASSIST SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION: ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist features are partially or completely inoperative.
- 10145306NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143564NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10142910Front passenger seat occupancy (OC3) mat for srs: limited warranty extension to 15 years/unlimited miles
- 10056098BMW: some airbags, driver and front passenger, are improperly deploying due to a possible inflator not produced to specifications. Model 2001-2006 E46 (3 series). Updated 9/4/14.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040854BMW: the vehicle electrical system fails and the vehicle fails to start. The central locking system fails to operate with the remote key. The key cannot be inserted into the key slot. Communication to the vehicle IS not possible. The positive battery cable connection at the front power distribution box loses connection.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040050BMW: the end of the seatbelt assistant breaks/falls off when retracting. The retaining tab IS not robust enough. E92.
- 10040049BMW: a software problem IS causing one or both of the seat belt assistants to not extend fully or may not extend at all. The position at which the assistant comes to rest varies. E92.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10039592BMW: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 10039591BMW: the service engine light IS on with stored fault codes. There IS a wiring/connection problem or a faulty sensor.
- 10037487BMW: on some E92 models the safety belt extender IS not extending the belt or IS noisy. This can be a fault of the extender or the belt IS contorted.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10037010BMW: six different models equipped with the M54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This IS due to moisture accumulation.
- 10036985BMW: a service engine soon light comes on. The engine will only operate to 1500 rpms and lacks power. There IS a software application error.
- 10036984BMW: it IS now possible to perform a fuel quality detection test on vehicles with an N54 engine.
- 10036983BMW: service engine soon light IS on with diesel engines.
- 10036982BMW: there IS a rough engine idle and "service engine soon light" when driving downhill in high altitudes during cold weather. There may be six different fault codes.
- 10036981BMW: warning message on about low diesel exhaust fuel level and that the engine will not restart within 999 miles. The light comes on a few thousand miles earlier than a recommended oil change.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
- 10036979BMW: a new technical process has been created for BMW to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10035247BMW vehicle: front safety belt does not retract smoothly or jams. The upper part of the driver's or passenger's front safety belt does not roll up fully or rolls up slowly. The adjustment of the inertia reel IS incorrect at the fastening point. The belt IS touching the guide funnel. Models E90, E91 and E92. No model years listed.
- 10035224BMW vehicle: rear bulb failure. The bulb out warning shows in the instrument cluster. Diagnosis shows a fault for the rear lamp. The bulb out can be displayed for 2 possible causes: poor fit between the bulb and bulb holder; bulb failure caused by vibration.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.