2003 BMW 525I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2003 BMW 525I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 BMW 525I. Newest first.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports…
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
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
Owner complaints
32 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
Abs module failure trifecta abs light traction amd brake light. Sometimes used to auto Accelerate when brake was pressed and cruise control doesnt work
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Visibility/wiper
GM3 Body module failure interior lights dont function, alarm whipers sprayers locks doors dont funtion
- Electrical system
I was driving and antitheft system went off while driving. Then wiper failed to work. I was told by dealer mechanic that the body control module was failing and advised not to drive the car because the antitheft system may cause the car to stop and the wiper system will stop when raining causing multiple accidents.
- Air bags
Bad air bag
- Visibility/wiper
Module fails that controls windshield wipers. if raining, there would be no visiblity and would result in an accdent. this happened when the car was moving.
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part…
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. the contact was not experiencing a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. updated 05/11/16*lj *tr
- Air bags
TL* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. 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 notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v428000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. While driving 40 mph, the driver veered and crashed into a curb. The driver side air bags failed to deploy, the passenger side door air bag deployed, but the passenger side head liner air bag did not fully deploy. The air bag warning light illuminated. There…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. While driving 40 mph, the driver veered and crashed into a curb. The driver side air bags failed to deploy, the passenger side door air bag deployed, but the passenger side head liner air bag did not fully deploy. The air bag warning light illuminated. There were no injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was inspected by an engineer from the manufacturer who stated that the air bags worked as intended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 12/03/15*lj *cn
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact stated that while starting the ignition the air bag warning light illuminated until the engine was turned off. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
- Seats
Driver seat and passenger power motor of seat not working, and can I asking if I buy this car from dealer used car,this car have 5 recall,,the dealer don't tell me about the car have recall, that illegal or legal , if illegal with customer,where and what the offices can I do complain report this dealer,,thanks *tr
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
2003 BMW 525I. consumer writes in regards to potential fire in tail light assembly. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle failed inspection, due to a faulty left tail light. The light was repaired. However, the entire tail light assembly/housing had to be replaced, rather than just replacing a…
2003 BMW 525I. consumer writes in regards to potential fire in tail light assembly. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle failed inspection, due to a faulty left tail light. The light was repaired. However, the entire tail light assembly/housing had to be replaced, rather than just replacing a bulb. the mechanic explained to the consumer that a connector has melted onto the tail light assembly and the wiring was damaged. *Jb
- Exterior lighting
I have a complete failure of the passenger(right) side tail light assembly on our 2003 BMW 525I. the tail light IS connected to a wiring harness via a connector. One of the connector pins has been overheated by the electrical current and has been burnt to a crisp. this exact problem has forced…
I have a complete failure of the passenger(right) side tail light assembly on our 2003 BMW 525I. the tail light IS connected to a wiring harness via a connector. One of the connector pins has been overheated by the electrical current and has been burnt to a crisp. this exact problem has forced BMW to do a recall in 2011 on the 3-series of automobiles and yet they have ignored the safety of series-5 owners and have yet to issue a recall for this highly dangerous component failure. This failure causes the driver into believing that they have working turn signals when in actuality they do not. the vehicle still provides the sounds and sights of a directional being used, however, the lighting system IS dead. *tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I was helping a passenger out of the passenger seat of my 2003 BMW 525I when the passenger accidently bumped the the auto-up window button. The door was open, the window was down, and I had finger in the way of the now closing window. All off a sudden the window chopped off a digit of my pinky…
I was helping a passenger out of the passenger seat of my 2003 BMW 525I when the passenger accidently bumped the the auto-up window button. The door was open, the window was down, and I had finger in the way of the now closing window. All off a sudden the window chopped off a digit of my pinky finger. My finger was not recognized by the pinch protection safety feature. how this could have been prevented: if auto-up feature was deactivated when door IS open, button to open close window could be designed so you have to pull up to close window, pinch-protection system that protects fingers, and perhaps a warning sign on the window that it IS capable of cutting off fingers. *Tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle check transmission failsafe message illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission became stuck in third gear and decelerated until it stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle check transmission failsafe message illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission became stuck in third gear and decelerated until it stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who advised that they would contact him at a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 100,825.
- Structure
2003 BMW 525I 11 months ago brought in due to water and mold in rear floor dealer found mold, door panels crumbling from water and claimed needed to replace vapor barriers. Wanted to charge me $4,000 or so I fought and BMW furnished parts I paid labor over 1200.00 when asked they claim never saw…
2003 BMW 525I 11 months ago brought in due to water and mold in rear floor dealer found mold, door panels crumbling from water and claimed needed to replace vapor barriers. Wanted to charge me $4,000 or so I fought and BMW furnished parts I paid labor over 1200.00 when asked they claim never saw problem in past, and was due to poor adhesive on vapor barriers, now 2 weeks ago same problem. my wife has been having medical problems as well as I and they are due to toxic mold syndrome. dealer refuses to admit this IS a major problem thru all model and years which I have researched and confirmed they demanded the loaner car back and now the rental car, they want my vehicle off their lot obviously, I simply wanted a written confirmation that their IS no mold and they refuse, an investigator from BMW was there and head office claims his report will not reach them for 2 weeks... I now have lung issues as does my wife along with 8 syptoms documented since 2005 from physicians confirming toxic mold exposure and syndrome. the dealer and BMW refuse to admit and responsiblitiy or knowledge of this problem however looking on internet it IS widespread, not even an apology. I have contact the epa and media to expose there total lack of ethics, honest and concern for the health of consumers. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. While driving approximately 60 mph, the front and rear air bags on the driver side suddenly deployed. The contact noticed that the hazard lights blinked and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact pulled over and…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 BMW 525I. While driving approximately 60 mph, the front and rear air bags on the driver side suddenly deployed. The contact noticed that the hazard lights blinked and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact pulled over and shut the vehicle off. The driver sustained injuries. A police report was made. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer but the failure could not be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000 and the current mileage IS approximately 59,000. updated evoq 01/04/11 updated 01/14/11 *bf the police report refused the consumers request for an accident report as the officer stated there was no damage to the consumers vehicle. Updated 04/19/11
- Electrical system
I was driving along the freeway when all of a sudden my car engine started to run very rough and the service engine light came on. my car have to be towed to the BMW dealership and I was told the all of the ignition coils have to be replaced. my car then had only 29K+ miles. *Tr
- Electrical system · Equipment · Seats
Upon turning on the manufacturer installed drivers seat heater, the drivers seat heater shorted out causing extreme heat and smoke to rise from the left side of the seat. although this did not cause a fire, it was extremely close to causing a fire. the heater was turned off, and the smoke and…
Upon turning on the manufacturer installed drivers seat heater, the drivers seat heater shorted out causing extreme heat and smoke to rise from the left side of the seat. although this did not cause a fire, it was extremely close to causing a fire. the heater was turned off, and the smoke and heat subsided. there was a significant electrical burning smell. contacted a BMW mechanic who stated that this was a common occurrence and a known issue with BMW. he cited a case which caused a customers leather seat to burn and also burned his sports coat. the mechanic stated that this problem happens overtime do to the breakdown of the wiring which IS caused by the driver getting into and out of the vehicle. Over time, the wires rub bare causing the deterioration of the wiring and the insulation. the wiring in turn builds resistance with the in ability of the electricity to pass through the damage wiring, which causes the excessive heat. *Tr
- Air bags
Passenger seat air bag sensor failure, sensor in seat needs to be replaced or air bag will not function. *Tr
- Electrical system · Seats
I was driving on the freeway and turned the seat heater on. after about 5 minutes into my drive, I started to smell smoke and then saw smoke in the car. I pulled over and saw that the seat was catching on fire. I turned the seat heater off and doused the fire with water. *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
2003 525I BMW front passenger door jammed in "double lock." this condition occurred without user involvement and could have left the passenger with no means of a quick exit in the event of an accident or other event requiring a quick exit. only means of egress was to crawl thought the window or over drivers seat. there IS no way to mechanically overcome the problem, i.e., no key on any doors except driver's. *Tr
- Steering
Began to hear a "clicking noise" under front end of vehicle. upon investigation, BMW service department determined rmfd hydro steering box defective and replaced it. service department stated noise would get worse if not replaced but couldn't advise me as to safety issue. vehicle meticulously maintained with under 40,000 miles. Contacted BMW via email with no response. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10247567Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE
- 10245422Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicles equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.
- 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.
- 10152674Radio / Navigation / Head Unit Identification Guide
- 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.
- 10135028SERVICE ACTION: PROGRAM DME: The incorrect dataset could be programmed into DME 5.2.1 control module.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 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 525I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.