BMW 325CI Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 247 consumer complaints across the 7 model years of the BMW 325CI (2000–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2004 has the most, with 68. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (132 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 325CI model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 36 | 49,342 | 2 | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 31 | 67,000 | 2 | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 68 | 75,000 | 2 | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 27 | 65,000 | 5 | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 30 | 110,000 | 3 | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 49 | 105,000 | 5 | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 6 | 112,000 | 3 | 1 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags132 56%
- Electrical system24 10%
- Exterior lighting21 8.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain16 6.8%
- Engine cooling14 6.0%
- Fuel system11 4.7%
- Suspension9 3.8%
- Body and structure8 3.4%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “Driving vehicle and all power cuts out ...no power steering or power brakes ...just stops dead ... I know there has been a recall for this issue but my vehicle is not part of the recall...but obviously has a similar issue...this has happened on multiple occasions...and I am at the point where I am afraid to even drive it...”
NHTSA complaint #11203394, filed 2019-04, 120,000 miles2004: “Vehicle leaks large amounts oil from valve gasket cover and oil filter housing compartment. I believe the engine block must have loose bolts which is causing the oil to leak and further cause a hazard in a possible engine fire due to this assembly of the engine. I am assuming Bmw is well aware of this issue and believe a recall should be available.”
NHTSA complaint #10681919, filed 2015-02, 121,868 miles2006: “My dealer said a rear spring in my used Bmw is cracked. The other rear spring has been replaced with an after market spring. I see on the internet that my type Bmw has many problems with rear cracked springs. A manufacturing defect? The after market spring most likely replacing another cracked rear spring”
NHTSA complaint #10995325, filed 2017-06, 83,600 milesOther BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology