2001 BMW 325CI Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 14%of 49 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,104miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 BMW 325CI, 14% of the 49 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,104 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw 325CI. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on september 17, 2008 and has not yet been diagnosed. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 84,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10242684, filed 2008-09, 84,100 miles“The contact owns a 2001 Bmw 325CI. The contact stated that she constantly experienced failure with the fan motor. The failure caused the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, which caused the fan to stop operating. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began smoking along with a dramatic increase in temperature. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and they stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle has not been repaired because the failure is not covered under her warranty. The manufacturer did not assist. …”
NHTSA complaint #10256357, filed 2009-01, 22,000 miles“While driving the temperature sensor flashes -40 degrees. The consumer contacted the dealer , who stated that sensor is located in the front under the bumper, and is often hit by debris that causes the sensor to malfunction. The dealer will fix the sensor at the owners expense. The consumer feels this is a design flaw.”
NHTSA complaint #10027144, filed 2003-07“Consumer states upon parking vehicle, he noticed smoke emitting from the bottom of the motor, vehicle caught on fire and was shortly put out by the fire department, the cause of the fire was determined to be that the electric cooling fan shorted out and its speed probably knocked out the sensor that transmits information to the dashboard warning lights.jb”
NHTSA complaint #561913, filed 2001-07“Consumer states upon parking vehicle, he noticed smoke emitting from the bottom of the motor, the fire department was called and the fire was put out, the cause of the fire was determined to be that the electric cooling fan shorted out and its speed probably knocked out the sensor that transmits information to the dashboard warning lights.”
NHTSA complaint #561697, filed 2001-06Related recalls
- 02V138000May 16, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor…Covers: BMW 325CI 2001, X5 2001, 330I 2001 +17 more
- 01V206000Jun 21, 2001Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the…Covers: BMW 325CI 2001, X5 2001, 330I 2001 +17 more
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2001 BMW 325CI
13 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 BMW 325CI
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology