2003 BMW 325CI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 BMW 325CI, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 miles.
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.
“While driving my 2003 Bmw 325CI the engine will shut off. This causes: 1. Power steering stops functioining 2. I am unable to accelerate 3. Braking takes excessively long with engine off 4. Dashboard lights up.”
NHTSA complaint #10353603, filed 2010-09, 90,000 miles“While travelling on route 50 in maryland at 55mph engine cut out completely. I lost power steering and brakes. Fortunately, I was able to pull over to side of road, turn off vehicle and restart it. I brought it to the dealership where I purchased it. They cannot diagnose it without at least $1100 worth of work (they think its a transmission problem). After $1100 they state it would be an easy $200 fix or a substantial $6-8000 fix. I will be bringing it to another mechanic for second opinion. I was fortunate I was not in traffic and could pull over safely.”
NHTSA complaint #10383861, filed 2011-02, 111,000 miles“The central locking system intermittently fails to operate; problem is influenced by temperature extremes (hot and cold); symptoms vary from requiring the driver to lock and unlock the vehicle several times before the doors will unlock to a complete failure of all doors to unlock. When the problem manifests itself, the central electric door lock button (mounted in the center console beside the hazard light switch) is inoperable. …”
NHTSA complaint #10497885, filed 2013-02, 172,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 325CI. The contact stated that the key fob and key failed to unlock the doors. The contact had to make several attempts to unlock the doors by using the key fob and key. The dealer diagnosed that the module five needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Ma 09/22”
NHTSA complaint #10661095, filed 2014-11, 80,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10149558Oct 1, 2018For 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…
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For 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…
Electrical system: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325CI
10 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 325CI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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