2003 BMW 325CI Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 BMW 325CI, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,500 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“While driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10082081, filed 2004-07Related service bulletins
- 10181217Sep 1, 2020E46 SULEV/PZEV: FUEL TANK DISPOSAL PROCEDURE: E46 M56 vehicles, in addition to meeting the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission) tailpipe emission standard, also conform to the Zero…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325CI
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 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