2004 BMW 325CI Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 7%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 BMW 325CI, 7% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,000 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.
“At around 20k miles, the smg (sequential manual gearbox w/ paddle shifters) on my '04 325CI began experiencing many of the same problems that I've read about regarding the automatic transmission. After a cold night, the smg would not shift into reverse or drive. It would keep clunking over and over, continually louder, until I shifted back into neutral. I had the car towed to Bmw, where they had to replace the tranny. At 83k miles, I'm starting to notice some of the same problems again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10294018, filed 2009-11, 83,000 miles“Driver side brake lamp has gone out. In researching, found that this is a common problem with this model in the LED tail light and can cause a crash due to other drivers not being able to tell that you are stopping. Found recall information on NHTSA site and contacted Bmw. I was informed that my specific VIN was not included in this campaign, yet the problem is the same problem that affects 241,000 other cars. I would like to ask that my situation (and VIN) be evaluated and included in the recall since this is a known issue with this model. Thank you for your assistance!”
NHTSA complaint #10481567, filed 2012-10, 91,500 miles“Headlight wiring insulation on standard Bmw headlights is brittle and falling off exposing bare copper wires within the headlight assembly. In order to protect the headlights I have had to wrap the wires in electrical tape and shrink wrapping. This issue has existed for several years.”
NHTSA complaint #10970029, filed 2017-04, 130,000 miles“No sing of malfunction prior to or since incident. Engine cut off while cruising on highway. Cruise control turned off, all lights in dash lit up, engine came back on and everything operational in less than 5 seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10136870, filed 2005-09, 9,850 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Bmw 325CI. The contact stated that she noticed there was a leak from under the front of the vehicle. The contact then attempted to start the vehicle but to no avail. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they advised her that the battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10487348, filed 2012-12, 63,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 10249027Jan 11, 2024The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery…
- 10182619Oct 1, 2020Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has…
- 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 2004 BMW 325CI
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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