2004 BMW 325CI Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 13%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,108miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 BMW 325CI, 13% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,108 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“I owned the car for a year before it started giving me problems. It first gave me a problem changing from reverse to drive. It slips and wont go into gear. The most dangerous is when im turning a corner and the car puts itself into neutral. At this time it is not drivable and I've researched it and it is common for this vehicle but I don't understand why there isn't a recall. Its dangerous! I've taken it to a mechanic and for a second opinion at Bmw. The cost to repair my car is over $5,000, if I would have known that I would have bought the newer Bmw. …”
NHTSA complaint #10408729, filed 2011-06, 100,000 miles“The steptronic transmission will not engauge in d for several minutes after sitting overnight. Bmw replaced the transmission at 1100 miles and at 300 miles the new transmission is doing the same thing. The car goes in r and potentially could leave you in traffic without the ability to move out of the way.”
NHTSA complaint #10055072, filed 2004-01, 1,108 miles“Cold morning start the vehicle revs to 2 -3k rpms with little or no forward motion. Drive is not engaging. Pulling out in traffic was terrifying. Dealer offered several reasons: 1) needed to be broken in 2) needs a software upgrade 3) needs a clutch pack part and finally 4) needs a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10058244, filed 2004-02, 80 miles“Bought the car new in dec. Transmission failed almost immediately. Dealer talked us into having a clutch pack replacement after software upgrade attempts failed. Now the car has a noxious stinking smell emminating from the transmission. Independent transmission expert says the clutch is slipping and burning insulation. While attempting to merge onto highway with three passengers downshifted for more torque the engine revved as if it were in neutral. Terrifying experience. Bmw dealer and bmwna are unwilling to address this problem. They say car is performing normally. Please help.”
NHTSA complaint #10068192, filed 2004-05, 4,900 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 325CI
41 complaintsElectrical system
5 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 31, 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