2003 BMW 325I Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 31%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,300miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 BMW 325I, 31% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,300 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Bmw recall no 15v-318 drivers airbag and 13v-172/14v-428. I keep getting alarming recall messages, but no parts are available at my Bmw dealership. What can I do? The last message said this could cause serious injury or death .”
NHTSA complaint #10904610, filed 2016-09, 80,000 miles“I have received two separate recalls for airbag replacements on my car. The first was the passenger airbag and that recall was received in 2014. It took several months before I was able to have my front passenger airbag replaced. In july this year I have received a recall saying that I now need to replace the driver side airbag which describes the same risk: ...resulting in metal fragments striking the front driver or other passengers potentially resulting in serious injury or death. …”
NHTSA complaint #10749425, filed 2015-08, 122,000 miles“My wife was in a serious accident on 07/07/06. Her 2003 325I Bmw was hit on the drivers side by a SUV that jumped over the median, totaling the car. We contacted Bmw of north america and reported that none of the air-bags deployed. We are very concerned. We also to this date have not received any information from Bmw.”
NHTSA complaint #10162873, filed 2006-07, 34,000 miles“My 2003 Bmw 325I sedan was t-boned on drivers side doors, and sent across the intersection and smashed into utility pole on rear passenger side with enough force to bend the frame. No side or curtain air bags deployed. Other driver ran a red light at about 40 MPH and never hit the brakes. My head slammed to the top of the driver's door where an air bag should have been, causing swelling and numbness to this day. The door slammed into my entire left side where the air bag in the door should have been. I was wearing a seat belt. The car is totaled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10411461, filed 2011-07, 63,000 miles“1-air bag warning light would not turn off after start up. Took vehicle to local Bmw dealer. Was informed that I needed to fix this problem so air bag would deploy properly on passenger seat . Was told this is a 'common' problem on e46 models! Very costly to repair..not to mention that the parts that needed replacement are well stocked at all Bmw dealers that I called..very rarely has anyone sat on passenger seat..the defect in the seat sensor is discussed in internet web sites as far back to the e39 series models as well as the e90 series models. …”
NHTSA complaint #10298530, filed 2010-01, 75,536 milesRelated recalls
- 20V018000Jan 15, 2020DO NOT DRIVEBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci…Covers: BMW 325I 2000–2005, 330CI 2000–2006, M3 2000–2006 +11 more
- 14V428000Jun 11, 2018DO NOT DRIVEBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes…Covers: BMW 325I 2001–2006, 330I 2001–2006, M3 2001–2006 +4 more
- 15V318000May 28, 2015DO NOT DRIVEBMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006…Covers: BMW 325I 2002–2005, M3 2002–2006, 330CI 2002–2006 +9 more
- 13V172000May 2, 2013DO NOT DRIVEBMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3…Covers: BMW 325I 2002–2003, M3 2002–2003, 330I 2002–2003 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10184591Nov 1, 2020SERVICE ACTION - HEAD AIR BAG HOLDER RETROFIT: A rattle noise may develop from the head air bag (ITS) gas generator contacting adjacent component. This noise can be heard while…
- 10160287Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10153726Jan 1, 2019Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 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…
- 10154816Feb 1, 2018In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support…
- 10148100Jun 1, 2014Special Technical Campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has urged vehicle manufacturers to conduct an investigation into air bags which may not…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 241 | 47% |
| 2005 | 33 | 46% |
| 2004 | 62 | 42% |
| 2003 | 62 | 31% |
| 2002 | 52 | 32% |
| 2001 | 46 | 30% |
| 1995 | 3 | 10% |
| 1994 | 2 | 12% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325I
48 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 325I
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