2003 BMW 325I Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 22%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 BMW 325I, 22% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Bmw 325I will not unlock. I cant get into the car. I have tried the key and the fob and the doors will not unlock. I had to break the window to get into the car only to find out the doors still will not unlock. This is a safety issue you cant unlock the doors from the inside or the outside. This is extremely concerning and a true safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10439295, filed 2011-12, 114,000 miles“Got a warning from police about drivers side brake light being out. Took it to repair shop to be repaired. Bulb replaced. In less than 12 hours the lights were out again. Took it back to repair shop they pulled the light panel out lights came on. I drove off and the inside warning light came on again. I was told by the repair shop that if the light went out again it was an electrical problem and the panel would have to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10373595, filed 2010-12, 115,232 miles“Doors will not open because door locks will not unlock. Key fob button will not unlock any doors 90% of the time. Most of the time I can only get in car on drivers side with manual operation of driver's side door lock (sticking key in lock and turning). Once in car, 90% of time I still cannot unlock any other doors, even by pulling on door handle (which would ordinarily unlock the door). The interior button to unlock the doors will not work. On friday, 12/9/11, I could not even get out of the driver's side door when I arrived at my destination. …”
NHTSA complaint #10439291, filed 2011-12, 59,000 miles“My vehicle has the same incident about a dozen of times in the last 4-5 years. The vehicle suddenly had check engine light, ABS light, traction control light, and brake light on, engineer started to knocking, speed forced down to less than 30 MPH within in seconds. It was quite scaring when the vehicle was on the highway with speed at ~50-70 mpg. My dealer has made several repairs, changing everything in this speed controlling system multiple times according to the book, including throttle body twice, electric harness three times, and control computer unit once, but the problem recurs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10497625, filed 2013-02, 103,000 miles“I bought my 2003 Bmw 325I new. Shortly after the sale I noticed the front drivers xenon light would go out. The only way to get the light back on, is to turn off the car and restart the engine. This works about 80 percent of the time. Another issue I have been experiencing is a false indication that my taillights are out. This is very sporratic and annoying. A third issue I am experiencing is very dangerous relating to my drivers seatbelt. The seatbelt may seam locked, but if you pull with a bit of force, the seatbelt will come out of the locked position.”
NHTSA complaint #10383700, filed 2011-02, 15,000 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 85 | 17% |
| 2005 | 11 | 15% |
| 2004 | 21 | 14% |
| 2003 | 43 | 22% |
| 2002 | 21 | 13% |
| 2001 | 18 | 12% |
| 1995 | 3 | 10% |
| 1994 | 4 | 24% |
| 1993 | 4 | 19% |
| 1992 | 5 | 13% |
| 1990 | 1 | 20% |
| 1989 | 1 | 13% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325I
62 complaintsExterior lighting
48 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 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