2003 BMW 325I Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 24%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,586miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 BMW 325I, 24% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,586 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Multiple blinker and brake lights periodically malfunction on my 2003 Bmw 325I. I understand from talking with several other Bmw owners that this is a common occurrence due to faulty design involving the grounding of the light fixtures. Furthermore, I feel this is a safety issue that Bmw should pay to have repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10291759, filed 2009-11, 90,000 miles“I have experienced several times when our turn signal light fails to work and the indicator light of failure is shown on the dashboard. The light will work then stop working in short periods of time. I have replaced bulbs on numerous occasions with some success while other times nothing helps. There appears to be some type of electronic problem with the signal lights, especially in the rear of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10359163, filed 2010-10, 76,000 miles“The tail-lights of my Bmw 325I have periodically shorted out ever since I purchased the car. The warning light on the dashboard indicates that the light is not functioning correctly, and is not corrected by replacing the bulb. Before my warranty expired Bmw replaced the rear tail lamp module which corrected the problem, but already the replacement module has shorted out again. Currently both tail-lights are shorting out.”
NHTSA complaint #10357238, filed 2010-09, 44,000 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“Own a Bmw 3251, rear end started making popping noise when put in reverse and when turning curves. When on interstate rear end locked up while driving causing my car to skid through all lanes of traffic. After having car inspected the rear end had broke, we replaced the rear end. Also having trouble with head lights staying on and blinkers. Right rear tail light over heated and burnt items in trunk. Radiator has broke and driverside window regulator and clutch fan.”
NHTSA complaint #10301803, filed 2010-01, 90,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V438000Aug 26, 2011Bmw is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi vehicles manufactured from september 1, 2001, through march 1, 2005. Over time…Covers: BMW 325I 2002–2005, 330I 2002–2005, 325XI 2002–2005 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10037025Aug 1, 2010Bmw: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 18 | 25% |
| 2004 | 44 | 30% |
| 2003 | 48 | 24% |
| 2002 | 44 | 27% |
| 2001 | 23 | 15% |
| 1995 | 1 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 12% |
| 1993 | 3 | 14% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325I
62 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