2003 BMW 325I Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 BMW 325I, 3% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The bottom part of the rearview mirror 'more than 50%- has become unusable. Some kind of reddish fluid leaks in and gradually is blocking the rear view. This is a safety hazard because the driver cannot see most vehicles or pedestrians behind us. I realize after some internet research that this is a common problem. As another complainant on this site observed, 'we expected better from Bmw'. …”
NHTSA complaint #11071824, filed 2018-02, 75,000 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 miles“Windshield wipers auto position causes wipers to fail to suddenly fail to operate during rain conditions. Also, can cause distracting sweeps of the wipers with no rain or water, anywhere near the car or windshield sensor. Oddly, dealership technicians were unable to repair; service writers refused to write it up as normal operation. Bmw field service engineer noted the windshield sensor (which also contains controls for automatic lights) was massively delaminated from the windshield, thus requiring the replacement of the entire windshield for this small part. Issues: 1. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072450, filed 2004-05, 8,479 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 325I. The contact heard a noise coming from the front passenger side window. She took the vehicle to the dealer and it was repaired. However, the driver side window is now making the same noise. The dealer stated that this is a common failure. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 47,800 and failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10200435, filed 2007-08, 45,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 325I. The contact stated that window regulators would continuously fail. The first failure occurred on the rear passenger window, then the front passenger window and most recently, the rear driver side window. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the vehicle was not included in recall campaign number: 03v160000 (visibility:power window devices and controls).the contact stated that because he was experiencing the exact same failure, his vehicle should be included in the recall. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 43,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10368690, filed 2010-12, 24,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V160000Apr 29, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly.Covers: BMW 325I 2003, M3 2003, 330I 2003 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249437Jan 16, 2024The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 7 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 10 | 7% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 17 | 10% |
| 2001 | 13 | 9% |
| 1995 | 1 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 6% |
| 1993 | 2 | 10% |
| 1992 | 5 | 13% |
| 1989 | 1 | 13% |
| 1988 | 1 | 20% |
| 1987 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325I
62 complaintsExterior lighting
48 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsSuspension
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 29, 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