BMW 325XI Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 305 consumer complaints across the 6 model years of the BMW 325XI (2001–2006) that have at least 5 complaints. 2006 has the most, with 110. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (141 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All 325XI model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 110 | 80,000 | 6 | 110 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 27 | 69,520 | 4 | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 55 | 67,740 | 4 | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 31 | 115,000 | 5 | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 68 | 67,500 | 6 | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 14 | 140,500 | 2 | 13 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags141 46%
- Electrical system40 13%
- Exterior lighting32 10%
- Engine28 9.2%
- Steering22 7.2%
- Suspension16 5.2%
- Seat belts14 4.6%
- Other or unknown13 4.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2006: “When the ibs is plugged in it drains the battery fast , then it won't start unless I unplug the b+ blue plug , then plug the b+ cable back in after started so the valvetronic eccentric shaft motor has power , otherwise it goes into limp mode without it plugged in , I thought there was a recall on this but it starts on the 2007 e90 I guess mine is a 2006 .”
NHTSA complaint #11300209, filed 2020-01, 110,000 miles2003: “Driving the car the front driver wheel axial system fell off where the ball bearing held the wheel on 3/4 ball bearings fell off the car, and the other side was ready to fall apart as well I was driving and as I turned into the auto shop driveway the wheel fell apart good thing my teenage daughter was not driving it on the highway or expressway.”
NHTSA complaint #10819708, filed 2016-01, 98 miles2005: “While driving on busy streets, unexpected acceleration while trying to brake at red lights...the brakes do not work. Fortunately no bodily injuries, only smashed up cars...I will not drive that car again and I don't even feel good about selling it to someone else .”
NHTSA complaint #11255373, filed 2019-09, 53,328 milesOther BMW models
3,165 complaintsBMW 328I
2,576 complaintsBMW X3
2,016 complaintsBMW 325I
1,377 complaintsBMW Z4
1,271 complaintsBMW 3 Series
832 complaintsBMW 528I
830 complaintsBMW 330I
813 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology