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BMW 325XIModel year report

2002 BMW 325XI Problems

Complaints
68filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
67,500miles, 53 complaints with mileage
Recalls
64 do-not-drive
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
20 mpgcombined, 2.5L 6-cyl 4WD/AWD · 17 city / 25 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 BMW 325XI (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often write about rear light and wiring problems that leave tail, brake or turn signals out, and about oil leaks and coolant or belt-driven engine noise. Many complaints also involve the Takata air bag recalls and parts availability, and a smaller group describes worn front-end and suspension parts. Reports are spread from low mileage up to well past 150,000 miles, with several lighting and oil-leak reports in the 50,000-100,000 mile range.

  1. Exterior lighting

    Rear light wiring and connector burn-out

    • 9 complaints (13%)
    • median 69,000 mi at 8.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2012

    Complaints describe tail, brake or turn signals that stop working or blink intermittently, with a bulb-out warning on the dash even when the bulbs are good. Owners say the dealer found burnt contacts, connectors or wiring at the rear light housing, and some were told their car was not covered by the related recall. In several reports the fix was to replace or rewire the connector and add a ground. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 75,000 miles, though a few appear above 100,000.

    Recall 11V4380001 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the key on, check that every rear lamp works and have the rear light connectors pulled and inspected for heat damage or melted pins; ask whether the rear lamp recall work was done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The tail lights electric connector module is dysfunctional. It is burned out on the passenger side. As a result, brake lights and turn indicator lights are not functional. This failure has previously happened on the driver side tail lights as well. The cause was similar. The ground cable and electric connector were burned out.”

    NHTSA complaint #10316038, filed 2010-03, 74,500 miles

    “About 3 months ago noted my tail/turn signal light out indicator on dash, but all bulbs were good. Problem intermittent at first, but then became constant on left light indicator. Went on Bmw internet forum and found this is a common problem to 3-series ascribed to ground not good enough, buring pin/port on connector. Indeed this is what happened on the left side of the tail light housing/connector. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10396556, filed 2011-04, 50,000 miles
  2. Air bags

    Takata air bag recall parts not available

    • 10 complaints (15%)
    • median 47,371 mi at 11.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2012–2022

    Many complaints are about the driver or passenger air bag recall itself: owners received notice but were told the parts were on national back order, sometimes for more than a year. Some also describe an air bag warning light staying on, or a warning light returning after recall work, with the dealer saying the follow-up repair was not covered. A few owners report crashes in which the air bags deployed. Filed mainly during the mid-2010s recall period, often with no mileage given.

    Recall 20V018000 · DO NOT DRIVERecall 15V318000 · DO NOT DRIVERecall 14V428000 · DO NOT DRIVERecall 13V172000 · DO NOT DRIVE6 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check with a dealer whether every open air bag recall on the VIN has been completed, and confirm the air bag warning light is off.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Airbag light has been on for the last 7 years. Bmw pensacola and century Bmw greenville, sc have been unable to fix this problem after many visits and $1000. In repair charges. Bmw pensacola said they did not know what else to do and would not refund my charges. Century Bmw wanted me to pay $775. To try to change a computer part that they did not know would fix it. They refuse to say if the airbags will work during an accident. Bmw of north america says it is a dealer problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #10465021, filed 2012-07, 50,000 miles

    “Takata recall. The contact owns a 2002 Bmw 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v318000 (air bags) however, the parts were unavailable to perform the repairs. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirmed parts not available.”

    NHTSA complaint #10817054, filed 2015-12
  3. Engine

    Coolant leaks and belt noise up front

    • 8 complaints (12%)
    • median 58,824 mi at 7.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2014

    Complaints describe a loud squeal from the engine, a coolant warning, or coolant loss, traced by dealers to a leaking water pump, a cracked expansion tank or a leaking radiator hose. Belt tensioner and pulley noise, a noisy A/C compressor and a faulty alternator also appear in the same reports. Owners describe the water pump and tank being replaced. Mostly reported between about 25,000 and 70,000 miles.

    What to check: Ask whether the water pump, thermostat and expansion tank have been replaced, and listen for belt squeal or a coolant smell after a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “2002 Bmw 325 xi having new water pump and fan clutch replaced and oil change (4/27/09). After 15 minutes drive on I-90 (4/28/09) the car suddenly stop on the middle of I-90 near exit 11a. Near collision with a big truck that cause traffic stop. Manage to get into the maspike toll plaza, the engine damage and overheated. Car towed back to dealer, they have the old pump, new pump, fan clutches (old and new). The car nearly got hit by a truck that may cause fatal. The engine that have the parts replace to prevent the engine overheat overheated. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10267676, filed 2009-05, 135,000 miles

    “Noticed that there is a loud squeal noise from the engine. Dealership technician found that water pump was leaking coolant onto engine belts. Bleeder screw was stripped in expansion tank. Replaced the water pumpand filled system upon bleeding the system found the bleeder screw stripped out. Replaced coolant expansion tank and bleeder screw.”

    NHTSA complaint #10493113, filed 2013-01, 55,138 miles
  4. Engine

    Oil leaks and oil consumption

    • 6 complaints (9%)
    • median 76,819 mi at 8.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2013

    Owners describe oil on the ground under the car, an oil level warning that keeps returning, or having to add a quart frequently. Complaints name leaking valve cover and VANOS gaskets, a cracked valve cover, and in a few cases a crankcase vent valve or compression problems that led to engine replacement. Dealers identified the leaking gaskets and seals and replaced them. Reports cluster from about 50,000 to 100,000 miles, with the heaviest oil use described in that range.

    What to check: Look under the engine and along the exhaust for fresh oil, check the oil level and its smell, and ask for records of valve cover or gasket work.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Bmw 2002 325XI at low temperatures like 5 or 6 f. The crankcase vent valve froze and the high pressure built up caused the valve to blow and couple of gaskets burnt. Oil spilled over to the exhaust causing smoke coming out of the engine compartment. If driven couple of more miles the car would have been on fire. The car just has 67000 miles which is fairly low miles and new car. All the mechanics I talked to quickly recognized the problem and asked me not to drive at all. They said it can catch fire if driven little more. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10260856, filed 2009-03, 67,500 miles

    “Was putting oil into the engine every 500 miles for about 2-3 months and finally decided enough was enough. No accidents with car. Took the car to the dealership, technician performed leak down test on engine and noticed cylinder 1 reading at 50 PSI and #2 cylinder reading at 5 PSI. Performed compression test and cylinder #1 and #2 failed. Complete engine replacement was done as repairs could not be guaranteed. Cost was over $5000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10492969, filed 2013-01, 98,328 miles
  5. Suspension

    Worn front-end and suspension parts

    • 8 complaints (12%)
    • median 80,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2013

    Owners describe clunks, rattles or squeaks over bumps and while turning, plus a loose feel in the steering. Dealers found cracked or broken rear coil springs, worn control arm bushings, loose sway bar mounts and split axle boots, and replaced the affected parts. Several reports pair the suspension noise with leaking or contaminated front axle assemblies. Reported from roughly 45,000 to 90,000 miles, with some higher-mileage examples.

    What to check: Drive over uneven ground and listen for clunks or squeaks, look at the rear springs for breaks, and have the control arm bushings and axle boots inspected on a lift.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I noticed a cracking sound coming from the right front wheel when making a left turn. Dealership technician noticed noise on right/front side. Checked the front end and found right/front sway bar mount is loose. Retightened right/front sway bar assembly and checked left/front sway bar. Retightened.”

    NHTSA complaint #10493116, filed 2013-01, 44,758 miles

    “Noticed a lot of play in the steering. Took to the dealership and they technician said that the 2 rear springs were broken in half so replaced the rear springs. Also, the technician noticed that the front sway bars and links were worn and had play. Replaced also.”

    NHTSA complaint #10492981, filed 2013-01, 65,826 miles

Buying note. Inspect or have a shop check the rear light connectors, front-end parts and any oil or coolant leaks before buying, and confirm that all open air bag recalls for the VIN have been completed. Service records for the water pump, cooling system and gaskets are worth asking for on this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW 325XI. 53 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,500 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns (4 marked do-not-drive) and 16 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Brakes (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Body and structure (1).

Example complaints

Electrical system: “While driving our car the dash lights will come on and the car will loose all power. We have to pull over and turn car off wait a minute with key completely out of the ignition and restart the car then all lights are off and car is completely drivable. This happens multiple times a day no matter what speed is being driven. Also within the same month the locks will not unlock when car is stopped and shut off or by the power button inside the car. As well as our 4 way indicator which is on same switch as the power lock button no longer works.”

NHTSA complaint #10991270, filed 2017-05, 160,000 miles

Engine: “Ignition selaniod isn't working. When I turn the key to start the car, the ignition thinks the car has started, but the engine doesn't turn over. It takes multiple tries to get the car to start.”

NHTSA complaint #11023601, filed 2017-09, 172,400 miles

Air bags: “I was driving the car and my wife was a passenger in the front seat. Another car hit our car on the front driver side deploying both front airbags. I had back injuries and my wife lost vision in both her eyes. She is still not able to see even though she had several surgeries at mayo clinic in rochester, mn. Every surgeon she has seen has said that this is the worst airbag injury they have ever seen. Updated 09/17/14 ..updated 10/01/14 updated 01/26/15. Updated 02/4/2015”

NHTSA complaint #10633000, filed 2014-09, 136,492 miles

Exterior lighting: “Noticed that left front turn signal is out at times. Dealership technician found that left front turn signal bulb and socket are burnt. Fault 36 (turn indicator, front left, faulty) is set in fault memory. Checked left front turn signal bulb and socket are burnt. Replaced front turn signal bulb and socket.”

NHTSA complaint #10493121, filed 2013-01, 25,650 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

23% of the 53 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 92,715 miles.

2%0–108%10–2513%25–5034%50–7521%75–10011%100–15011%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (53 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 67,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’04’08’10’1223’14’16’22
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 BMW 325XI. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
3 Series · sedan not rated4 / 5———

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2002 BMW 325XI version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
325xi 4WD/AWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manual172520$4,100
325xi 4WD/AWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed automatic172319$4,350
325xi Sport Wagon 4WD/AWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manual172420$4,100
325xi Sport Wagon 4WD/AWD2.5L 6-cyl5-speed automatic172319$4,350

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2002 BMW 325XI → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 16 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 16 bulletins →

Other model years of the BMW 325XI

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
200611080,0006—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20052769,5204—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20045567,7404—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200331115,0005—20Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20026867,5006—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200114140,5002—20—Not enough data

All BMW 325XI model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 325XI?

Owners of this model year most often write about rear light and wiring problems that leave tail, brake or turn signals out, and about oil leaks and coolant or belt-driven engine noise. The issues reported most often: Rear light wiring and connector burn-out; Takata air bag recall parts not available; Coolant leaks and belt noise up front.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 BMW 325XI have?

NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2002 BMW 325XI as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2002 BMW 325XI is reported most often?

Electrical system is named most often, in 15 complaints (22% of the total), followed by engine with 15.

Has the 2002 BMW 325XI been recalled?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2002 BMW 325XI get?

The EPA rates the 2002 BMW 325XI (325xi, 2.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 25 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2002 BMW 325XI reported?

Among the 53 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,500 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 92,715 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.