2002 BMW 325CI
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 49 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 27 |
| 2004 | 68 |
| 2005 | 31 |
| 2006 | 36 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
22 of 29 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180917
I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260130
2002 BMW 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220427
2 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER WHEN SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN MINUTES, THE INTERIOR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110328
1 of 29 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
TODAY, AFTER FILLING UP GAS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 MONTHS, SINCE I PURCHASED THIS NEW USED 2002 BMW 325CI, MODEL WITH NOW 45,000+ MILEAGES. I LIVE IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF RED LIGHT STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080523
1 of 29 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE SUBFRAME ON MY 2002 BMW 325CI HAS BROKE IN 2 HALVES IT IS GOING TO COST ALOT OF MONEY TO GET FIXED I HAVE TALKED TO A GUY AT BMW HE TOLD ME THERE WAS OVER 200 CARS AT HIS DEALERSHIP ALONE THIS YEAR GETTING SUBFRAMES REPLACED THE MORE I LOOKED...
NHTSA ODI report, 20100408
1 of 29 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safe
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement p
Campaign 13V172000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016.
Campaign 15V318000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 20V018000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 BMW 325CI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V172000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 BMW 325CI reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 325CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 76% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW 325CI have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.