2003 BMW 325CI
Only 27 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 27 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 27 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 27 total reports mention: air bags.
5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO OPERATE; PROBLEM IS INFLUENCED BY TEMPERATURE EXTREMES (HOT AND COLD); SYMPTOMS VARY FROM REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK TO A COMPLETE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130212
2 of 27 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325CI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190516
2 of 27 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
2 of 27 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT WAGON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, AND THE VEHICLE AT REST, AN INCREASE OF ENGINE IDLE SPEED (UP TO 1,300 RPM) MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DIGITAL ENGINE MANAGEMENT CONTROL UNIT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 5, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND D
Campaign 03V124000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT FOR THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 27, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN
Campaign 03V160000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Campaign 07E023000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2003 BMW 325CI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V124000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V160000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- 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 2003 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 2003 BMW 325CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325CI have?
6 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.