2004 BMW 325CI
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
60% of complaints: air bags — 41 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 BMW 325CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20200813
I CALLED MY DEALER LAST YEAR TO SCHEDULE TO FIX MY RECALL ON MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT WENT TO MY APPOINTMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200529
10% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250421
DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LAMP HAS GONE OUT. IN RESEARCHING, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL IN THE LED TAIL LIGHT AND CAN CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO OTHER DRIVERS NOT BEING ABLE TO TELL THAT YOU ARE STOPPING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121023
6% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LAMP HAS GONE OUT. IN RESEARCHING, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL IN THE LED TAIL LIGHT AND CAN CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO OTHER DRIVERS NOT BEING ABLE TO TELL THAT YOU ARE STOPPING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121023
4% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 BMW 325CI SPORT DOWN THE ROAD SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, LOOKED DOWN MY HEATED SEAT CAUGHT FIRE, BURNT MY LEG, ALMOST WRECKED TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. NOW MY SEAT HAS A HUGE BURNT HOLE IN IT AND CANT USE SEAT HEATERS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100315
SAFETY TIMELINE
DELAYED TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT
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
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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
2004 BMW 325CI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2004 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 2004 BMW 325CI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 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.