2005 BMW 325I
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 40 |
| 1993 | 21 |
| 1994 | 17 |
| 1995 | 31 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 151 |
| 2002 | 162 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 147 |
| 2005 | 70 |
| 2006 | 515 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: air bags — 33 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AIR BAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140609
The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325I. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the passengerâs side air bag warning illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230919
24% of complaints: exterior lighting — 17 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE OF THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND OVER TIME, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120323
13% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE FUEL SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, OR ENGINE WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180914
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY CAR AT MY EMPLOYER'S GARAGE. I WAS TURNING MY WHEEL TO PARK IN A SPACE, MY FOOT WAS OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND MOVING VERY SLOWLY, WHEN MY CAR SEEMED TO JERK FORWARD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT FORWARD AT FULL SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080423
WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, MY VEHICLE STRUCK A CEMENT STRUCTURAL SUPPORTING COLUMN. I PUT ON BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR. THE IMPACT WAS LATER FOUND TO BE MINIMAL (DENT).
NHTSA ODI report, 20080413
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT 2MPH, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE LURCHING FORWARD INTO A TREE. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, BUT NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060425
3% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
REAR LAMP ILLUMINATION
Rear Lamp Illumination
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CA
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 11V438000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports...
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.
Campaign 14V428000 — check if this car was fixed
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
2005 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E023000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V438000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V428000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V318000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V018000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 BMW 325I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 BMW 325I is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW 325I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 BMW 325I have?
5 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.