2003 BMW 325XI
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 | 0 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 68 |
| 2003 | 30 |
| 2004 | 55 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 110 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
47% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, SHE HYDRO-PLANED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130328
THANK YOU VERY MUCH JO WHAT I DID TAKE CARE OF THE AIRBAG OR
NHTSA ODI report, 20180122
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171215
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111206
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111019
13% of complaints: engine — 4 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND FILLED THE DRIVER'S CABIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150617
7% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 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
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 325XI — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V438000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V172000 (air bags) 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.
FAQ
Is the 2003 BMW 325XI 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 325XI?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW 325XI 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.