2003 Bmw 325ci problems
The fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E46, which was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1997 to 2006, and was the successor to the E36 3 Series which ceased production in 2000. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact.
The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.
The E46 line-up was phased out starting from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.
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Common 2003 Bmw 325ci problems
Based on complaints from owners of the BMW 325Ci 2003, several common problems have been reported:
- Oil Leaks From Engine Area:
Owners have reported oil leaks from the engine area, which can lead to potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. This issue may stem from various sources such as gaskets, seals, or oil pans. - Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor Failure:
Another common problem is the failure of the blower final stage fan resistor. This component controls the speed of the interior fan, and when it fails, it can result in issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. - Front Control Arm Bracket Bushings Failure:
Front control arm bracket bushings may fail, causing handling and suspension problems. This issue can lead to a decrease in driving comfort, stability, and overall safety of the vehicle. - Water Pump Malfunction:
Water pump issues have been reported by owners of the BMW 325Ci 2003. A malfunctioning water pump can result in overheating of the engine, potentially causing severe damage if not addressed promptly. - Coolant Reservoir Problems:
The coolant reservoir is another area of concern, with reported issues related to leaks or cracks. Maintaining proper coolant levels is crucial for the engine's cooling system to function effectively. - Window Regulator Failures:
Owners have experienced problems with window regulators, leading to issues with window operation. Malfunctioning window regulators can cause inconvenience and compromise the security of the vehicle. - Suspension Bushings Wear:
Suspension bushings are prone to wear and deterioration over time, affecting the vehicle's handling, ride quality, and overall performance. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to address this common problem. - Steering Coupler Issues:
Problems with the steering coupler have been reported, impacting steering responsiveness and control. Addressing any steering coupler issues promptly is crucial for safe driving.
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the BMW 325Ci 2003 to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the vehicle.
How many miles does a 2003 BMW 325i last?
You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.
What problems does a BMW 325i have?
Top BMW 325i Problems
- Oil Leaks From Lower Engine Area. ...
- Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail. ...
- Rear Window Regulator. ...
- Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank. ...
- Front Control Arm Bracket Bushings May Fail. ...
- Check Engine Light and/or Engine Overheating. ...
- Multiple Power Steering Hoses May Simultaneously Fail.
Is a BMW 325i reliable?
One of the many reasons to buy a BMW is that it is well-built. Most rear-wheel drive BMWs have the same weight on the front and back wheels. The world knows that BMWs are reliable, and the BMW 325I is no different. This model is strong, long-lasting, and reliable because it is well-made and well-engineered.
Is a BMW 325Ci a sports car?
These BMWs are superb cars and that's why the 3 Series continues to be the benchmark for sports sedans. It's been that way since the late 1970s, and we don't see it changing.
How long do 2003 BMW 325i last?
You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car.
What is the problem with the E46 325?
In this article, we are going to go over the most common issues seen on E46 3 Series BMWs.
- Oil Filter Housing. ...
- VANOS Issues. ...
- Throttle Body Actuator. ...
- S54 Engine Bearings. ...
- Combi Valve Problems. ...
- Cooling System Leaks. ...
- Cold Weather Crank Vent Kit. ...
- Window Regulators.
What is the mileage of a 2003 BMW 325i?
Based on data from 79 vehicles, 4,649 fuel-ups and 1,285,306 miles of driving, the 2003 BMW 325i gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.05 with a 0.15 MPG margin of error.
Is a 2004 BMW 325i a good car?
The BMW 2004 325i sedan can be a good buy, but it totally depends on a few key things. First off, it's a classic BMW from the E46 generation, known for its stellar balance of performance and luxury. People love it for its smooth ride, precision handling, and that sweet inline-six engine.
2003 Bmw 325ci complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Bmw 325ci.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Bmw 325ci recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2003 Bmw 325ci.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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 non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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 Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
- Remedy: BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
- Manufacturer: CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
- Summary: 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 AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WINDOW LIFTING ANTI-PINCHING DEVICE MIGHT NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
- Consequence: OCCUPANTS COULD BE PINCHED BY A WINDOW THAT IS BEING CLOSED.
- 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 AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: IF A GEAR IS SELECTED, THE DRIVER MAY FEEL AS IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING PUSHED.
- 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 DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Bmw 325ci problems:
2003 BMW 325Ci Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Problem with your 2003 BMW 325Ci? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 BMW 325Ci.
325i COMMON PROBLEMS | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Jul 7, 2010 ... Common problems with the car include the coolant reservoir, the window regulators, suspension bushings, the steering coupler, and a variety of ...
What are the most common problems for a 2004 bmw 325ci and ...
Mar 24, 2022 ... What are the most common problems for a 2004 bmw 325ci and how often do they occur?? Hi, i am looking to purchasing a 2004 bmw 325ci ...
325i COMMON PROBLEMS | E46 Fanatics Forum
Jul 8, 2010 ... And my mom just called me and said: "We bought you an alpine white 2003 BMW 330i" . I was happy and even tho I had just seen the car by pictures ...
What problems are most common for the 2002 BMW 325 ci ...
Aug 29, 2015 ... ... common mechanical problems of a 2000-2003 BMW 330Ci or M3 convertible? A couple things. Firstly, both these cars are known by chassis code 'E46' ...
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