Bmw 325it problems

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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.

photo of Bmw 325it car production

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Bmw 325it model years

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Common Bmw 325it problems

The BMW 325it is a popular car model known for its performance and luxury features. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the BMW 325it, based on complaints from owners:

  • Window Lifting Anti-Pinching Device: On certain BMW 325it passenger vehicles, the window lifting anti-pinching device might not function properly. This could result in occupants being pinched by a window that is being closed, posing a risk of injury.
  • Seat Sensor Mat Cracks: Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks may develop in the seat sensor mat. If this occurs, the front passenger airbags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated, and the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
  • Fan Clutch Failure: Failure of the fan clutch, which is found only on automatic transmission cars, can cause the fan blades to break off and damage the radiator, serpentine belt, and water pump. This issue has been reported in the 2003 BMW 325 model, and it can lead to engine overheating and potential engine failure.
  • Engine Problems: The 2003 BMW 325 model has been reported to have engine problems, with a failure rate of 10.0, which is considered really awful. The NHTSA data shows one crash and one injury related to engine issues, with an average mileage of 72,631 miles.
  • Suspension Overhaul: The BMW 325it is known for its sporty handling and suspension. However, some owners have reported issues with the suspension system, requiring a complete overhaul. This can be a time-consuming and expensive repair, especially for those with health issues or limited time and energy to devote to the task.

These are some of the most common problems reported by BMW 325it owners. It is essential to stay up-to-date with recalls and maintenance schedules to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle.

Bmw 325it

Is the BMW 325i a reliable car?

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.

What is a common problem in BMW?

BMW engines are renowned for their performance but can also present unique challenges. If not addressed promptly, oil leaks from brittle valve cover gaskets or leaky oil filter gaskets are common issues that could lead to severe engine damage.

How long can a 2006 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. Learn more from the experts at BMW of Greenwich.

Are 2004 BMW 3 series reliable?

It has been very reliable and has all the features I could want in a car. It's still running perfectly with about 275,000 km on it now. I do maintenance as recommended by the BMW club which includes some preventive maintenance. Repair costs have been about the same as other cars.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 325it years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 325it cars and compiled the top 3 most problematic Bmw 325it model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 325it model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 325it years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 325it car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 325it , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Suspension problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Steering problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 325it vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 325it . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 325it vehicles.

List of Bmw 325it complaints

Bmw 325it 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2014-09-15
  • Date Complaint: 2015-03-16
  • VIN: WBAAW33421E
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: BMW CONTACTED ME IN SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCING A SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE, INDICATING THEY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AND BMW WOULD CONTACT ME TO SCHEDULE THE SERVICE FOR THE RECALL. OVER SIX MONTHS HAVE PASSED WITH NO ACTION BY BMW TO CORRECT THIS URGENT SAFETY DEFECT. THIS IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE. BMW NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. *TR
Bmw 325it 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-04-27
  • Date Complaint: 2006-06-23
  • VIN: WBAAW33421E
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: BOTH REAR SPRINGS FAILED, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES WITH NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS ENDEMIC TO THE E46 BMW 3 SERIES. SHOULD THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE BECOME UNLOADED ON A BUMP, ETC. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED. IF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR SPRINGS IS COMMON, IT COULD REPRESENT A DESIGN DEFECT. *JB
Bmw 325it 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-03-18
  • Date Complaint: 2006-03-18
  • VIN: WBAAW33401E
  • Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
  • Summary: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE RECOMMENDED I TAKE THE CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 33,000 MILES ON IT AND WE PUT LESS THAN 8,000 MILES/YEAR ON IT. HE SAID THIS FAILURE SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED THIS EARLY. BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, I CHECKED THE INTERNET (YAHOO USING THE SEARCH TERMS: BMW "CONTROL ARM" REPAIR). I FOUND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF RESULTS, MANY OF THEM FORUM POSTINGS FROM OTHER 3 SERIES OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCED THIS FAILURE AT 15,000 TO 20,000 MILES. MOST OF THE POSTS ARE ON SITES LIKE BIMMERFORUM, BIMMERFEST, E46FANATICS, ETC. MY LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER AGREES THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE BUT THINKS I SHOULD PAY THE $1350 TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT CONTROL ARMS (THEY TELL ME THE OTHER IS CLOSE TO FAILURE). SINCE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SO MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM AT 35,000 MILES OR LESS I AM COMPLETING THIS COMPLAINT FORM. I FEEL BMW SHOULD RECALL THESE AUTOS AND REPAIR THE CONTROL ARMS. *JB
Bmw 325it 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2006-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 2006-02-13
  • VIN: WBAAW33411E
  • Components: SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE REPAIRING ANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT RELATES TO THE GAS TANK. UPDATED 3/20/2006 - EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS DONE. EACH TIME THE TEST INDICATED A SMALL LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK. THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING MADE NOISE. *NM

Latest 5 recalls Bmw 325it

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Bmw 325it.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 325it 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2020-01-15
  • 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.
  • Model: Bmw 325it 2003
  • Report Received Date: 2020-01-15
  • 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.
  • Model: Bmw 325it 2004
  • Report Received Date: 2020-01-15
  • 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.
  • Model: Bmw 325it 2001
  • Report Received Date: 2019-11-26
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
  • Model: Bmw 325it 2003
  • Report Received Date: 2013-05-03
  • 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].

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