2001 Bmw 325xi problems

General information about Bmw-325xi
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2001 Bmw 325xi problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the BMW 325xi 2001, common problems with this car include:

Vibration on Long Drives: Some drivers experience a severe vibration at the front end of the car after long drives, which could be caused by a sticking brake caliper not releasing immediately.

Oil Leaks: The BMW 325xi is known for oil leaks, which can be fixable but are a common issue with older models. Regular maintenance is essential to address this problem.

Expensive Maintenance: While the BMW 325xi is not the hardest car to work on, it can become expensive to maintain, especially if relying on a mechanic for repairs.

Gas Consumption: Owners have noted that the BMW 325xi can be a gas guzzler, impacting running costs and making it an expensive project to maintain.

Handling and Power: Despite the issues, the BMW 325xi is praised for its good handling, power, and fun driving experience, making it an enjoyable car to drive.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspections to address issues promptly and ensure the longevity of the BMW 325xi 2001.

How many miles does a 2001 BMW 325i last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

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 most common problem with BMW E46?

Cooling System Leaks

The plastic components in the cooling system on E46 BMWs are prone to becoming brittle and cracking, allowing coolant to make its way out of the cooling system. The resulting loss of coolant can lead to the engine overheating, which can cause catastrophic engine failure.

What problems does a BMW 325i have?

What is the mpg on a 2001 325xi?

The 325xi gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway; the Passat GLX gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

What problems did the 2001 BMW E46 have?

Common Issues on E46 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 problems does a BMW 325i have?

How many miles does a 2001 BMW 325i last?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

What is the difference between a BMW 325i and a 325xi?

The BMW 325xi is very similar to the hugely popular 325i. The difference is that the BMW 325xi has all-wheel drive which make it an exceptional performer in slippery conditions, on bad road surfaces and in off road conditions.

2001 Bmw 325xi car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 325xi problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Exterior lighting problems
Electrical system problems
Air bags problems
Tires problems
Engine problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw 325xi vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw 325xi complaints

The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 325xi.

2021-11-10

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2021-11-10
Components: TIRES
Summary: The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325XI equipped with Primewell Tires, Tire Line: Valera Touring II, Tire Size: 205/50/R17, DOT Number: (Not Available). The contact stated that while inflating the passenger’s side front tire, air was leaking from cracks on the sidewall of the tire. The tire was not replaced. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17T013000 (Tires) and 16T017000 (Tires) however, the contact did not receive the recall notifications. The failure mileage was not available.

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2017-07-22

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-07-19
VIN: WBAAV33411E
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW AND BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO THEM AT BMW O F SUDBURY, SUDBURY MA UNDER RECALL 17V-047 DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE ON JULY 19, 2017, BUT THEY RETURNED THE CAR WITHOUT REPLACING THE AIR BAG - THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO DO IT.

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2017-05-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-07-15
VIN: WBAAV33421E
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: I THINK I KNOW WHY THE CAR CATCHES ON FIRE SINCE MINE ALMOST DID AND I TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM. THE ALTERNATOR IS NOT DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY WHEN THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED OFF AND THE CAR IS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IF THE ALTERNATOR EVER OVERHEATS FOR ANY REASON (SUCH AS THE COOLING VENT COMES LOOSE), THE PASS TRANSISTOR IN THE BUILT IN REGULATOR OF THE ALTERNATOR BEGINS TO SHORT. SINCE IT IS NEVER DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY (EVEN WITH THE IGNITION KEY REMOVED) THE FIST SYMPTOM APPEARS TO BE A BAD BATTERY AS THE ALTERNATOR KILLS THE BATTERY. ESPECIALLY IF YOU REPLACE THE BATTERY WITH A NEW, FRESH ONE AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THE PASS TRANSISTOR CONTINUES TO SHORT MORE AND MORE (IT CHARGES THE BATTERY MORE AND MORE LEADING TO OVERCHARGING AND POSSIBLE FIRE) AND EVENTUALLY SHORTS SO BAD THAT EVEN WHEN TURNED OFF IT DRAWS SO MUCH CURRENT FROM THE BATTERY THAT IT STARTS TO CATCH FIRE. IF AT THIS POINT YOU DON'T HAPPEN TO BE THERE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IT BECOMES A CASCADED FAILURE AND WILL BECOME AN ENGINE FIRE. I KNOW BECAUSE THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO CATCH IT AND FIGURED IT OUT BY MEASURING THE RESISTANCE OF THE ALTERNATOR AND WAS SHOCKED AT HOW LOW IT WAS. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FINE SINCE. I STILL HAVE THE OLD ALTERNATOR IF ANYONE WANTS TO EXAMINE IT. IN MY OPINION THE ALTERNATOR SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY WITH THE IGNITION KEY OFF. I JUST DON'T SEE ANY REASON FOR IT. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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2017-04-22

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-04-18
VIN: WBAAV33461E
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: SECOND REAR COIL FAILURE. FIRST WAS 4/2007 AT 39800 MI (REF ODI 10189296). EXACTLY SAME LOCATION IN COIL AS LAST TIME. CORRODED CRACKED SURFACE (>95%) INDICATES PART FAILED LONG BEFORE THE COIL END BROKE OFF AND FLEW OUT OF CAR. FINAL FAILURE WAS UNDER BRAKING. PART WAS FORCEBLY EJECTED AND COULD HAVE INJURED A BYSTANDER OR ONCOMING VEHICLE.

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2017-03-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-03-09
VIN: WBAAW33481E
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I WAS LOCKED INSIDE MY CAR TONIGHT. I ENTERED MY CAR THROUGH THE UNLOCKED DRIVER'S DOOR. OTHER DOORS WERE LOCKED. STARTED ENGINE AND LEFT MY DRIVEWAY. DRIVER'S DOOR LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT MY CAR, THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. DOOR HANDLE PULLED AS IF DISENGAGED TO ANY MECHANICAL CONNECTION OTHER THAN RETURN SPRING. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK DOORS WITH THE CENTER CONSOLE SWITCH TO NO AVAIL. TURNED OFF ENGINE, REMOVED KEY AND ATTEMPTED TO UNLOCK WITH FOB TO NO AVAIL. ATTEMPTED DOOR PULL ON OTHER THREE DOORS WITH RESULTS THE SAME AS PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED. I RETURNED HOME TO MY DRIVEWAY, PARKED THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR WITH NO SUCCESS. I ATTEMPTED WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND ENGINE RUNNING, ENGINE OFF, KEY REMOVED FROM IGNITION, ETC. EVERY OPTION WAS ATTEMPTED. THE ONLY OPERATIONAL UNLOCK MECHANISM WAS FOR THE REAR HATCH GLASS, WHICH BECAME MY EXIT BY MY CRAWLING THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I WAS TRAPPED. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AND INTERLOCKED THE MECHANICAL PULL.

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2015-08-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-08-03
VIN: WBABS33481J
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: TOOK THE CAR TO BMW SERVICE CENTER AT FIELD'S BMW, NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 3 AUGUST 2015 AS SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM LIGHT ALERT STAYS ON AND WAS ADVISED THERE IS A DANGER BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL. STATED THE AIRBAG FOR PASSENGER MAY NOT DEPLOY. BMW AND FIELD'S WILL NOT PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR STATING IS NOT PART OF RECENT RECALL.

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2015-06-25

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-06-30
VIN: WBAAV334X1E
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 BMW 325XI VEHICLE. I LIVE IN THE SOUTH. THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY TAKATA AIRBAG WAS RECALLED BY BMW AND REPLACED WITH ANOTHER TAKATA AIRBAG. THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WAS NOT RECALLED. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT AS CLOSE TO A POTENTIAL PASSENGER, ALTHOUGH BMW CONSIDERED IT VERY NECESSARY TO RECALL, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IS MUCH CLOSER TO THE DRIVER, SINCE IT IS BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS MAKES NO SENSE. BOTH AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AND NOW SHOULD BE RECALLED. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE OR POTENTIAL SERIOUS BODILY INJURY. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL, NOR IS THERE AN OPEN RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG, STATED ON THE SAFERCAR.GOV WEBSITE, WHICH I CONSTANTLY CHECK BY USING MY VIN NUMBER. I URGE YOU TO ORDER A RECALL ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AT ONCE. I HAVE WATCHED AND WILL CONTINUE TO WATCH THE HEARINGS. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED MY GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS AND TAKEN NOTES ON THE HEARINGS. PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR THOROUGH WORK, BUT ALSO PLEASE HELP ME! UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ

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2014-02-09

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-01
Fire: 1
VIN: WBAAV33451E
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: THE OEM TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES OVERHEAT AT THE PLUGIN PIN #3 CAUSING FIRE. THIS AFFECTS BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLIES MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS PROBLEM ALSO AFFECTS THE XENON HEADLAMP FUNCTION CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO FAIL, SOMETIMES BOTH HEADLAMPS AT THE SAME TIME MAKING IT DANGEROUS DURING NIGHT TIME DRIVING. *TR

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2013-11-17

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-20
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: AFTER YOU ENTER 5TH GEAR, THE SHIFTER WILL NOT RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND PREVENTS ACCESS TO 3RD GEAR. THIS WILL ULTIMATELY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO DOWNSHIFT INTO THE INCORRECT GEAR CAUSING ENGINE DAMAGE, DAMAGE TO THE GEARBOX, AND/OR CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS. *TR

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2013-11-17

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-10-15
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: PIN NUMBER 3 ON THE TAILLIGHT BULB HOUSING BEGINS TO MELT AT THE CONNECTION POINT CAUSING ANY NUMBER OF THINGS TO HAPPEN WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. YOU MAY EXPERIENCE FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS, LOSS OF TAILLIGHT FUNCTION, LOSS OF TURN SIGNAL FUNCTION, OR ELECTRICAL FIRE. *TR

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2013-09-29

STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-09-17
VIN: WBAAV33491E
Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: DOOR LOCKS DO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. WHEN UNLOCKING VEHICLE WITH THE REMOTE KEY FOB, THE DOORS ATTEMPT TO UNLOCK BUT DO NOT. WHEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE, PASSENGERS ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND MUST EXIT THROUGH THE WINDOW. IF AN ACCIDENT/FIRE OCCURS, ALL PASSENGERS WILL BE STUCK IN VEHICLE. *TR

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2013-08-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-06-12
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
Summary: MY PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT OUT OF THE BLUE STARTED NOT WORKING AS I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID A SOCKET CONNECTOR THAT INVOLVES THE WIRES HAVE BEEN CORRUPTED AND BURNT OUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS HAZARD WHILE OUT ON THE ROADS,I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER POST ABOUT THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND IM UNAWARE OF ANY RECALLS ABOUT THIS IS ISSUES. THIS IS A ISSUES THAT NEEDS TO HAVE SOME ATTENTION. *TR

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2013-05-17

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
Fire: 1
VIN: WBAAV33441E
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, SHE NOTICED THAT THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET AND WIRING WAS MELTED AND WAS EMITTING SMOKE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000. *TR

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2011-12-13

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
VIN: WBAAV33421E
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT FAILED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT BULB, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

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2001 Bmw 325xi recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2001 Bmw 325xi.

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.

2014-07-16

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: 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 Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag 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, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy: 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. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw 325xi problems:

comman problems with 325xi? | E46 Fanatics Forum

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/comman-problems-with-325xi.645304/

Feb 2, 2009 ... The BMW AWD does bring some added complexity to the car versus the 2wd but in my opinion no more than any other AWD vehicle. Just some of the ...

2001 BMW 325i Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-bmw-325i/problems

Top 2001 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 ...

what are major, common issues for 2000 bmw 325i? - CarGurus

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c22256_ds515953

Mar 13, 2012 ... Most common problems overall (that maintenance won't prevent), water pump, window regulators, crankcase ventilation system (aka oil separator), ...

325i COMMON PROBLEMS | BimmerFest BMW Forum

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/325i-common-problems.467387/

Jul 7, 2010 ... Common problems with the car include the coolant reservoir, the window regulators, suspension bushings, the steering coupler, and a variety of ...