BMW 325I Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the BMW 325I across 7 model years. The 2006 model year has the most (85). The words owners use most often: “fire department” (5% of reports).
- 202electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 5mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fire department: mentioned in 11 of 202 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 148 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 202 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 30 a fire, 5 an injury.
BMW 325I electrical system complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system:wiring
Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's mother. The contact's mother owned a 2005 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the contact's brother noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact's brother used a nearby water hose and extinguished the…
While driving the vehicle, the blower (A/C) began to cycle on and off. Then I began to smell electrical smoke. Then I began to see smoke coming from vents and where the windshield meets the dashboard, closer to the passenger side. I pulled over and shut off the car as the smoke was getting worse…
The Valvetronic Actuator malfunctions. The malfunction may have been caused by a Battery Positive Cable that has corroded over time. The result is that the vehicle stops unexpectedly during acceleration. Driver safety and that of others is put at risk due to the vehicle suddenly losing power and…
I cannot use put my windows up/down, cannot open the trunk, cannot use interior lights, cannot unlock my gas lid. Due to a broke. Electronic part called the GM5
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 325i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the A/C became inoperable and made an abnormally loud sound. The contact then noticed an abnormal burning wiring odor, and there was smoke coming out of the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact…
Frequently asked questions
Do all BMW 325Is have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 202 owner complaints about electrical system for the BMW 325I. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the BMW 325I electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the BMW 325I?
The most frequent phrase is “fire department”, in 11 of 202 complaints.
Other BMW 325I problems
- Air Bags problems (501)
- Exterior Lighting problems (187)
See all BMW 325I problems.