2001 BMW 325XI Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 10, 2021 · 14 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 325XI years
Far fewer complaints than other years 6th of 13 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 325XI. That ranks 6th out of 13 325XI model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is exterior lighting (5 complaints, 36%), typically at around 143,000 miles. Complaints mention 2 fires. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2001 BMW 325XI problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Exterior Lighting5 · ~143,000 mi
Electrical System4 · ~157,500 mi
Air Bags2 · ~198,000 mi
Engine1 · ~176,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1 · ~172,000 mi
Power Train1 · ~120,000 mi
Seat Belts1 · ~36,875 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~143,000 mi
Structure1 · ~172,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~134,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Exterior Lighting536%143,000——
Electrical System429%157,500——
Air Bags214%198,000——
Engine17%176,000——
Latches/locks/linkages17%172,000——
Power Train17%120,000——
Seat Belts17%36,875——
Service Brakes17%143,000——
Structure17%172,000——
Suspension17%134,000——
Tires17%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 5 complaints
2011: 1201112013: 5201352014: 1201412015: 2201522017: 4201742021: 120211

n = 14 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2001 BMW 325XI recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator moduleDo not driveJan 15, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V018000 · 292,948 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

Air bagsDo not driveJun 11, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 14V428000 · 574,007 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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. 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].

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Tires · received Nov 10, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11439987

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.

Air Bags · received Jul 22, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11010111

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…

Electrical System · received May 11, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10984961

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…

Suspension · received Apr 22, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10979911

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…

Electrical System · received Mar 9, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10959888

Other BMW 325XI years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 BMW 325XI?

Owners most often report exterior lighting, electrical system, air bags problems. The top one, exterior lighting, accounts for 5 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2001 BMW 325XI?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2001 BMW 325XI a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 325XI model years, the 2001 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.