2002 BMW 325CI Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 BMW 325CI, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags2369.7%
- Electrical39.1%
- Body & structure26.1%
- Seat belts13.0%
- Suspension13.0%
- Tires & wheels13.0%
- Engine13.0%
- Exterior lighting13.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact's husband stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed to power on, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster was not working when the vehicle was brought to the dealer. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was not informed if the repair was covered by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the issue was between the contact and the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but on my way home the dash light returned and faults were present after taking to 2 independent specialists. I returned to the dealer and spoke to service manager who said they would review and let me know their findings. They never responded and left me with a car that is now unsafe to drive. I believe this is the result of poor workmanship in addressing an NHTSA recall and has turned a potential safety concern into a real one. I have contacted BMW USA about this as well.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the contact's husband stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster failed to power on, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster was not working when the vehicle was brought to the dealer. The contact was informed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The vehicle was being repaired. In addition, the contact was not informed if the repair was covered by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the issue was between the contact and the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
AFTER COMPLETING A TRIP OF APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES COMING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EGRESS OUT OF VEHICLE WITHOUT ISSUE, PASSENGER DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED. DOOR REMAINED LOCKED WITH SEEMINGLY NO MECHANICAL LINK TO DOOR LATCH. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR FROM OUTSIDE, ALSO UNABLE TO DO SO. PASSENGER HAD TO EGRESS VEHICLE THROUGH DRIVERS DOOR, PASSENGER DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN DESPITE REPEATED USE OF UNLOCK BUTTON ON CENTER CONSOLE AND UNLOCK FEATURE ON KEYLESS ENTRY. AUTOMATIC LOCKING ON DRIVE OFF LOCKED DOORS, OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO UNLOCK OR OPEN DOOR BY ANY MEANS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER COMPLETING A TRIP OF APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES COMING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND BRINGING VEHICLE TO A STOP THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EGRESS OUT OF VEHICLE WITHOUT ISSUE, PASSENGER DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED. DOOR REMAINED LOCKED WITH SEEMINGLY NO MECHANICAL LINK TO DOOR LATCH. DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO OPEN DOOR FROM OUTSIDE, ALSO UNABLE TO DO SO. PASSENGER HAD TO EGRESS VEHICLE THROUGH DRIVERS DOOR, PASSENGER DOOR UNABLE TO OPEN DESPITE REPEATED USE OF UNLOCK BUTTON ON CENTER CONSOLE AND UNLOCK FEATURE ON KEYLESS ENTRY. AUTOMATIC LOCKING ON DRIVE OFF LOCKED DOORS, OCCUPANTS WERE UNABLE TO UNLOCK OR OPEN DOOR BY ANY MEANS. *TR
THE SUBFRAME ON MY 2002 BMW 325CI HAS BROKE IN 2 HALVES IT IS GOING TO COST ALOT OF MONEY TO GET FIXED I HAVE TALKED TO A GUY AT BMW HE TOLD ME THERE WAS OVER 200 CARS AT HIS DEALERSHIP ALONE THIS YEAR GETTING SUBFRAMES REPLACED THE MORE I LOOKED INTO THIS NEARLY ALL BMW E46 MODELS HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE AND BMW HAS NOT RECALLED ANY OF THESE CARS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN PUTTING ON SEATBELT ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE THE SEATBELT WILL GO IN AND MOMENTS LATER DURING DRIVING IT WILL UNCLIQUE AND COME OFF THIS HAPPENS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE NOT ALL THE TIME. JUST HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY MOSTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. YOU CAN HEAR IT CLICK AND SOMETIMES I EVEN PULL IT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLICKED IN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SOMETIMES AFTER I DO THAT IT WILL UNCLICK, IT HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NOT KNOW IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE REAR SEAT BELTS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TODAY, AFTER FILLING UP GAS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 MONTHS, SINCE I PURCHASED THIS NEW USED 2002 BMW 325CI, MODEL WITH NOW 45,000+ MILEAGES. I LIVE IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF RED LIGHT STOP. AS I STOPPED TODAY, AT AROUND 9AM, AFTER THE GAS STATION, MY BREAK NOISE SQUEAK, AND THEN IT WOULD NOT STOP. AS I DRIVE AND STOP ON THE RED LIGHT, MY CAR WOULD JUMP, " BOUNCE FORWARD THEN STOP" BEFORE IT CAN IT FULLY STOP. AS I STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN I COME TO A STOP, IT WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY, THE CAR JUMPS COUPLE INCHES THEN STOPS. I AM FEARING FOR MY SAFETY, AND MY 30DAYS WARRANTY CONTRACT EXPIRES, HOWEVER THE " DEALERSHIP" HAS NEGLECT AND MIS INFORM ME THAT THE CAR HAS SOME MINOR PROBLEMS. IT IS A DISHONEST, AND I HAVE TOLD THEM FROM THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT, THAT, THE BACK WHEELS MAKES NOISE, " SHOCKS, SPRINGS NEEDS TO CHANGE" BUT THE MANAGER, AND SALES MANAGER DISAGREE, AND SAID, "I DON'T HEAR ANYTHING". AS WELL AS " YOU REMEMBER IT IS A USE CAR"... TOTALLY IGNORE MY REQUEST. I CALLED MANY TIMES AND SPOKE TO THEIR ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK AS THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK SOON, WHEN THE MANAGER IS IN, ITS BEEN HOURS BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK AND I CALLED TWICE. MY CAR WAS PURCHASED AT " MIKEHONDAHARVEY.COM" IN BURLINGAME CA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TODAY, AFTER FILLING UP GAS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 MONTHS, SINCE I PURCHASED THIS NEW USED 2002 BMW 325CI, MODEL WITH NOW 45,000+ MILEAGES. I LIVE IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT REQUIRES A LOT OF RED LIGHT STOP. AS I STOPPED TODAY, AT AROUND 9AM, AFTER THE GAS STATION, MY BREAK NOISE SQUEAK, AND THEN IT WOULD NOT STOP. AS I DRIVE AND STOP ON THE RED LIGHT, MY CAR WOULD JUMP, " BOUNCE FORWARD THEN STOP" BEFORE IT CAN IT FULLY STOP. AS I STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN I COME TO A STOP, IT WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY, THE CAR JUMPS COUPLE INCHES THEN STOPS. I AM FEARING FOR MY SAFETY, AND MY 30DAYS WARRANTY CONTRACT EXPIRES, HOWEVER THE " DEALERSHIP" HAS NEGLECT AND MIS INFORM ME THAT THE CAR HAS SOME MINOR PROBLEMS. IT IS A DISHONEST, AND I HAVE TOLD THEM FROM THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT IT, THAT, THE BACK WHEELS MAKES NOISE, " SHOCKS, SPRINGS NEEDS TO CHANGE" BUT THE MANAGER, AND SALES MANAGER DISAGREE, AND SAID, "I DON'T HEAR ANYTHING". AS WELL AS " YOU REMEMBER IT IS A USE CAR"... TOTALLY IGNORE MY REQUEST. I CALLED MANY TIMES AND SPOKE TO THEIR ASSISTANT SALES MANAGER BUT HAVE NOT HEARD BACK AS THEY TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK SOON, WHEN THE MANAGER IS IN, ITS BEEN HOURS BUT HAVEN'T HEARD BACK AND I CALLED TWICE. MY CAR WAS PURCHASED AT " MIKEHONDAHARVEY.COM" IN BURLINGAME CA. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 BMW 325CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WOULD STALL, WHEN HE REDUCED HIS SPEED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THEM TO EXAMINE AND FIX THE ENGINE STALL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, EACH TIME HE VISITED THE DEALER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL ALSO REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT RESPONDED AND FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE, HOWEVER THEY DID NOT PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .