RoadVitals

2005 BMW 325XI Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
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Latest Jun 3, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
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Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
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What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 BMW 325XI, 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

  • Airbags1858.1%
  • Driver assistance39.7%
  • Electrical26.5%
  • Visibility26.5%
  • Brakes26.5%
  • Suspension26.5%
  • Fuel system13.2%
  • Exterior lighting13.2%

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.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11664609 · filed Jun 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V31800 (Air Bags) and 14V428000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11601478 · filed Jul 12, 2024
All 18 reports naming airbags

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING ON BUSY STREETS, UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE AT RED LIGHTS...THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. FORTUNATELY NO BODILY INJURIES, ONLY SMASHED UP CARS...I WILL NOT DRIVE THAT CAR AGAIN AND I DON'T EVEN FEEL GOOD ABOUT SELLING IT TO SOMEONE ELSE .

NHTSA ID 11255373 · filed Sep 13, 2019

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ABS LIGHT ON FUEL SENSOR THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT MULTIPLE CODES R SHOWING UP WHEN VEHICLE HAD A COMPUTER SCAN VEHICLE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET STALLED BRAKES FAILED TO STOP STRIKING A CAR IN FRONT ON I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A USED AR DEALER IN JUNE2016 WHO ASSURED ME HIS WAS A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS THE PROBLEMS STARTED FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKE BRAKES WERE GONE BACK SHOCKS R BROKE N CHECK ENGINES ON ABS LIGHT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10946734 · filed Jan 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ABS LIGHT ON FUEL SENSOR THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT MULTIPLE CODES R SHOWING UP WHEN VEHICLE HAD A COMPUTER SCAN VEHICLE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET STALLED BRAKES FAILED TO STOP STRIKING A CAR IN FRONT ON I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A USED AR DEALER IN JUNE2016 WHO ASSURED ME HIS WAS A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS THE PROBLEMS STARTED FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKE BRAKES WERE GONE BACK SHOCKS R BROKE N CHECK ENGINES ON ABS LIGHT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10946734 · filed Jan 20, 2017

MY WIFE PARKED THE CAR IN THE DOCTORS OFFICE PARKING LOT. IT WAS 58 DEGREES AND RAINING. SHE LEFT OUR FAMILY PET IN THE CAR. WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE SHE SAW THAT THE CAR WAS FULL OF SMOKE. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. THE GLASS IN THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT BREAK UNDER HER STRENGTH EVEN WITH A GLASS HAMMER THAT SOMEONE MANAGED TO RETRIEVE FOR HER. SHE FINALLY REMEMBERED THE KEY AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. OUR DOG WAS LIFELESS, FIRE AND RESCUE TRIED TO REVIVE HER TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE APPARENTLY STARTED SOME WHERE AROUND THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH OR BEHIND THE VENT WHERE THE CABLES FOR THE DOOR PANEL AIRBAG PASS. IT CAUSED THE DOOR AIRBAG AND THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THE FIRE REACHED THE ROOF PANEL BEFORE APPARENTLY SELF EXTINGUISHING DUE TO LACK OF OXYGEN. I ARRIVED ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. ALTHOUGH THE LOSS OF MY DOG IS A TRAGEDY THE REALLY HORRIBLE PART IS FINDING THAT I COULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER DOORS. THE KEY FOB WILL NOT OPEN THE LOCKS. I CLIMBED ACROSS THE DRIVERS SEAT AND COULD NOT OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. I REACHED BACK AND COULD NOT OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR FROM THE INSIDE EITHER. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THERE IS A DEFECT IN WHICH PASSENGERS CAN NOT EXTRACT THEMSELVES FROM A BURNING AUTOMOBILE? WITH ALL OF THE SAFETY FEATURES OF MODERN AUTOMOBILES WAS EGRESS OVERLOOKED? I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT THE NHTSA LOOKS INTO THIS AND ENSURES THAT IT ISN'T CHILDREN THAT ARE TRAPPED IN THE FUTURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10578118 · filed Apr 7, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOW MOTOR/WINDOW REGULATOR WITH 3/4 WINDOWS IN THIS CAR! THEY ARE ALL ORIGINAL TO THE CAR. I NEED THEM FIXED BECAUSE IT IS A VISIBILITY/SAFETY ISSUE. WHAT IF IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY I NEED TO OPEN MY WINDOWS AND THEY DON'T WORK? I CHECKED ONLINE AND MANY MANY OWNERS OF THIS MODEL HAVE THE EXACT SAME ISSUE THUS I KNOW FOR A FACT IT IS A DEFECT WITH THE CAR. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT, I JUST FOUND OUT I CAN REPORT IT TO NHTSA. I READ ONLINE ABOUT A GUY WITH THE SAME CAR WHO WAS GRANTED A REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT IS DEEMED A DEFECT AND I WOULD LIKE THE SAME.

NHTSA ID 11204016 · filed Apr 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OPEN/CLOSE CONTROLS FOR THE REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 2/4/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SIMILAR VEHICLES WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT BECAUSE THE DEALERS IN GERMANY ARE UNDER SOFA AGREEMENT. UPDATED 02/20/2013 *JS

NHTSA ID 10487858 · filed Dec 10, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ABS LIGHT ON FUEL SENSOR THE CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IT MULTIPLE CODES R SHOWING UP WHEN VEHICLE HAD A COMPUTER SCAN VEHICLE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET STALLED BRAKES FAILED TO STOP STRIKING A CAR IN FRONT ON I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A USED AR DEALER IN JUNE2016 WHO ASSURED ME HIS WAS A SAFE CAR TO DRIVE AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 2 MONTHS THE PROBLEMS STARTED FRONT STRUTS WERE BROKE BRAKES WERE GONE BACK SHOCKS R BROKE N CHECK ENGINES ON ABS LIGHT IS ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10946734 · filed Jan 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COILS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HAND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE IF THE HAND BRAKE WAS ON OR NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ID 10426754 · filed Sep 22, 2011

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR COILS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE REAR COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HAND BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE IF THE HAND BRAKE WAS ON OR NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ID 10426754 · filed Sep 22, 2011

I HAVE A 2005 BMW 325XI WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. I AM TOLD BOTH REAR SPRINGS ARE BROKEN. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THIS IS A MUCH TOO FREQUENT PROBLEM SEEN ON 3 SERIES BMW'S. IN 40 YEARS OF OWNING AUTOMOBILES, I HAVE NEVER BEFORE HAD ONE WITH A BROKEN SPRING. THIS SEEMS LIKE AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM AND ONE THAT WOULD BE CAUSED BY FAULTY EQUIPMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10384796 · filed Feb 28, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING MY 2005 BMW 325 XI ON TWO CONSECUTIVE MORNINGS, ON THE THIRD THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ON THE PRECEDING DAYS AFTER IT DID START THE CAR RAN NORMALLY THE REST OF THE DAY AND WOULD START WITHOUT HESITATION WITHIN THE SAME DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER NOT STARTING ON THE THIRD DAY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I HAD "CONTAMINATED FUEL" AND THAT THE FOLLOWING PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED: FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, & FUEL FILTER. THEIR INITIAL REASON FOR THE FAILURE WAS THAT I PURCHASED CONTAMINATED FUEL FROM A FUEL RETAILER. THEIR STORY CHANGED WHEN PRESSED THAT ETHANOL IN THE FUEL ABSORBS CONTAMINATES AND FOULS FUEL SYSTEM. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION IT SEEMS THAT A COATING ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK REACTS WITH THE FUEL, POSSIBLY BREAKS DOWN AND FOULS THE FUEL SYSTEM. BMW CORPORATE WOULD ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE SO I GOT MY AUTO INSURANCE COMPANY STATE FARM INVOLVED. STATE FARM IS INVESTIGATING BUT AS OF TODAY I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $1802.81 REPAIR BILL. I ASKED HOW TO AVOID THIS OCCURRING AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT "...IT PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. THE FUEL YOU USED TO PURCHASE CONTAINED MBTE AND THAT ADDITIVE WAS ABSORBED INTO THE TANK. WHEN THE MBTE WAS REPLACED BY ETHANOL THE ETHANOL REACTED WITH THE MBTE AND CONTAMINATED THE FUEL. SINCE MBTE IS NO LONGER USED THE ISSUE SHOULD NOT ARISE AGAIN. AS I PULLED BEHIND THE DEALERSHIP AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I COUNTED ELEVEN FUEL TANKS STACKED BEHIND THE BUILDING. *NM

NHTSA ID 10159147 · filed Jun 6, 2006

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT WIRES BECAME LOOSE, CAUSING THEM TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE OPEN/CLOSE CONTROLS FOR THE REAR PASSENGER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 2/4/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED SIMILAR VEHICLES WERE RECALLED BECAUSE OF THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT BECAUSE THE DEALERS IN GERMANY ARE UNDER SOFA AGREEMENT. UPDATED 02/20/2013 *JS

NHTSA ID 10487858 · filed Dec 10, 2012

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

Data on this page last refreshed .