2004 BMW 325ci recalls and problems
The 2004 BMW 325ci has 2 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 BMW 325ci vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 BMW 325ci recalls
Recall 20V-018: Air Bags
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.
Recall 15V-318: Air Bags
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
2004 BMW 325ci problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 41 | |
| Power Train | 10 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Seats | 3 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 7
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
- Electrical System › Ignition › Module — 1
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 75,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 BMW 325ci complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 325ci years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 BMW 325ci have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 BMW 325ci: 20V-018 (air bags), 15V-318 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 BMW 325ci?
Owners report air bags problems most often (41 reports), followed by power train (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 75,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.