2003 BMW 325IT recalls and problems

The 2003 BMW 325IT has 2 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Urgent: recall 20V-018, recall 13V-172 carry a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
2
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 BMW 325IT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 BMW 325IT recalls

Recall 20V-018: Air Bags

Do not driveReported Jan 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

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 13V-172: Air Bags

Do not driveReported May 2, 2013 · 43,204 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the 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, the inflator could rupture with 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 intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

2003 BMW 325IT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Engine1
Steering1
Visibility/Wiper1
Unknown or Other1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 176,000 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 2003 BMW 325IT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 16, 2021
When the vehicle is without electrical power the door locks cannot be opened from the inside. In the event of any type of emergency that eliminates power and which requires the occupants to exit (fire, fumes, injury after a crash) the occupants are unable to open the doors. On this particular vehicle when there is no power only the driver's door can be unlocked with a key, and to use that method to unlock the door the window must be rolled down...also impossible without power. This seems to be a major safety problem. Has there been a recall or service bulletin to address this problem?
Electrical System · at 176,000 miles · reported Nov 24, 2015
Central locking system near total failure with possibility of becoming trapped in vehicle. Also, on a minor note, windshield washer doesn't work. The lock, window, wiper, and maybe other relays are located on a circuit board making it impossible to be swapped out by the average person. This means a high repair cost which means that as these vehicles come onto the used market and being the amazing value that they are, current owners may be unable or unwilling to have this fixed immediately and simply not use the locks or whatever else has a relay failure. Due to the security features and such…
Engine · at 50,000 miles · reported Oct 11, 2014
My 2003 bmw 325it stalls unexpectedly while driving. The engine shuts down, I loose power steering, the check engine light goes on and have to pull off the road. I then put it in park and start the engine again. This started to happen in 2011 and now occurs with increasing frequency. It happened three times in 2014, including today october 11, 2014, while I was driving on a two lane road at about 40 MPH. I AM very worried about my personal safety and hope to have an early response from you about this critical matter. I have also written to bmw corporation. I AM the original owner of the car…

Other BMW 325IT years

Compare all BMW 325IT years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 BMW 325IT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 BMW 325IT: 20V-018 (air bags), 13V-172 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 BMW 325IT?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by engine (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 176,000 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.