2001 BMW 325I problems
Owners have filed 196 complaints about the 2001 BMW 325I with NHTSA. Air bags account for 26% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 12.8%.
Complaints196
Crashes11
Fires8
Injuries27
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Air bags 26.0% · 51
Exterior lighting 12.8% · 25
Electrical system 9.2% · 18
Engine and engine cooling 9.2% · 18
Visibility 7.1% · 14
Power train 6.1% · 12
Engine 3.1% · 6
Structure 3.1% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire, 27 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the BMW 325I in this data, 2001 draws comparatively few complaints; 2006 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 100,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. While driving approximately 40 mph, the front passenger side air bag inadvertently deployed. The front passenger sustained an injured right arm, which required medical attention. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer (here in gear BMW, I 55, jackson, ms) was notified, but the manufacturer was not. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was 300,000. Air bags · reported at 300,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000. Air bags · reported at 195,000 miles
I just read that your agency have asked BMW to recall 2006 3 series for a defect in the passenger side airbag sensor. I currently have a 2001, BMW 325I. And my passenger side airbag sensor is not working, and last year was repaired by the dealer. This latest occurrence happened after my 12 year old nephew moved the seat. The sensor warning light is on in the dashboard. Air bags · reported at 98,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…