Known Recalls

Model year record

2006 BMW 325I

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 721 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 24V513000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
394,029
Reported to NHTSA
2024-07-03
Owners notified
2024-08-30

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall campaignNHTSA 20V017000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
59,965
Reported to NHTSA
2020-01-15
Owners notified
2020-03-11

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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.

Safety risk

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall campaignNHTSA 19V273000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)

Component
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
184,505
Reported to NHTSA
2019-04-04
Owners notified
2019-05-30

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Safety risk

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Recall campaignNHTSA 14V428000

Air bags

Component
Air bags
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
574,007
Reported to NHTSA
2018-06-11
Owners notified
2014-12-01

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V676000

Electrical system: wiring

Component
Electrical system: wiring
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
702,965
Reported to NHTSA
2017-10-25
Owners notified
2018-06-29

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Safety risk

Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall campaignNHTSA 17V428000

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification

Component
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
2,158
Reported to NHTSA
2017-07-06
Owners notified
2017-09-01

Defect description

BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Safety risk

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall campaignNHTSA 13V564000

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification

Component
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Vehicles affected
76,565
Reported to NHTSA
2013-11-12
Owners notified
2014-08-29

Defect description

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Safety risk

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Air bags21185,000 mi
Electrical system8384,000 mi
Engine52100,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages4354,000 mi
Steering3981,000 mi
Seat belts3889,000 mi
Air bags: frontal3760,000 mi
Unknown or other3295,600 mi
Seats3090,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling2270,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system11177,373 mi
Tires108,000 mi
Exterior lighting879,527 mi
Power train882,000 mi
Vehicle speed control8154,000 mi
Service brakes795,443 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)547,350 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch560,000 mi
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification4130,000 mi
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger4150,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine480,393 mi
Structure: body482,000 mi
Suspension416,500 mi
Tires: tread/belt410,000 mi
Structure: body: door334,941 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module258,105 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel285,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline2100,019 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system22,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission230,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic215,522 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip22,400 mi
Structure258,559 mi
Tires: sidewall28,000 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly263,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module196,000 mi
Electrical system: horn1—
Electrical system: ignition1—
Electrical system: ignition: module12,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1550 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger120 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual11,300 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights136,000 mi
Firerelated1178,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly11,500 mi
Seat belts: front14,826 mi
Seat belts: front: warning light/devices112,901 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments18,000 mi
Structure: body: hood1—
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems120 mi
Visibility139,415 mi
Visibility/wiper1146,172 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor194,650 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior138,000 mi
Visibility: windshield11,390 mi
Wheels172,000 mi

The 2005 model has 9 times as many complaints as this one. The 2007 model has 721 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Open investigations

An investigation is not a recall. It indicates that NHTSA is currently evaluating an alleged defect but has not reached a final determination.

EA15001Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Air bags: frontal

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.