2001 BMW 325I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 325I: 6 recalls, 151 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Wheels Vehicle recall #00V383000 · 2000 · 1,914 vehicles
What's wrong: The machine used to mount and inflate the tires on the wheels at the assembly plant May have damaged the inner rim flange of the wheels.
Why it matters: This could lead to a sudden loss of air from the tire affecting handling and vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the five wheels for possible damage. If damage from the mounting machine is found on any wheel, all five wheels will be replaced.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #01V206000 · 2001 · 76,469 vehicles
What's wrong: The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #02V138000 · 2002 · 1,550 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Why it matters: If this were to occur, engine overheating and subsequent engine damage could result. In addition, it is possible for the failure of the electrical circuitry to cause a fire in the fan control unit located in the front of the engine compartment.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01v206).
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V428000 · 2018 · 574,007 vehicles
What's wrong:
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #19V853000 · 2019 · 74,185 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement nadi inflator May absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture May result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag May not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V018000 · 2020 · 292,948 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #07E023000 · 2007 · 13,128 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain cardone master cylinders with part numbers 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987mza, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, and 11-3156, and with date codes lower than dca7078 sold as replacement equipment for use on the vehicles listed above. The seal on master cylinder can fail and leak brake fluid.
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can result in poor braking performance, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Cardone will notify owners and offer to repurchase any defective master cylinders. The recall began during April 2007. Owners can contact cardone at 1-800-777-4780.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 20 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (46): the most common themes are warning light on (6), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (4).
- Exterior lights (23): the most common themes are warning light on (6), electrical failure (3).
- Electrical (18): the most common themes are door / lock issues (9), electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (3).
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are overheating (5), stalls / loses power (4), fire / smoke (3).
The 2001 BMW 325I has 151 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 20 325I model years for complaints (2.2× the average 325I year). Complaints peaked in 2003 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 9 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (1 complaints, 2 recalls), 2002 (162 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 BMW 325I.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 BMW 325I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW 325I, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 BMW 325I problems?
Owners have filed 151 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (46), exterior lights (23), electrical (18).
What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 325I get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 BMW 325I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.