MotorDeets

2001 BMW 325XI: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 BMW 325XI: 2 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
14owner complaints
0mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2001 BMW 325XI
Photo: DieselFordMondeo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

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 #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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Exterior lights5
Electrical4
Airbags2
Brakes1
Body & structure1
Latches & locks1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Seat belts1

What owners describe

The 2001 BMW 325XI has 14 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 13 325XI model years for complaints (well below the 24 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 12 years old, at a median of 140,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (0 complaints, 1 recalls), 2002 (68 complaints, 6 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 6-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172520Premium
2.5 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172319Premium

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 325XI.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 BMW 325XI manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 BMW 325XI manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 BMW 325XI manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 BMW 325XI manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2001 BMW 325XI have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 BMW 325XI. 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 325XI problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (5), electrical (4), airbags (2).

What gas mileage does the 2001 BMW 325XI get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 BMW 325XI 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.

Other 325XI years

2000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012