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Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW 325xi

BMW 325xi Models:

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BMW 325xi Problems

Front Outer CV Boots May Tear

Drive Train -- Verified

After 60,000 miles, the front outer half-shaft boots tend to tear and leak grease. In most cases, only the boot will have to be replaced; however, if it is not repaired soon enough, the half-shaft may need to be replaced. The front outer boots are put under heavy stress because of their involvement with the suspension when making turns.

Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak

Engine -- Verified

Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.

Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up

Miscellaneous -- Verified

A creak or squeak can be heard from the top of the front or rear doors. This noise is most noticeable when the windows are fully up. The noise is caused by the decay of the flocking material on the door seals. New door seals, Teflon tape, special lube, or a combination of all of these may be needed to eliminate the noise.

Water Pump May Develop Coolant Leak

Engine -- Verified

The low coolant light may illuminate and/or the engine may overheat as a result of a coolant leak from the water pump. The leaking pump will require replacement and the entire cooling system should be inspected for leaks as it is not uncommon to find multiple leaks on higher mileage vehicles.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and hav...

Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank

Engine -- Verified

An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank resulting in engine overheating. When a cooling system component fails the entire cooling system should be inspected. It is not uncommon to find additional component have failed or are leaking.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.

BMW 325xi Recalls (Recent)

BMW 325xi Recall 08V384000

Body, Interior & Misc.

Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

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BMW 325xi Recall 02V088000

Brakes, March 25, 2002

Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A PROBLEM IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN THE CREATION OF A CRACK WHERE THE BRAKE DISC AND THE PARKING BRAKE DRUM MEET. FURTHER CRACKING OF THE ROTOR COULD OCCUR DUE TO BRAKING TORQUE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AND THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE BRAKE DRUM, CONNECTED TO THE WHEEL HUB, WOULD COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE DISC.

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One or More Rear Lights May Stop Working

Electrical & Lights, August 25, 2011

RepairPal Expert Overview:

High resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more of the rear lights to stop working. Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will repair the affected vehicles as necessary to correct this concern.

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Control Arm Bolt May Not Be Tight

Suspension & Steering, November 21, 2006

RepairPal Expert Overview:

On 25 vehicles, the bolt securing the front control arm and swivel bearing were not tightened to specification and could loosen over time. If the nuts loosen, vehicle handling and control could be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will tighten the front control arm and swivel bearing connection to the correct specifications. The recall began November 21, 2006.

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BMW 325xi Questions and Answers

liz pava, 2001 BMW 325xi, New York, NY

besides replacing the spark plugs, what else is recommended for this car?

boripapichulo2k, 2001 BMW 325xi, New Brunswick, NJ

i bought a 2001 bmw 325xi wagon i put gas and shortly after a few highway miles the service engine light came on i tried tightin the gas cap but i need to know how to reset the light

shannonk927, 2001 BMW 325xi, East Liverpool, OH

I'm pretty sure my fuel pump went out on my 2001 BMW 325xi. Can anyone tell me where it's located. Is it under my passenger side rear seat or in the tank? How difficult is it to replace?

Visitor, 2001 BMW 325xi, East Hanover, NJ

a wiring harness was unplugged under the hood and i need to know where it goes

racine, 2001 BMW 325xi, Summit, MS

I just had the thermostat replaced along with the power steering hoses. A week later driving 120 miles round trip I noticed some vibration from the left side upon acceleration. The car did not pu...

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BMW 325xi Reviews

Love the car
Unbelievably good in the snow
Hate that it needs premium gas
Brakes have been a problem
Also have replaced two window regulators

Bought this car used in 2010 with 90K miles-first mistake buying it; second was keeping it. Nothing but problems. Oil leak, coolant leak, air conditioning had to be replaced, power windows had to be replaced-both motor and glass-cause it exploded while driving. Now sunroof is off track. in 2 1/2 years I have owned this car it has been in the shop every 3 months for something. The only good thing about the car is the brakes. Will never buy another used or new BMW again and will not buy any vehicle from the BMW dealership I bought this one from-within 6 weeks of owning the car had to have a complete tune up. Cannot say anything nice about BMW 325xi.

just got her with 80k she drove like new but overheated the first day the dealer fixed her now she has much more power feels like a brand new one a big difference from the 1999 323i i just got out of

I just purchased this car yesterday in jet black. On the way home it drove fantastic. Best car I've driven in a while! There are some posts with people that don't agree that this is a good car but i'm very pleased with it. I had it inspected and everything and the dealer paid for the right front control arm and never changed the cars price for me and I did not even know him! So all in all this car checkout to be a great little car for weekends, but if I could make a comment it would be that the steering is a little on the heavy side but yet again its a pretty heavy car. And I love the smell of the leather seats and the touch of the steering wheel.

Great Car for now and the future (I Hope)

Wipers Won't Park. For some reason winshield wiper will not Park when it is shut off. This started happening in late 2011. I have read some info that it could be the motor or the relay.

BMW 325xi Model Years
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