2005
BMW 3 Series
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
22 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 3 Series will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the BMW brand score.
The 2005 BMW 3 Series has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2005 BMW 3 Series has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
No Data Available
BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
2008
2009
2010
NA
2011
2012*
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Jan 15, 2020
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant 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.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
20V018000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
292948
AIR BAGS
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 13V-172.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V428000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
574007
AIR BAGS
May 28, 2015
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
What should you do:
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V318000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
419235
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 26, 2011
INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.
What should you do:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V438000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
241000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 29, 2007
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
07E023000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
13128
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