Is the 2005 BMW 325Ci airbag system reliable?

Airbags are the top complaint area for this year, making up 65% of all complaints (20 of 31). Most reports involve recall parts delays rather than actual airbag deployment failures.

Does the 2005 BMW 325Ci have an airbag recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls, campaign 15V318000 (2015) and campaign 20V018000 (2020), both tied to Takata passenger airbag inflators, and both marked do-not-drive until repaired.

Were there any injuries or crashes linked to the airbag complaints?

No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, fires, or injuries among the 20 airbag complaints filed for this model year.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on this car?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints was 59,500 miles.

2005 BMW 325Ci Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 20 of 31 complaints (65%) filed on the 2005 BMW 325Ci, mostly tied to two Takata-related recalls. Median mileage at failure was 59,500, and no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported in these complaints.

Airbags complaints: 20; 65% of 31 complaints
All complaints this year: 31
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 59,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Owners describe long delays getting the passenger front airbag inflator replaced under recall 14V428/20V018 because replacement parts were on backorder for extended periods.
Some owners report the steering wheel airbag housing bulged or protruded after the recall repair was completed, requiring a return trip to the dealer.
Several owners report never having experienced an actual airbag failure but were unable to get the Takata inflator recall completed due to parts shortages.
One complaint describes a loose wiring harness under the seat that could raise resistance in the SRS system, trigger a warning light, and potentially deactivate the airbag system in a crash.
Owners note repeated recall notifications (14V428000 and 15V318000) referencing the same passenger airbag inflator rupture risk, with some vehicles still unrepaired years after the original notice.

When 2005 BMW 325Ci airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 4, 2014, latest Feb 2, 2020.

20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2014 to Feb 2020; peak Jan 2015 (3).

Airbags recalls for the 2005 BMW 325Ci

NHTSA 20V018000Jan 15, 2020Airbags292,948 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA 15V318000May 28, 2015Airbags419,235 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Airbags complaints by 325Ci model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200520 (65%)
200623 (64%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 BMW 325Ci airbag system reliable?: Airbags are the top complaint area for this year, making up 65% of all complaints (20 of 31). Most reports involve recall parts delays rather than actual airbag deployment failures.
Does the 2005 BMW 325Ci have an airbag recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls, campaign 15V318000 (2015) and campaign 20V018000 (2020), both tied to Takata passenger airbag inflators, and both marked do-not-drive until repaired.
Were there any injuries or crashes linked to the airbag complaints?: No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, fires, or injuries among the 20 airbag complaints filed for this model year.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on this car?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints was 59,500 miles.