RoadVitals

1995 BMW 325I

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
31
Latest Jun 17, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 4, 1998
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 31 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 BMW 325I, most frequently naming the brakes, transmission and body & structure categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes513.5%
  • Transmission513.5%
  • Body & structure410.8%
  • Engine410.8%
  • Airbags38.1%
  • Driver assistance38.1%
  • Fuel system25.4%
  • Electrical25.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
98V178000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

Aug 4, 1998
340,000 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
The risk: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov
97V131000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 19, 1997
410,000 units potentially affected
The defect: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKEView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 31
Engine
Filed Jun 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEEDLE WENT TO THE HOT POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND OBSERVED THAT THE RADIATOR WAS STEAMING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR AND THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V178000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

NHTSA ID
10725759
Incident
Jun 3, 2015
Mileage
150,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Jun 1, 2010

1- STEERING SHAKES A LOT AT SPEED 45 AND OVER AND UNEVEN WEAR ON BOTH FRONT TIRE. 2- THE SHOP LIFTED UP THE CAR AND SAID THAT BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDING THE SWAY BAR ARE RUSTED THROUGH AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE BUT TO GO TO THE DEALER. 3- WELL THE DEALER WAS NOT CO-OPERATIVE ON THE ISSUE AND WANT ME TO PAY FOR THE FIX. *TR

NHTSA ID
10334171
Incident
Jun 1, 2010
Mileage
189,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesDriver assistance+1 more
Filed Apr 23, 2009

TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO BMW - TO HAVE (THROTTLE RECALL ) WORK PERFORMED. APPARENTLY, IT WAS NOT DONE OR IF IT WAS DONE, WAS NOT TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND NOW, THE VEHICLE WILL JUMP FORWARD, WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALSO, BMW HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SHORT IN THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT. WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED, THE 'CHECK 1 REAR BRAKE LIGHT' WILL ILLUMINATE - FOR ABOUT 5 - 7 MINUTES. AIRBAG LIGHT WILL ALSO COME ON WHEN THE BRAKE IS APPLIED. NOW THE VEHICLE WILL STALL IN TRAFFIC, RPM' IS FINE AT 70 MILES PER HOUR ( NOT SAFE), I WOULD PREFER TO DRIVE THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT - IN CALIFORNIA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE INTO THIS MATTER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10266446
Incident
Apr 11, 2009
Mileage
196,061 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Feb 5, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SAFETY RECALL 98V178000 CONCERNIG ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. HOWEVER , THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT'S COMPLAINED THAT THEY RECALL INVOLVED THE SAME T FAILURE AS THE CONTACT WAS HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE.. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FIRST OVERHEATED ON 02/04/07, AND THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. SHE WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND THE WEATHER WAS COLD, BUT NICE. ALSO, THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL 97V131000 WITHN WHICH SHE CURRENTLY DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM. HOWEVER SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THAT REPAIRED AS WELL. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD IN THIS CASE THAT THE SAFETY RECALL DIED NOT APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THE VIN EITHER. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRS MADE UNDER THE RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ID
10181667
Incident
Jan 4, 2007
Mileage
29,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 3, 2006

BOUGHT FOUR GOODYEAR ASSURANCE TRIPLE TREAD TIRES (WARRANTY FOR 80,000 - 85,000 MILES) AT BELLE TIRE IN JUNE '05. (TIRES NEVER FELT RIGHT.) BY NOVEMBER '05, AFTER ONLY 10,000 MILES, TIRES WERE WORN TO THE TREAD BAR. BELLE TIRE BLAMED EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE TIRE, WENT TO 3 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND WAITED OVER TWO WEEKS FOR PROBLEM TO BE 'RESOLVED'. ISSUE WAS NOT RESOLVED TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. ALSO, BELLE TIRE CHARGED FOR AN ALIGNMENT IN JUNE '05, WHEN IN FACT THE LOCATION DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO DO THE ALIGNMENT (GERMAN-ENGINEERED VEHICLES REQUIRE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT). BELLE TIRE REFUSED TO REIMBURSE THE ALLEGED 'ALIGNMENT'. *JB

NHTSA ID
10146744
Incident
Jun 23, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Sep 1, 2004
Crash reported3 injuries reported

I WAS THE VICTIM OF A HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED MY CAR. AFTER I INITIATED THE INSURANCE CLAIM PROCESS I FOUND OUT THAT I BOUGHT A CAR THAT HAD A "SALVAGE TITLE" WHICH I NEVER KNEW IT HAD. THE DEALER SOLD THE CAR TO ME FOR "FULL KELLEY BLUE BOOK PRICE" AND THE FINANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN COLLECTING MY PAYMENTS BASED ON THE CAR BEING A NON-DEFECT TITLE CAR. ALSO MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN ACCEPTING FULL COVERAGE PAYMENTS FROM ME, HOWEVER, AFTER I HAD THE ACCIDENT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DISCOVERED IT WAS A "SALVAGE TITLE", NOW THE INSURANCE COMPANY ONLY WANTS TO PAY FOR THE "SALVAGE VALUE" OF THE CAR. I HAVE A 1995 BMW 325I. THE CAR WAS FINANCED, THROUGH THE AUTO DEALERSHIP FOR $15,000. I WAS NEVER TOLD IT WAS A "SALVAGE TITLED CAR". NOW, THE INSURANCE COMPANY ONLY WANTS TO PAY $3,500. I'VE BEEN PAYING ON THE CAR FOR THREE YEARS, $360 PER MONTH. I STILL OWE $11,000 ON THE FINANCE AGREEMENT. DIDN'T THE FINANCE COMPANY KNOW I'D BOUGHT A SALVAGED VEHICLE? AREN'T ALL THREE ENTITIES GUILTY OF OVERCHARGING ME FOR A SALVAGE VEHICLE?*AK

NHTSA ID
10088953
Incident
Aug 21, 2004
Electrical
Filed Jun 27, 2004

DEALER RECOMMENDS THAT TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES BE REPLACED BECAUSE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS HAVE WORN, LEAVING BRAKE LIGHTS UNRELIABLE. HOW CAN A NON-MOVING ELECTRICAL PART WEAR OUT? *JB

NHTSA ID
10078876
Incident
Jun 24, 2004
Seat belts
Filed Mar 11, 2004

THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. *PH *NM

NHTSA ID
10063079

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

11 01 97

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

COOLANT HOSE RUBBING. *TW

41/03/96

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

WIND NOISE DIAGNOSTICS. *TW

65/17/96

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

WHINING NOISE DURING CD OPERATION. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 325I by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012100—
2011130—
2010030—
2009030—
2008130—
2007130—
20065157359.7
2005715561.5
20041475562.1
20031998361.2
20021627365.5
20011517056.6
2000120—
1999010—
1995Viewing312048.8
1994173044.7
1993213040.2
1992404050.8
1991400—
1990500—
1989800—
1988500—
1987501—
1986001—
1985001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.