RoadVitals

1995 BMW 325I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 BMW 325I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes513.5%
  • Transmission513.5%
  • Body & structure410.8%
  • Engine410.8%
  • Airbags38.1%
  • Driver assistance38.1%
  • Fuel system25.4%
  • Electrical25.4%
  • Seat belts25.4%
  • Steering25.4%
  • Suspension25.4%
  • Tires & wheels25.4%
  • Visibility12.7%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 23, 2009

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED 5 MONTHS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID 894049 · filed Aug 10, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION FAILED FOR SECOND TIME, VEHICLE HAS FEWER THAN 60,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAS A SYSTEM WHICH BASICALLY SHUTS DOWN THE VEHICLE WHEN A "WARNING" IS GENERATED, AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. WOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR ISSUE IF I HAVE BEEN ON A FREEWAY. *LA

NHTSA ID 10045664 · filed Nov 7, 2003

VEHICLE JUMPED FROM 1ST GEAR TO NEUTRAL.*AK *TS *JB

NHTSA ID 10031924 · filed Sep 23, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 1, 2010

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 · filed Sep 1, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 17, 2015

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 · filed Feb 5, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 23, 2009

AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON THE DASHBOARD FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS. SEVERAL COMPUTERS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, NONE HAVE WORKED. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 862821 · filed May 31, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 23, 2009

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 · filed Feb 5, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Apr 23, 2009

LEAKING GAS TANKS , AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE SHOULD NOT BE ROUTINE PROBLEMS ON A CAR. OTHER BMW OWNERS HAVE SAID THEY HAVE SIMMILAR PROBLEMS BUT SEEM TO JUST SPEND THE MONEY AT THE DEALER TO FIX. DOES THE NTSA KEEP A RECORD OF THESE ACTIVITES? MR

NHTSA ID 768258 · filed Oct 8, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 27, 2004

I ALSO GET THE BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT PROBLEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THE SHORT IS ACTUALLY IN THE BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING, AND THE METAL CLIP GETS ERODED FROM A HEAT BUILD UP DUE TO THE SHORT. THIS CAUSES A SMALL HOLE IN THE METAL CLIP OF THE BULB, AND THEREFORE, EACH TIME YOU REPLACE THE BULBS, YOU GET A NEW HOLE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS, AND I JUST KEEP REPLACING THE BULBS AND THE PARTS, SINCE MY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED. ( I HAVE A '95 325 I THAT I BOUGHT IN '97.) I ALSO HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LOCK MECHANISM - SOMETIMES THE DRIVERS SIDE LOCK WILL NOT UNLOCK AUTOMATICALLY WITH THE FRONT SEATS. IT IS JUST EXPECTED THAT BMWS HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. PERHAPS NEXT TIME I WILL GET A HONDA.*JB

NHTSA ID 10010239 · filed Mar 10, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10063079 · filed Mar 11, 2004

SRS WARNING LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON AFTER STARTING THEN GOES OUT AFTER ABOUT 2-3 MINUTES. ALWAYS COMES US AS A CODE 24 FOR BELT BUCKLE SWITCH, HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE AND CLEARED CODE. THE CODE REAPPEARS WITHIN 3 WEEKS. THE SWITCH/SENSOR IS A DEALER ITEM AND THEY CHARGE $110 OR SO TO REPLACE IT AND SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. DT

NHTSA ID 770045 · filed Nov 23, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND LOST STEERING POWER AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE/ CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. POWER STEERING PULLEY PUMP BROKE, THAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM TO START.*AK

NHTSA ID 875085 · filed Nov 16, 2000

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA ID 710670 · filed Aug 29, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 1, 2010

NO SUMMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 755642 · filed Dec 14, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 3, 2006

ON AUGUST 9,2001 A LEFT REAR TIRE DISINTEGRATED AT 60MPH. THE BRIDGESTONE FIRESTONE REPRESENTATIVE(AFTER CONTENDING THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT) AGREED TO REPLACE THE TIRE (STILL UNDER WARRANTEE - ABOUT HALF THE TREAD LEFT). WE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING A SLOW LEAK ON THE RIGHT FRONT AND ON THE DAY OF THE FAILURE HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP TO BE TOLD THAT NOTHING COULD BE DETECTED IN THE RF TIRE - PRESSURE HAD BEEN CHECKED ON THE REAR. SUBSEQUENTLY WE CONTINUED TO LOOSE AIR IN THE RF TIRE AND EXPERIENCE A SHIMMY IN THE CAR. WE TOOK IT TO A COMPETITIOR WHO IN CHECKING THE TIRE DISCOVERED SIGNIFICANT DELAMINATION ON THE INSIDE EDGE TREAD OF THE TIRE. IN ADDITION THE REMAINING TWO TIRES ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF DELAMINATION OF TREAD AND BELT. WE SWITCHED TO WINTER TIRES EARLY AND I HAVE THE SUSPECT TIRES IN MY POSSESSION. A CALL TO THE DISTRICT MANAGER OF BRIDGESTONE-FIRESTONE INDICATED NO INTEREST IN CHECKING ON THE POTENTIAL FOR A DEFECT OR COMPENSATION CONSISTENT WITH THE WARRANTY. BECAUSE ALL FOUR TIRES FROM THAT SET DELAMINATED IN THE SAME PLACE AND IN THE SAME WAY AND AT THE SAME TIME I AM HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE COMPANY ALREADY HAS A TRACK RECORD OF FAILURE AND MY EXPERIENCE WITH PERSONNEL INDICATES COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR THE SAFETY ISSUES, EVEN AFTER THE PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHERS WHO MAY NOT BE AS VIGILANT ABOUT TIRES COULD FALL VICTIM TO AUTO ACCIDENTS. CAN SOMETHING BE DONE. I WILL RETAIN THE TIRES FOR INSPECTION PENDING YOUR INTEREST IN THE ISSUE. THANK YOU. (DOT NUMBER: DLF076 TIRESIZE: P215/60R15)

NHTSA ID 752867 · filed Oct 3, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FILM ON REAR WINDOW CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY.

NHTSA ID 519248 · filed Jul 8, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .