1992 BMW 325: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 1991 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 bmw 325. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to backfire and lose power. The mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle would also hesitate and shake when it was initially started. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 206,000 and failure mileage was 198,880.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2008
“When shifting gears front will make a crackling noise. *ak consumer states entire back end suspension (struts left and right) holding the rear wheels, transmission differentials to the frame of the vehicle is separating from the frame, dealer has been informed, however refuses to acknowledge liability or investigate possible product design defect. *slc”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
“Consumer contacted manufacturer in reference to recall number 98v178000, consumer noted there was no dealer within a 500 mile radius. Manufacturer will not send another dealer parts to correct the problem. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 1999
Show 6 more owner reports
“Windows fog up and do not cool properly. Dealer not aware of problem. Repairwork not done. Provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · May 1999
“Was pulling from stop light, had applied brakes suddenly and brakes failed to stop vehicle. Rearended another vehicle. Driver's air bag deployed & broke driver's arm. Vehicle towed to dealer. Plastic housing of cruise control cable had broken. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1998
“The rear crossmember to subframe and to the floor pan broke off, causing the subframe to fall down while driving. Could result in loss of vehicle control. Cause unknown. Dealer is aware of problem but cannot determine the cause. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 1997
“ABS, brake calipers on the front lockup at hwy speed while driving 50 mph,also loss of brake pedal went to the floor. Tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 1995
“Headlight lens covers were originally 100 percent transparent. Over the years, with no abuse, they seem to becoming increasingly yellowed. It is to the point that they diminish the effectiveness of the headlights.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting
“The steering is making a loud noise when you turn the wheel, clutch slipped in and out of gear and makes a grainding noise. *ak”Owner report · Power Train
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 208. THE DRIVER'S CHEST RESULTANT ACCELERATION EXCEEDED THE ALLOWABLE 60 G'S IN A CRASH TEST WHEN THE SEAT HEIGHT CHANGES ADJUSTMENT UNDER SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT.
Remedy: INSTALL A DAMPER ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION, BETWEEN THE CUSHION FRAME AND THE SEAT TRACK. IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT THE DAMPER WILL HYDRAULICALLY LOCK, PREVENTING A CHANGE IN SEAT HEIGHT.
How other years compare
Check your exact 325 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 BMW 325 reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 BMW 325. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1992 BMW 325 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.