1994 BMW 325: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 1993 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Car lost power due to problem with transmission. Car has 120,000 miles and new transmission was also required at 55,000 in 2000. Bmw 3 series transmissions seem to be defective. There are numerous complaints of transmissions suddenly failing in 3 series. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2011
“The vehicle's engine failed at 80,000 miles. *nm the consumer was told that his engine was not repairable because it would not hold oil . *tc the engine had been well maintained. The consumer was also informed that a new water pump was needed. *sc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2004
“Brake light switch was repaired once under recall. Consumer stated that there was a light coming on that said check brake light circuit. Consumer stated this light constantly came on. *ak consumer feels the brake switch is also faulty, however dealer will not replace it. *slc”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Airbag light is on. Took to dealer, and they said airbag control unit failed. Airbag won't deploy in an accident. *ak *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2001
“Recall #98v-178.000/bmw/coolant system: radiator cap malfunctioned, causing three hoses to blow. Also, heater control valve failed and caused steam to enter into vehicle while driving. Approximately a week or less later , a manufacturer's recall notice received. Notified manufacturer, and was informed that coolant system, radiator cap malfuctioning was not the cause of vehicle problem. Seeking help in this matter from NHTSA. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1999
“Vehicle took off by itself and the airbag's did not deploy upon impact.vehicle was totaled.manufacturer has been notified. Owner states that there is a safety notice campaign. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 1997
“While driving experienced engine surging, as though in neutral gear, also experienced transmission hesitation while accelerating. *ak *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 1996
“On certain stretches of california freeways having a long downgrade with car travelling at 55 mph, brakes fade, emit a smell, and it is difficult to slow or stop car unless 2 feet are used on the pedal. This happened twice at two locations (i5 grapevine @ bakersfield heading north, and i580 near livermore heading east).*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1994
“Unable to unlock steering wheel and gear shift lever with key unless steering wheel is violently pulled. Dealer was notified of this problem many times since car was new but did not/could not correct it.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 1994
“All four doors and driver seat rattle constantly. After numerous visits to the dealer, the bmw area rep finally ordered that tape be placed around the doors. This took 4 years to achieve and cured the door rattles for one day, upon which they returned. By the time the area rep returned, the car was out of warranty. I had to move away for a job change. The next step would have been to replace rubber door seals. The dealer also damaged the driver seat, causing it to rattle and squeak, the first visit to repair the door problem. Neither the door or seat rattles have been fixed to this day.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Mar 1994
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
IN A FMVSS NO. 208 30 MILES-PER-HOUR COMPLIANCE TEST, AN UNBELTED TEST DRIVER DUMMY'S CHEST MAXIMUM RESULTANT ACCELERATION WAS 70.8 G'S, WHICH EXCEEDS THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VALUE OF 60 G'S. ALSO, THE UNBELTED PASSENGER DUMMY'S LEFT FEMUR MAXIMUM LOAD WAS 2361 LBS, WHICH EXCEEDS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE VALUE OF 2250 LBS. THE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS ONLY, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SUPPORT CROSSMEMBER WITH A CROSSMEMBER USED ON THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODEL. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION REAR BUSHING SUPPORTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH BUSHING HAVING DIFFERENT PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS. THE STEERING COLUMN FRONT SUPPORT BEARING AT THE FIREWALL WILL BE REPLACED WITH A MODIFIED PART USING A TEFLON INNER SURFACE AND TEFLON SPRAY WILL BE APPLIED TO THE COLUMN HOUSING IN THE AREA OF THE BEARING. A BRACE WILL BE ADDED BETWEEN THE KNEE BOLSTER SUPPORT AND THE STEERING COLUMN.
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 1994 BMW 325 reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 BMW 325. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1994 BMW 325 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. 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.