1994 BMW 325I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The brace holding one of the fuel tank straps broke off. It seems if broke off at the welds. The strap was just hanging and only the other was holding the fuel tank in place. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 bmw 325i. The contact stated that the odometer reading was incorrect. The mileage indicated that the vehicle had 28,000 miles when the title indicated that the mileage was 128,000. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for a diagnostic test. The dealer advised the contact that another mechanic had altered the odometer. The contact also noticed that the anti-freeze was leaking, the front windows fogged and the seat belts were defective. The vehicle was at the dealership awaiting repair at the time of the complaint. The approximate mileage was approximately 28,000. The current mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2010
“Consumer's wife was locked in their 1994 bmw 325i and the doors would not open. *nj the consumer stated the windows and horn did not work either. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“Fuel gauge intermittent failure. Bmw's from 70's to '07 have been noted by owners as being a persistent problem. Most due to failure of the sending units. Many owners end up having the senders replaced multiple times d/t multiple failures of the sending units. My e36 has 2 sending units and I have been stuck on the side of the road multiple times. And the same for many other owners on bmw online boards/forums. I've been stuck in traffic where I merely missed an accident by maneuvering w/o engine power. Please look into this. Bmw has continued to have these problems and should recall the failed units that just keep failing. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2007
“Defective transmission jumped out of 1st gear with engine load. *bf the consumer requested assistance to remedy the problem the consumer discovered a technical service bulletin had been issued for manual transmissions. *sc *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2004
“When driving the vehicle at an undetermined speed, the brake light illuminated on the dashboard. The consumer informed the dealer about this issue, however the mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem. *nm the rear brake light bulbs burned out. *sc *jb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2004
“Fuel line leaks really bad can cause fire hazard in the engine is hot but the bmw dealer just said that the rubber hose can fail at any time.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2001
“The radiator cap failed prior to recall notice 98v-178, the consumer believes this is due to improper radiator design. Nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“Transmission went out. Dealer states it needs to be replaced. While driving and stopping it would not move until 4000 rpm's, and vehicle is not driveable.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 1998
“Consumer is unable to open left rear door from both inside and outside. Dealer and manufacturer were notified.*ak consumer stated the brake light switch was replaced.*jb”Owner report · Structure · Sep 1996
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 325I 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 325I reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 BMW 325I. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1994 BMW 325I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. 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.