1995 BMW 325I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (13% of complaints); the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2015
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2010
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2005
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2004
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2003
“Continuous problems with electrical system getting the brake light circuit failure warning. Replaced the switch at dealer twice. Replaced all bulbs several times replaced fuse twice. Constant problem and repair shops all say bmw has chronic electrical glitches. I tell them this is not a glitch, one time the bulbs won't light when I hit the brakes and I'll get rear-ended. Dt”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2002
“Water pump failed at 70555 miles, thermostat at 58000 miles, aux cooling fan at 80000, and now radiator at 92k miles. All cooling system components have failed within 16 months of each other and needs to be brought to your attention for investigation. Dt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2002
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2002
“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”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 1995 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 1995 BMW 325I reliable?
NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 BMW 325I. The most complained-about area is power train (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 BMW 325I problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 150,000 miles or less.
Does the 1995 BMW 325I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system. 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.