1994 BMW 325IS: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Outside door handles on both doors became inoperablewithin a month of each other also trunk latch broke due to the way it is attatched to trunk lid ie two screws thru sheet metal, sheet metal broke around both screws”Owner report · Structure · May 2017
“Owner of a 1994 325is. Was driving on highway and transmission suddenly died down (slipped out of gear) almost causing the vehicles behind to almost crash into me. In illinois. Called the national bmw customer center and they say they have no active recall despite numerous complaint of incidents with the transmission of 325 I in the consumer reports site. This vehicle has been well kept and maintained please look into this, someone can get killed. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2011
“Ltr re a defective hood latch on a 1994 bmw 325is, requesting a defect investigation. While driving, the hood latch disengaged and cause the hood to open. *jb”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2004
Show 4 more owner reports
“After taking vehicle through a carwash engine hydrolocked and caused fuel to inject into engine. Dealer said engine has to be replaced.*ak consumer states dme shorted out causing it to hydrolock and causing engine and fuel components to be damaged internally. *slc”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2001
“While driving engine overheated. Vehicle had to be towed to dealer, and technician told consumer that was caused by the heating core.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2000
“I am told that this is an ongoing problem for 3 series bmws where the water backs up under the windshield and it gets into the electronic computer and shorts it out.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1998
“The 1994 bmw 3 series has a clutch lining problem that will cause the car to buck and throw itself forward when stuck in stop and go traffic for any amount of time. Although this is called a minor incomvenience by bmw, it can cause a low impact accident if the clutch and dual mass fly wheel are not replaced.... $2000 later.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 325IS 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 325IS reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 BMW 325IS. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1994 BMW 325IS 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.