What are the worst BMW 525I years?

Q: What are the worst BMW 525I years?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints per year on the road, the worst BMW 525I years are 2004, 2006, 2007 - complaint rates far above this model's median. The years with the fewest problems relative to time on the road: 1990, 1993, 1994.

BMW 525I: best and worst years

Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2004, 2006, 2007

Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.

Held up best: 1990, 1993, 1994

The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.

2007worst year72 complaints · 2 recalls 2006worst year77 complaints · 3 recalls 200535 complaints · 0 recalls 2004worst year84 complaints · 0 recalls 200332 complaints · 2 recalls 200228 complaints · 4 recalls 200122 complaints · 4 recalls 199524 complaints · 3 recalls 1994solid year7 complaints · 4 recalls 1993solid year5 complaints · 3 recalls 199218 complaints · 4 recalls 199113 complaints · 4 recalls 1990solid year11 complaints · 3 recalls

Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.