1994 BMW 525I: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 7 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
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 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer has same problem with coolant system as stated in recall 98v178000. But, this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2002
“Consumer's vehicle was having the same door lock/latch problem as stated in recall 94v219000. But this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · May 2002
“Head gasket was replaced under warranty 3/31/98 due to oil leak. Failed again on 4/28/99 at 55900 miles. White exhaust smoke and coolant drop og 35 mm in 2438 miles. Air conditioner compressor noisy and vibrates steering wheel and does not cool at idle. Complaint under warranty on 3/31/98 not fixed. Replaced idler pulley only. Getting worse on 4/30/99 at 56400 miles.”Owner report · Equipment · Apr 1999
Show 2 more owner reports
“My transmission went out in my 1994 bmw 525i. This has been reportedly happening to many of us. The failure was in the reverse gear first, then the first two forward gears. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1979
“After having recall repair work done last week vehicle is still experiencing same problem, the throttle will remain open, while driving vehicle. Recall # 97v131000. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE DOUBLE-LOCK FEATURE CAN ENGAGE WITH OCCUPANTS AND THE DOOR/IGNITION KEY INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERAL CONTROL MODULE WITH ONE CONTAINING THE REVISED SOFTWARE TO PERMIT WINDOW OPENING WITH THE DOUBLE-LOCK ENGAGED AND KEY IN THE IGNITION.
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 525I 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 525I reliable?
NHTSA has 7 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 BMW 525I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1994 BMW 525I have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. 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.