1990 BMW 525I
3 recalls, 51 complaints - 5 TSBs
98V178000 Aug 4, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Defect Description
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 T... Read more
Consequence
IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
97V131000 Aug 19, 1997
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Defect Description
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 SEP... Read more
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
96V111000 Jul 1, 1996
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Complaint Statistics
51 total complaints
1 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 5 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 4 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 3 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 2 |
| SEATS | 2 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER | 2 |
| POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 2 |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 18, 2006
Incident date: Aug 1, 2006
(1) MY 1990 BMW 525I STARTED TO OVER HEAT ON AUGUST 01,2006. THE TEMP GAUGE GOES UP 50% MARK. THE COOLANT LEVEL WENT DOWN EVERY DAY AND I FILLED IT UP WITH DISTILLED WATER TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE, HOPING THAT IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF SOME TIME. (2) I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR ON REGULAR BASIS ANYMO... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Jan 20, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Apr 29, 2003
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLES AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 31, 2002
Incident date: Jun 1, 2001
WHILE DRIVING, COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FOUND THAT WATER WAS IN THE OIL DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD, CONSUMER LATER RECEIVED RECALL 98V178. *SLC
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Apr 8, 2002
Incident date: Mar 20, 2002
I REALIZED MY CAR WAS WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES, IT'S A SALVAGED CAR, BUT SOLD AS NORMAL; THEREFORE OVERPRICED. *AK
Crash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Mar 4, 2002
Incident date: Feb 15, 2002
BRAKE LIGHT FAILED NO DAMAGE, DEALER WON'T HONOR RECALL #96V111000. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jun 17, 1999
Incident date: Mar 1, 1999
RADIATOR CAP FAILED, CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE TO RADIATOR. HOWEVER RADIATOR IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE (98V-178). *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Jan 16, 1998
OIL PAN GASKET FAILED CAUSING OIL LEAK.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Jun 10, 1991
INSIDE DOOR PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR.
POWER TRAIN
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Jun 10, 1991
GLASS OVER ODOMETER CRACKED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Oct 5, 1998
REAR BACK TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Oct 5, 1998
REAR BACK TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Aug 19, 1992
BATTERY FAILED.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Oct 5, 1998
POWER LOCKS STICK OCCASIONALLY.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
Oct 5, 1998
AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS FREON EVERY YEAR.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Apr 22, 1998
CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLE FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Apr 22, 1998
CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLE FAILED.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Aug 1, 1998
FRONT WHEEL STRUTS FAILED.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Aug 1, 1998
HEATER CORE FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Oct 5, 1998
Incident date: Jul 1, 1998
WATER PUMP FAILED.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nov 13, 1997
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WITHOUT VEHICLE COLLISION OCCURRING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO BECOME INJURED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
WATER PUMP FAILED.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Aug 1, 1996
LOCK IN STEERING WHEEL BROKE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Mar 28, 1996
RADIATOR LEAKS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
HEAD GASKET LEAKS OIL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
THERMOSTAT FAILED.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Feb 1, 1995
TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1992
REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1991
BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED.
SEATS
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
DRIVER'S SEAT WOBBLES IN TRACK.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Aug 14, 1997
SEAT HEATERS FAILED, BURNED THROUGH SEAT.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Apr 1, 1991
DIFFERENTIAL LEAK.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1992
OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Nov 1, 1993
FRONT BRAKES FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Sep 1, 1993
REAR BRAKES FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Aug 14, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
FUEL LINE RECALL REPAIR DELAYED DUE TO DEALER PROBLEM.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1992
REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1991
BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
SEATS
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
DRIVER'S SEAT WOBBLES.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
SEAT HEATER BURNED OCCUPANT.
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Apr 1, 1991
DIFFERENTIAL LEAKS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1992
OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1993
BATTERY FAILED CAUSING ELECTRONIC LOCK, POWER WINDOW, RADIO, AND CLOCK FAILURES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Nov 1, 1993
FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jun 1, 1994
FUEL LINE RECALL REPAIR DELAYED BY DEALER.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Feb 1, 1995
TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
WATER PUMP FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
THERMOSTAT FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
RADIATOR LEAKED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 17, 1997
Incident date: Jul 1, 1996
HEAD GASKET LEAKED.
Showing 50 of 51 complaints.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1990 BMW 525I
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 21.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,450 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 16.0 | 23.0 | 18.0 | Regular | $3,450 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 BMW 525I
5 manufacturer communications from 4 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 1 |
| 125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | 1 |
| 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| 133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 1 |
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B510819
Jan 16, 2024
133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
MSG1117
Oct 7, 1996
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ANNOUNCEMENT THAT OWNERS OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN RECALLS 96V110 AND 96V111 WILL BE COMBINED INTO ONE MAILING. *TW
MSG0415
Oct 1, 1996
140000 AIR BAGS
RECALL 96V110 - BMW OF NORTH AMERICA HAS INITIATED A RECALL CAMPAIGN WHICH INVOLVES THE AIRBAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB. *TW
MSG1016
Oct 1, 1996
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
RECALL 96V111 - THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVES THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. *TW
NHTSA Safety Investigations, BMW 525I
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE07045
Opened: Sep 4, 2007 , Closed: Jan 4, 2008
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE.IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06) REGARDING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNIN... Read more
BMW 525I - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the BMW 525I across all model years (1989, 2011).
43
Total Recalls
663
Total Complaints
1
Investigations
15
Reported Crashes
63
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
BMW 525I - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 2009 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 2007 | 2 | 98 | View |
| 2006 | 3 | 111 | View |
| 2005 | 0 | 52 | View |
| 2004 | 0 | 123 | View |
| 2003 | 2 | 40 | View |
| 2002 | 4 | 41 | View |
| 2001 | 4 | 31 | View |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1999 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 1998 | 0 | 2 | View |
| 1995 | 3 | 37 | View |
| 1994 | 4 | 10 | View |
| 1993 | 3 | 9 | View |
| 1992 | 4 | 30 | View |
| 1991 | 4 | 21 | View |
| 1990 (current) | 3 | 51 | |
| 1989 | 2 | 4 | View |