1991 BMW 525I
4 recalls, 21 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.
96V110000 Jul 1, 1996
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Defect Description
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Consequence
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CONTACT RING WIRING COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK. THE AIR BAG READINESS INDICATOR LAMP (SRS OR AIRBAG) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT VEHICLE COLLISION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
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
21 total complaints
2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 3 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | 2 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN | 1 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | 1 |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 20, 2012
Incident date: Oct 20, 2012
I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEE... Read more
STEERING
Oct 20, 2012
Incident date: Oct 20, 2012
I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEE... Read more
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Jul 17, 2004
Incident date: Jul 17, 2004
WHILE SITTING IN MY 1991 BMW 525I THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARD,AND SIDEWAYS. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT, AND ALMOST COMPLETELY DISSASSEMBLING IT SO I COULD TRY TO REALIGN THE THING LONG ENOGH TO MAKE IT HOME,I WAS ABLE TO THROUGH BRUTE FORCE PUT IT BACK IN PLACE. LATER AFTER SEVERAL SUBSEQUENT FAILU... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
Nov 13, 2002
Incident date: Mar 22, 2002
TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT STAY ON DUE TO DEFECTIVE SOCKETS. THE PLASTIC SOCKETS HAVE MELTED FROM THE HEAT OF THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND NO LONGER HOLD THE BULBS IN PROPERLY. THEY BLINK ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES STAY OFF ALL TOGETHER. DEALER ADVISED ME TO BUY NEW ONES @ $320 EACH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SINC... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Aug 21, 2000
THREE BMW BATTERIES HAVE FAILED WITHIN THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD. NLM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
Aug 21, 2000
THE TRUNK APPEARS TO BE CLOSED AND CAN STILL BE UNLOCKED WITH THE TRUNK LIGHT ON CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN, WHICH IN TURN UPSET THE DOOR LOCK PROGRAM WHICH IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Aug 21, 2000
CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE IS POOR DESIGNED BECAUSE IN ORDER TO REPAIR A BROKEN HEADLIGHT THE DEALER HAD TO REMONE THE ENTIRE GRILL RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE REPAIR COST. NLM
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Aug 21, 2000
THE DOOR PADDING ON BOTH REAR DOORS IS SEPARATING. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Aug 21, 2000
RADIATOR FAILED PREMATURELY. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Aug 21, 2000
THE COOLING SYSTEM FAN CLUTCH FAILED WITHIN 45,000 MILES. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Oct 13, 1999
Incident date: Sep 7, 1999
UPPER RADIATOR "PLASTIC MALE" OUTLET CONNECTING TO UPPER RUBBER HOSE EXPLODED CAUSING EXTRIME ENGINE OVERHEATING AND ENGINE FAILURE WITH NO WARNING EVEN AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW RADIATOR CAP RECALL IN AUGUST 1999. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT. CAR HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORD AT DEALERSHIP... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Jul 30, 1999
REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP BUT THE NEW CAP CAUSED A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Feb 16, 1999
ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM DESIGN CONTAINS A FLAW, WHEN REMOVING RADIATOR CAP CONSUMER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES DUE TO CAP NOT HAVING A TWO-STAGE RELEASE, O-RINGS AT THE BASE OF THE CAP ENSURE THAT THE PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED WITHIN THE RADIATOR UNTIL THE CAP IS FULLY UNSCREWED.
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Feb 3, 1999
POWER DOOR LOCK MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING ERRATIC PERFORMANCE OF THE LOCKS.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
Jan 24, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1998
THE SRS {A SAFETY SYSTEM} LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING. *AK
POWER TRAIN
Dec 14, 1998
Incident date: Nov 1, 1996
THE SPEEDOMETER OPERATES IRRATICALLY DURING COLD WEATHER. IT FUNCTIONS OK WHEN WARM. THIS IS CAUSED BY BAD MATERIALS USED ON THE SPEEDOMETER PCB BOARD. A NUMBER OF BMW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND FIXES ARE SUGGESTED ON THE INTERNET AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS. HTTP://WWW.ESKIMO.COM/~DALUS/BM... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Nov 30, 1998
Incident date: Oct 10, 1997
FLUID LEAKS SINCE '11/95. HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 COILS REPLACED; R/R LOWER TIMING COVER, REPLACED GASKETS/NEW DRIVE BELTS - R/R OIL PAN AND REPLACED GASKET TO THE TUNE OF $1,125.00 AT 39,243 MILES. WARANTY IS 4 YRS./50K MILES. ASKED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT DUE TO LOW MILEAGE AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS.... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Nov 30, 1998
Incident date: Oct 10, 1997
FLUID LEAKS SINCE '11/95. HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 COILS REPLACED; R/R LOWER TIMING COVER, REPLACED GASKETS/NEW DRIVE BELTS - R/R OIL PAN AND REPLACED GASKET TO THE TUNE OF $1,125.00 AT 39,243 MILES. WARANTY IS 4 YRS./50K MILES. ASKED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT DUE TO LOW MILEAGE AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS.... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Nov 30, 1998
Incident date: Oct 10, 1997
FLUID LEAKS SINCE '11/95. HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 COILS REPLACED; R/R LOWER TIMING COVER, REPLACED GASKETS/NEW DRIVE BELTS - R/R OIL PAN AND REPLACED GASKET TO THE TUNE OF $1,125.00 AT 39,243 MILES. WARANTY IS 4 YRS./50K MILES. ASKED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT DUE TO LOW MILEAGE AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS.... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Nov 17, 1998
Incident date: Jul 1, 1998
TRAVELING 65MPH GOING AROUND A CURB WHEN SUDDENLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT OBSTRUCTED THE DRIVER'S VIEW. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING & NO OTHER VEHICLE HAD HIT BMW. STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TAPED TO BE DRIVEN. *AK
1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Oct 30, 1998
Incident date: Jun 1, 1995
VEHICLE COLLISION DUE TO FAILURE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES, RECALL ISSUED AFTER ACCIDENT OCCURED.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1991 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) | 15.0 | 23.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,200 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 23.0 | 18.0 | Premium | $4,200 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) | 15.0 | 17.0 | 15.0 | Premium | $5,050 |
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, 1991 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 (current) | 4 | 21 | |
| 1990 | 3 | 51 | View |
| 1989 | 2 | 4 | View |