1992 BMW 525I
4 recalls, 30 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
30 total complaints
4 crashes 2 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 7 |
| AIR BAGS | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | 1 |
AIR BAGS
Nov 6, 2014
Incident date: Mar 7, 2004
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING SEVERE BURNS. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO HER FACE AND NECK. A POLI... Read more
Crash
1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 30, 2011
Incident date: Jul 30, 2011
BODY APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE BODY LOOKS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO FALL APART, IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FIELDS BMW NORTHFIELD 700 W FRONTAGE ROAD NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 MAY HAVE BEEN NEGLIGENT. THEY INSPECTED VEHICLE ON JUNE 11TH 2011 AND DID NOT MENTION THIS ISSUE AND THA... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Mar 24, 2006
Incident date: Mar 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 24, 2006
Incident date: Mar 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Mar 24, 2006
Incident date: Mar 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER. THE RADIATOR AND WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THE ... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 14, 2006
Incident date: Aug 15, 2000
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. IT WAS NOTICEABLE, A CLICK OR GRAB TYPE FEEL, WHEREVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED AND I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO MY BMW SHOP TO CORRECT. I AM NOT SURE WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED BUT THE CLICK WAS RE... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Jun 30, 2005
Incident date: Mar 7, 2004
DT: VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN FRONTAL IMPACT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED 3RD DEGREE BURNS TO THE CHIN AREA, AND HAD TO HAVE ROOT CANAL WORK ON A TOOTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE WAS A SMALL DEPLOYMENT AND IT WAS LIKE IT WAS FIRE, RED FLAMING... Read more
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
Apr 27, 2005
Incident date: Jul 15, 2001
I AM WONDERING HOW THE MANUFACTURE DETERMINES WHICH VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY A PARTICULIAR RECALL. A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES, I HAVE A 1992 BMW 525I AND HAVE EXPERIENCED TWO FAILURES RELATED TO RECALLS ONE CONCERNED THE RING IN THE STEERING COLUMN RELATED TO THE AIRBAG BROKE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AND T... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Apr 22, 2004
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER WAS BURNED IN THE FACE AND CHEST. *AK
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Apr 3, 2001
Incident date: Mar 1, 2001
BMW HAS CONSISTENTLY HAD RADIATOR PROBLEMS / RECALLS - AND CLAIM MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THEIR RECALL - IN WHICH 370M VEHICLES WERE AFFECTED. NOSAFETY DEFECT. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Mar 7, 2001
Incident date: Feb 22, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Oct 3, 2000
Incident date: Sep 9, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH NOTICED VIBRATION. CONUSMER PULLED VEHICLE, AND NOTICED VEHICLE WAS RIDING ON RIM TIRE, TREAD SEPARATED. *AK THE WHOLE TIRE PEELED OFF AND ONLY THE RUINED RIM WAS LEFT. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 20, 2000
Incident date: Jul 5, 1996
WATER PUMP RELEASED THE RADIATOR CAP. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSED VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. DEALER WILL NOT COVER PROBLEM UNDER RECALL 98V178000. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
May 22, 2000
Incident date: Feb 15, 1998
KEY CAN BE REMOVED FORM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE IN ANY OTHER GEARS. DEALER NOTIFIED. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Mar 22, 2000
Incident date: Feb 25, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE (98V-178), OWNER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONENTS DUE TO DEFECT. MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Sep 2, 1999
Incident date: Aug 27, 1999
CONSUMER WAS REARENDED WHILE TRAVELING ABOU 30-40MPH. UPON IMPACT, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, TOTALING THE VEHICLE, FIRE DEPARTEMENT UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, FIRE MAYBE LINKED TO THE GAS FILLER AND THE TAILIGHTS. ALSO, BUMPER ONLY HAD A SIX INCH DENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAI... Read more
Crash
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Aug 23, 1999
Incident date: Feb 23, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL (98V178) PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO ENGINE COMPONENTS. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF RECALL (98V-178) SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE, CAUSING DAMAGE ENGINE COMPONENTS. MJS
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Oct 1, 1998
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT FAILED. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1998
E-PROM, PRESSURE REGULATOR AND GASKET REPLACED. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1998
E-PROM, PRESSURE REGULATOR AND GASKET REPLACED. MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLING/CHARGING
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Sep 1, 1998
E-PROM, PRESSURE REGULATOR AND GASKET REPLACED. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Aug 1, 1998
BRAKE SENSOR FAILED. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jul 30, 1999
BAFFLES IN MUFFLER BROKEN. MJS
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Apr 1, 1996
DOOR BRAKE HIT GLASS CAUSING WINDOW TO SHATTER INTO DRIVER'S FACE. MJS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Jul 30, 1999
Incident date: Dec 1, 1993
FAILURE OF THE FUEL LINE RECALL COMPONENT (94V-066) PRIOR TO NOTICE RESULTING IN FUMES ENTERING CABIN. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 30, 1999
OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Jul 30, 1999
EXHAUST HANGERS FALL OFF CAUSING THE EXHAUST SYSTEM TO HIT AGAINST THE FRAME. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Jul 25, 1999
Incident date: Jul 19, 1999
SMOKE CAME FROM AIR VENTS WHILE DRIVING. CAR CABIN IGNITED IN FLAMES AFTER GETTING OUT OF CAR.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Dec 10, 1996
Incident date: Sep 29, 1996
BATTERY EXPLODED.
EPA Fuel Economy, 1992 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 |
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, 1992 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 (current) | 4 | 30 | |
| 1991 | 4 | 21 | View |
| 1990 | 3 | 51 | View |
| 1989 | 2 | 4 | View |