1986 BMW 325Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1986 BMW 325, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)

Safety recalls3Free fix at dealers Owner complaints93 with a crash, fire or injury Top problem3Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 19, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 BMW 325 has problems

9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

3Visibility1 crash/fire/injury

2Equipment

2Engine and engine cooling

1Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury

1Latches/locks/linkages

1Engine

1Seat belts1 crash/fire/injury

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.

Complaints by system
System	Complaints	Crash, fire or injury
Visibility	3	1
Equipment	2	0
Engine and engine cooling	2	0
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	1
Latches/locks/linkages	1	0
Engine	1	0
Seat belts	1	1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1986 BMW 325 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

no report yet

Defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core

Recall 93V-015 · Feb 1, 1993 · 375,000 vehicles

Risk. VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

no report yet

Brake lights: switch

Recall 86V-151 · Nov 10, 1986 · 97,300 vehicles

Risk. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 86V-138 · Oct 20, 1986 · 120,261 vehicles

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1986 vs. every other 325 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 325 median. How we score

3 1 9 15 7 11 6 6 23 8 25 23 4 1 4 2 0 31 26 9 8 0 1 0 0 0 0

'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'06'07'08'09'10'11'12

Avoid
Caution
Solid
Best
Not rated

4 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 BMW 325, and the recalls they led to.

Mar 3, 1992
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORESDP92004 · closed Jun 2, 1992
No recall
Oct 12, 1989
MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · closed Oct 30, 1990
No recall
Jun 2, 1992
HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
Led to recall 93V-015
Jul 14, 1989
BRAKES DRAG & FAILPE89142 · closed Oct 12, 1989
No recall

In owners' words

What 325 owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

RECALL 93V015 HEATER:DEFROSTER:DEFOGGER; HOT FLUID ENTERED COMPARTMENT AND BURNT DRIVERS LOWER LEG. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Complaint 965140 · May 11, 1995

Own a 1986 325?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.