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1987 BMW 325Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 1987 BMW 325, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints155 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage82kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1987 BMW 325 has problems

15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling63
Visibility50
Electrical system32
Equipment20
Latches/locks/linkages10
Power train10
Seats10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Structure10
2 other systems20

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

2 recalls

1987 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 →

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

1987 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

'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
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1987 BMW 325, and the recalls they led to.

  1. MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASEEA90002 · closed Oct 30, 1990
    No recall
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
  3. BRAKES DRAG & FAILPE89142 · closed Oct 12, 1989
    No recall
In owners' words

What 325 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING OIL LIGHT CAME ON AFTER BEING SERVICED 5 DAYS AGO. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MECHANIC CHECK ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR PROBLEMS.*AK
Complaint 10042844 · Oct 14, 2003 · 82,000 miles
COSNUMER RECEIVED RECALL 93V015000 IN EARLY JUNE. CONSUMER CONTACTED UNION PARK BMW LOCATED IN WILMINGTON DELAWARE, TELE#[PHONE], AND WAS TOLD PARTS WERE ON ORDER, BUT DOES NOT KNOW WHEN PARTS WILL COME IN. CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING FOR OVER 2 MONTHS.*AK
Complaint 868610 · Aug 24, 2000
DRIVING AT 55 MPH, ALL INSTRUMENTS READING NORMAL, HEARD A "BANG", LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND BRAKES,POWER STEERING. WAS NOT TIMING BELT BECAUSE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING TO ARREST VEHICLE TACHOMETER WAS WORKING. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART IN NEUTRAL WHILE COASTING, NOR WOULD IT "POP" START. COASTED TO A STOP…
Complaint 701068 · Dec 2, 1998

Own a 1987 325?

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