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1988 BMW 325Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 1988 BMW 325, most often about the equipment. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints73 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Equipment

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 BMW 325 has problems

7 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
Equipment22
Power train20
Fuel system, gasoline10
Seat belts10
Visibility10

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

2 recalls

1988 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

Vehicle speed control: cables

Recall 88V-031 · Mar 15, 1988 · 1,256 vehicles

Risk. THIS REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY INHIBIT THE RETURN OF THETHROTTLE TO A FULLY CLOSED IDLE POSITION, WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ISRELEASED.

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

1988 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 BMW 325, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
In owners' words

What 325 owners report

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

WHEN CONSUMER'S HUSBAND WAS CHANGING THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, THE JACK COLLAPSED AND BROKE HIS LEFT FOREARM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 847183 · Sep 8, 1999

Own a 1988 325?

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