Menu

1989 BMW 525iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1989 BMW 525i, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints41 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Visibility

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 13, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 BMW 525i has problems

4 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
Visibility21
Engine and engine cooling10
Seats10

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

2 recalls

1989 BMW 525i 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

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 98V-178 · Aug 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. 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…

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

1989 vs. every other 525i 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 525i median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 525i owners report

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

VEHICLE PARKED IN GARAGE. NOTICED LEAKAGE ON FLOOR OF GARAGE. CONTACTED DEALER & TOOK VEHICLE IN OCT. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THE HEATER CORE HAD CORRODED & WAS WEAKENED. THE PROBLEM WAS WELL KNOWN & THE HEATER CORE NEEDED REPLACING. *AK
Complaint 854935 · Jan 12, 2000
HEATER CORE EXPLODED FILLING THE CAR WITH SUFFOCATING STEAM, VAPORS, AND HOT LIQUID ANTIFREEZE WHICH SATURATED BOTH PANT LEGS OF 3 YEAR OLD SCALDING BOTH HIS LEGS CAUSING SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO BOTH THIGHS, LEGS AND RIGHT FOOT.
Complaint 543613 · Feb 1, 1999

Own a 1989 525i?

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