no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
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…
1990 BMW 525iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 1990 BMW 525i, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 18, 2006. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1990 BMW 525i has problems
11 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Engine and engine cooling
5Exterior lighting
3Power train
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
2Electrical system
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Seats1 crash/fire/injury
2Service brakes, hydraulic
76 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
1990 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
Vehicle speed control
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN.
no report yet
Brake lights: switch
Risk. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
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
1990 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 engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
(1) MY 1990 BMW 525I STARTED TO OVER HEAT ON AUGUST 01,2006. THE TEMP GAUGE GOES UP 50% MARK. THE COOLANT LEVEL WENT DOWN EVERY DAY AND I FILLED IT UP WITH DISTILLED WATER TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE, HOPING THAT IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF SOME TIME. (2) I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR ON REGULAR BASIS…
WHILE DRIVING, COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FOUND THAT WATER WAS IN THE OIL DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD, CONSUMER LATER RECEIVED RECALL 98V178. *SLC
RADIATOR CAP FAILED, CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE TO RADIATOR. HOWEVER RADIATOR IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE (98V-178). *YC
Own a 1990 525i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.