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…
1994 BMW 530iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1994 BMW 530i, 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 May 15, 2009. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1994 BMW 530i has problems
9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine and engine cooling
2Electrical system
2Seats
1Power train
1Vehicle speed control
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
1994 BMW 530i 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
1994 vs. every other 530i 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 530i median. How we score
'78'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 530i owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
1994 BMW 530I ENGINE'S FAN CLUTCH SEIZED CAUSING THE FAN TO SHATTER VIOLENTLY. *NJ THE FAILURE OF THE FAN CLUTCH CAUSED EXTENSIVE AMOUNTS OF DAMAGE TO MANY COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE BAY. *JB
BMW WAS AWARE OF A PROBLEM WHERE SULPHER FROM US FUELS WAS CAUSING THE CYLINDER WALLS OF THE M60 V8 MOTOR TO DETERIORATE. APPARENTLY THEY USED A NEW METAL CALLED NIKASIL (ALUMINUM IMPREGNATED WITH NICKEL AND SILICONE). ONCE THE CYLINDER WALLS BECOME DAMAGED, THE PISTON RINGS CAN NO LONGER SEAL…
Own a 1994 530i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.