1987 BMW 325
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 23 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 25 |
| 1995 | 23 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 31 |
| 2002 | 26 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2006 | 8 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
PARKED VEHICLE AND FIVE MINUTES LATER FIRE STARTED FOLLOWED BY AN EXPLOSION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960325
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20031014
5 of 15 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core and power window devices and controls.
4 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FUSE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960923
WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19960923
2 of 15 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.
2 of 15 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and automatic transmission.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.
Campaign 86V151000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKES DRAG & FAIL
MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASE
HEATER CORE FAILURE
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AN
Campaign 93V015000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 BMW 325 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V151000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V015000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1987 BMW 325 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 BMW 325?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 BMW 325 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.