1987 BMW 325

○ Not enough data

1987 BMW 325
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:19:36.530Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1987: 15 complaints

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.

VISIBILITY

4 of 15 total reports mention: visibility.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

PARKED VEHICLE AND FIVE MINUTES LATER FIRE STARTED FOLLOWED BY AN EXPLOSION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960325

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

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

VISIBILITY

1 of 15 total reports mentions: visibility.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 15 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19870320 — exterior lighting

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

I 19890714 — PE (closed 19891012)

BRAKES DRAG & FAIL

I 19891012 — EA (closed 19901030)

MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASE

I 19920602 — EA (closed 19930330)

HEATER CORE FAILURE

R 19930604 — visibility

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 visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 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 visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 BMW 325 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.