1988 BMW 325
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Equipment
2 of 7 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.
Show complaint excerpts
When consumer's husband was changing the left front tire, the jack collapsed and broke his left forearm. Please provide any further details.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-08
The jack came with car collapsed on the person working on the car breaking his arm and denting the door
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-26
Power train
2 of 7 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing column shift and automatic transmission.
Visibility
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Seat belts
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1988-04-29Vehicle speed control88V031000 The oil dipstick tube attaching bracket may have been bent during production or scheduled maintenance, reducing the clearance between the dipstick ring and the throttle bellcrank lever.
Remedy: Requires the cutting off the outboard end of the throttle bellcrank lever to provide necessary clearance.
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I
1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-03-30 Heater core failure
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R
1993-06-04Visibility93V015000 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…
Buy-smart checklist
1988 BMW 325 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Equipment: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V031000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 93V015000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 BMW 325?
- The most-reported component is equipment, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 BMW 325 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.