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 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 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 7 total reports mention: equipment.
CRASH INJURYShow 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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990908
THE JACK CAME WITH CAR COLLAPSED ON THE PERSON WORKING ON THE CAR BREAKING HIS ARM AND DENTING THE DOOR *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960226
THE JACK CAME WITH CAR COLLAPSED ON THE PERSON WORKING ON THE CAR BREAKING HIS ARM AND DENTING THE DOOR *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960226
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 88V031000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1988 BMW 325 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V031000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V015000 (visibility) has been completed.
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:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.