MYRModel Year Report

1988 BMW 325I

○ Not enough data
1988 BMW 325I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:45:23.470Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 325I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1985: 0 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1987: 5 complaints 1988: 5 complaints 1988 1989: 8 complaints 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 4 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 17 complaints 1995: 31 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000 2001: 151 complaints 2002: 162 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 147 complaints 2004 2005: 70 complaints 2006: 515 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2008: 1 complaints 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 1 complaints 2012: 1 complaints 2012
1988: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19860
19875
19885
19898
19905
19914
199240
199321
199417
199531
19990
20001
2001151
2002162
2003199
2004147
200570
2006515
20071
20081
20090
20100
20111
20121

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VISIBILITY

1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility.

STRUCTURE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 1988 BMW 325IS IN THE RAIN, AND LOST CONTROL. SHE WAS HIT IN A SIDE IMPACT BY A LATE MODEL CHEVROLET CAMARO TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE HIT WAS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND MY WIFE'S PASSENGER WERE SEVERELY INJURED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041108

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT JUST CAME ON ONE DAY, THEN I STARTED FEELING AND HEARING LIKE A THUMP OR BOUNCE IN THE RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE/WHEEL. HAD TIRE CHECKED NOTHING WRONG , NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ? *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060322

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

NO SUMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20000823

SEATS

1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.

Show complaint excerpts

MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT JUST CAME ON ONE DAY, THEN I STARTED FEELING AND HEARING LIKE A THUMP OR BOUNCE IN THE RIGHT PASSENGER TIRE/WHEEL. HAD TIRE CHECKED NOTHING WRONG , NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES ? *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20060322

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1995 ▲ 1992 ▲ 2005

WORST YEARS

■ 2006 ◆ 2003 ● 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1988 BMW 325I 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 325I?

The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 BMW 325I have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

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