MYRModel Year Report

1988 BMW 325I

○ Not enough data
1988 BMW 325I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:38:23.822Z

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. 1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 5 complaints 1988 1989: 8 complaints 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 4 complaints 1992: 41 complaints 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 17 complaints 1995: 31 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaints 2001: 151 complaints 2002: 162 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 147 complaints 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 515 complaints 2007: 1 complaints 2008: 1 complaints 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 1 complaints 2011 2012: 1 complaints 2012
1988: 5 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19850
19860
19875
19885
19898
19905
19914
199241
199321
199417
199531
19990
20001
2001151
2002162
2003199
2004147
200571
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.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 5 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

VISIBILITY

1 of 5 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.

STRUCTURE

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

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

SEATS

1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

POWER TRAIN

1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE TRIED TO SETTLE WITH THE DEALER, BUT HE HAS REFUSED. I HAVE PROOF OF THE ODOMETER FRAUD AND SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR, I HAVE SPENT $1300 IN REPAIRS PLUS $1700 IN ATTORNEY'S FEES. I'M AT A LOSS AS TO HOW TO FURTHER PROCEED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20010629

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure 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 service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 BMW 325I have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.