1988 BMW 325I
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.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 0 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 5 |
| 1989 | 8 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 4 |
| 1992 | 41 |
| 1993 | 21 |
| 1994 | 17 |
| 1995 | 31 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 151 |
| 2002 | 162 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 147 |
| 2005 | 71 |
| 2006 | 515 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
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.
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, 2004-11-08
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 ?
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-22
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-06-29
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1988 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.