1989 BMW 325I
Only 8 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 8 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030325
2 of 8 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WITH FOOT ON BRAKE CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF AT 60 MPH, CONSUMER CAME TO A STOP WHEN VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER CAR.*AK *MJ
NHTSA ODI report, 20020613
WHILE SHIFTING GEAR TO DRIVE AND WITHOUT WARNING VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UP TO 60 MPH. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020613
2 of 8 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing air.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 BMW 325I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.