1992 BMW 325I

▲ Better than typical
1992 BMW 325I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:34.321Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

Complaints
41
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1992

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 5 complaints 1989: 8 complaints 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 4 complaints 1992: 41 complaints 1992 41 1993: 21 complaints 1994: 17 complaints 1995: 31 complaints 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2001: 151 complaints 2002: 162 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 147 complaints 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 515 complaints 2007: 1 complaint 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 1 complaint
1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 5 complaints 1989: 8 complaints 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 4 complaints 1992: 41 complaints 1992 41 1993: 21 complaints 1994: 17 complaints 1995: 31 complaints 1995 1999: 0 complaints 2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 151 complaints 2002: 162 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2004: 147 complaints 2004 2005: 71 complaints 2006: 515 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 1 complaint 2012: 1 complaint 2012
1987: 5 complaints 1987 1988: 5 complaints 1988 1989: 8 complaints 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 4 complaints 1991 1992: 41 complaints 1992 41 1993: 21 complaints 1993 1994: 17 complaints 1994 1995: 31 complaints 1995 1999: 0 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 151 complaints 2001 2002: 162 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2003 2004: 147 complaints 2004 2005: 71 complaints 2005 2006: 515 complaints 2006 2007: 1 complaint 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 0 complaints 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 1 complaint 2011 2012: 1 complaint 2012

1992: 41 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

39% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system and radiator assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Took car through car wash. Car came out dead. Turns out that this is a common problem where water gets into the main ECM computer and shorts it out. This is terrible. BMW should issue a recall for this. $1100 for going through a simple car wash.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

Structure

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

Having problems with vehicle's frame. Mr

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-15

Electrical system

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing module and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While vehicle was parked, a fire started inside of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-06

Visibility

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Seat belts

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1996-09-30Air bags96V110000 The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.

  2. R
    1996-09-30Exterior lighting96V111000 The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "Brake lights off" Position or in the "Brake lights on" Position.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.

  3. R
    1997-10-30Vehicle speed control97V131000 The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from…

  4. R
    1999-03-31Engine and engine cooling98V178000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Buy-smart checklist

1992 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V110000 · Air bags
  • Recall 96V111000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 1992 BMW 325I reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 BMW 325I is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 BMW 325I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 325I have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.