1992 BMW 325I
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 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
39% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, 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, 20021022
12% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.
Show complaint excerpts
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FRAME. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
12% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing module and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020306
12% of complaints: visibility — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
10% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 96V110000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 96V111000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ENVI
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 TH
Campaign 97V131000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TEMPERAT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Campaign 98V178000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V110000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.