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
- 41
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1992
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
1992: 41 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
39% · 16 reportsMost 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 reportsMost 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 reportsMost commonly citing module and interior/under dash.
Show complaint excerpts
While vehicle was parked, a fire started inside of vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-06
Visibility
12% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Seat belts
10% · 4 reportsMost 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 →
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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 →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.