1993 BMW 325I
Only 21 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 21 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 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.
4 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing module.
3 of 21 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing turn signal and headlights.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKE LIGHT COMES BUT THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKE LIGHTS. PRIOR TO THIS, BRAKE BULBS SHORTED OUT, BUT THEY WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THIS PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990618
BLINKER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAR STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES IT HAS DRAINED BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES WHERE SHE HAD TO LEAVE HER CAR. DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT IMPORTANT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960103
3 of 21 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift and air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING AND THE TEMPERATURE WOULD NOT MAINTAIN ACCURATE TEMPERATURES. LATER, THE HEATING UNIT FAILED AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090121
2 of 21 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1993 BMW 325I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- 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 1993 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 1993 BMW 325I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 325I have?
3 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.