1994 BMW 325IS
Only 10 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 10 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 |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 16 |
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 10 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990923
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I AM A MEMBER OF THE BMWCCA AND A BMW AUTOMTIVE ENTHUSIAST. I HAVE NOTICE FOR MANY YEARS THE OCCURANNCE OF A COMMON FAILURE IN E36 AND E46 BODY STYLES - FOR ALL YEARS OF PRODUCTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050506
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH DOORS BECAME INOPERABLEWITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER ALSO TRUNK LATCH BROKE DUE TO THE WAY IT IS ATTATCHED TO TRUNK LID IE TWO SCREWS THRU SHEET METAL, SHEET METAL BROKE AROUND BOTH SCREWS
NHTSA ODI report, 20170905
1 of 10 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
THE 1994 BMW 3 SERIES HAS A CLUTCH LINING PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO BUCK AND THROW ITSELF FORWARD WHEN STUCK IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 19991015
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
1994 BMW 325IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 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.
FAQ
Is the 1994 BMW 325IS 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 1994 BMW 325IS?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 325IS have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.