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
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1994
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1994: 10 complaints
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.
Air bags
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-23
Power train
2 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Owner of a 1994 325IS. Was driving on highway and transmission suddenly died down (Slipped out of gear) almost causing the vehicles behind to almost crash into me. In Illinois.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-08-30
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, 1999-10-15
Electrical system
2 of 10 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
I am told that this is an ongoing problem for 3 series bmws where the water backs up under the windshield and it gets into the electronic computer and shorts it out.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-08-18
Visibility
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Suspension
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing rear.
Show 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, 2005-05-06
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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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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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
1994 BMW 325IS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V111000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.