1985 BMW 525
Only 1 complaint 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 1 complaint 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 | 1 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 7 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 14 |
| 1993 | 3 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT MALFUCNTIONED, CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO GO OUT WHILE DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE CIRCUIT BOARD. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. BEEN TO DEALER 6 TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980807
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 BMW 525 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1985 BMW 525 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 1985 BMW 525?
The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 BMW 525 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.