1989 BMW 525
Only 3 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 3 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 | 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 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE OF DASHBOARD AND ENGINE SAFETY WARNING SYSTEMS. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS, CAUSING CLUSTER MODULE/POWER WINDOWS/ALARM/POWER DOOR LOCKS TO FAIL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960222
1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950103
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
Campaign 90V016000 — check if this car was fixed
THE 80-AMPERE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN DEVELOP MECHANICAL WEAKNESS DUE TO AGING AND THERMAL STRESSES, AND CAN BREAK.
Remedy: REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE FUSIBLE LINK, AND REPLACE THE OLD FUSIBLE LINK.
Campaign 92V174000 — check if this car was fixed
FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPEN
Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
Campaign 94V066000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 BMW 525 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V016000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 92V174000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 94V066000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 BMW 525?
The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 BMW 525 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.