1989 BMW 525I
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 4 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 13 |
| 1992 | 18 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 7 |
| 1995 | 24 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 22 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 32 |
| 2004 | 84 |
| 2005 | 35 |
| 2006 | 77 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
2 of 4 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
Heater core exploded filling the car with suffocating steam, vapors, and hot liquid antifreeze which saturated both pant legs of 3 year old scalding both his legs causing second and third degree burns to both thighs, legs and right foot.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-02-08
Vehicle parked in garage. Noticed leakage on floor of garage. Contacted dealer & took vehicle in oct. Was informed by mechanic the heater core had corroded & was weakened. The problem was well known & the heater core needed replacing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-01-12
Seats
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
Back end of the driver's side seat will not stay in place. Pins that actuate the back of the seat broke and allowed the seat to twist. If the vehicle is stopped with force the seat may break and slamm consumer against dashboard.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-07-17
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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R
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
1989 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 1989 BMW 525I 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 525I?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 BMW 525I have?
- 2 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.