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 PER YEAR
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.
2 of 4 total reports mention: visibility.
INJURYShow 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, 19990208
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000112
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seats.
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, 20000717
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1989 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
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:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.