MYRModel Year Report

1990 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
1990 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:33.520Z

Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints 1990: 11 complaints 1990 11 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints
1989: 4 complaints 1990: 11 complaints 1990 11 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2011: 0 complaints 2011
1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1990 11 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 1994: 7 complaints 1994 1995: 24 complaints 1995 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 0 complaints 2000 2001: 22 complaints 2001 2002: 28 complaints 2002 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 84 complaints 2004 2005: 35 complaints 2005 2006: 77 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2007 2008: 1 complaint 2008 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 0 complaints 2011

1990: 11 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19894
199011
199113
199218
19935
19947
199524
19982
19991
20000
200122
200228
200332
200484
200535
200677
200772
20081
20091
20100
20110

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

13 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.

Show complaint excerpts

(1) my 1990 BMW 525I started to over heat on August 01,2006. The temp gauge goes up 50% mark. The coolant level went down every day and I filled it up with distilled water to control the temperature, hoping that it would correct itself some time.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-08-18

Exterior lighting

6 of 11 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights and tail lights.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer complained about the low beam headlights. Lights went out without warning. This happened intermittently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-20

Power train

5 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and differential unit.

Seats

4 of 11 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing seat heater/cooler.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Seat heater burned occupant.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-07-17

Service brakes

3 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1990 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 5 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
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1990 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 1990 BMW 525I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 118% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 525I 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.