MYRModel Year Report

1993 BMW 525I

○ Not enough data
1993 BMW 525I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:43:01.338Z

Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
5

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1993

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1989: 4 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 5 1994: 7 complaints 1995: 24 complaints 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 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1993: 5 complaints 1993 5 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 1991: 13 complaints 1991 1992: 18 complaints 1992 1993: 5 complaints 1993 5 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

1993: 5 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 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

5 of 5 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system and emission control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Received installation of recalled radiator cap at vob BMW in 9/27/99 (98V178000) that was supposed to keep the BMW cars from overheating which causes the engine to overheat and burnup.

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-06-23

Also filed under Equipment

Structure

1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing door.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1993 BMW 525I. The contact stated that both the rear driver and passenger side doors failed to open. As a result, the rear passengers were not able to enter or exit the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-03

Also filed under Electrical system

Power train

1 of 5 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Equipment

1 of 5 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

FIRE

Electrical system

1 of 5 total reports mentions: electrical system.

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

1993 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report 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 1993 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 1993 BMW 525I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 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.