1995 BMW 525I
Only 24 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 24 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 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 24 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
3 of 24 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 525I. WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS OR WINDOWS MANUALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120501
3 of 24 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE HOUSING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRACK RESULTED FROM TOO MUCH PRESSURE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM. RELATED RECALL 98V178000. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030417
3 of 24 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20221223
2 of 24 total reports mention: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
DOOR FAILED TO OPEN PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS CAUSED WINDOWS AND SEAT BELTS TO MALFUNCTION. FINALLY, SHORT IN FUSES, RESULTED IN HEADLIGHTS/MIRRORS AND CONSOLE TO MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980915
WINDOW FAILURES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980713
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE DOUBLE-LOCK FEATURE CAN ENGAGE WITH OCCUPANTS AND THE DOOR/IGNITION KEY INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GENERAL CONTROL MODULE WITH ONE CONTAINING THE REVISED SOFTWARE TO PERMIT WINDOW OPENING WITH THE DOUBLE-LOCK ENGAGED AND KEY IN THE IGNITION.
Campaign 94V219000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1995 BMW 525I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V219000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1995 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 1995 BMW 525I?
The most-reported component is latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 BMW 525I 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.