- The problem
- The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
- The risk
- Vehicles operated under this increased cooling systempressure condition can suffer damage or failure of parts of the cooling systemsuch as (1) leakage from a coolant hose, (2) leakage of the radiator orexpansion tank, (3) disconnection of a hose from a pipe or a fitting, and (4)cracks in the heater core end piece resulting in coolant leakage. In some cases,boiling coolant can contact the lower right leg of the driver resulting inburns. Also, escaping coolant in the passenger compartment can cause vaporfogging of the interior surface of the windows, reducing driver visibility.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. Also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Vehicle safety record
1986 BMW 325 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1986 BMW 325 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (3) and the visibility & wipers (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 3 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in February 1993 for the heater core. For comparison, the 1985 has 1 and the 1987 has 16.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 325 year, for its age
#57 most complained-about 1986 vehicle
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1986 BMW 325 problems
Share of all 9 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1986 BMW 325 recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Brake light switch could overheat, eventually leading to melting of plastic internal parts in area of electrical contacts.
- The risk
- Consequence of defect: switch plunger could jam, rendering brake lights either inoperative or continuously illiminated, regardless of brake pedal operation.
- The fix
- Replace brake light switch with revised switch with increased electrical load capacity.
- The problem
- The two parts of the steering column disengagement element could completely disconnect if the car contacts an object in the roadway or elsewhere of sufficient mass to apply a significant force directly to the steering gearbox. Consequence of defect: steering control would be lost.
- The fix
- Bolt two specially formed plates to the disengagement element so that steering capability will be retained.
What owners say
Be the first 325 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
9 complaints about the 1986 BMW 325
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
My 1986 325es bmw over heat. Change the fluids, perform several checks and it is still over heating. Has there been any recall on the heating or cooling system.
Car has overheated since 2000. I have called the dealership several times and they keep telling me there is no recall for my 86 bmw 325 but I just looked up recalls and saw were overheating was a problem for this year model car. *Tr
Defect in electronic locking device. Unable to open passenger doors (front and back), either manually (from inside) or with key (from outside). Have scheduled an appointment to have parts repaired or replaced. *Jb
Consumer states that dealership stated that they don't know if they can do consumers recall for free. Mr
Constant heating problem, on and off at times, engine got hot and rod started knocking nhtsa id # 93v01500,# 86v151000. . *Ak
Vehicle was jacked up at left front jack point on perfectly flat concrete floor, it rolled rearward, jack footing slipped and vehicle fell on victim.
Daughter driving, passengers/driver had on seat belts, clear/sunny day, another car tailgating fast. Started slowing to make lane change, car skidded, brakes locked up, car rolled 6 times, car upside down, driver thrown to passenger's side roof. Seatbelt did not hold. *Ak
Recall 93v015 heater:defroster:defogger; hot fluid entered compartment and burnt drivers lower leg. Please describe details. Tt
AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH. *SKD
BMW 325: every year compared
All 325 years1986 BMW 325 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 BMW 325 | 9 | 3 | F | |
| 1986 BMW 325E | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 535I | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 735 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 528 | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1986 BMW 3 Series | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1986 BMW 325
Does the 1986 BMW 325 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 1986 BMW 325: heater core (February 1993); switch (November 1986); steering wheel / handle bar (October 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 BMW 325?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (3), visibility & wipers (2), equipment & accessories (2).
How many complaints has the 1986 BMW 325 had?
9 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 8, 1995 and the latest on July 19, 2017. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1986 BMW 325 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 10 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical BMW 325 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 325 years have the most complaints?
2001 (31), 1994 (26), 1987 (16). See every BMW 325 year compared.
What should I do if my 1986 BMW 325 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data