- 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
1987 BMW 325 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1987 BMW 325 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (5) and the visibility & wipers (4). Those complaints describe 5 fires. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 1993 for the heater core. For comparison, the 1986 has 9 and the 1988 has 7.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 325 year, for its age
#46 most complained-about 1987 vehicle
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1987 BMW 325 problems
Share of all 16 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1987 BMW 325 recalls 2
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.
What owners say
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Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
16 complaints about the 1987 BMW 325
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving oil light came on after being serviced 5 days ago. Will be taking vehicle back to dealership to have mechanic check engine and electrical system for problems.*Ak
Vehicle not included in recall number 93v015000. Coolant leaking into vehicle on driver's side due to a crack in heater core. Please give any further details. *Ak
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration due to failure of the idle control valve, on one occasion the surge occurred and the vehicle went onto a curb which damaged the oil pan, consumer feels the dealer should reimburse her for the repairs. *Slc
While driving coolant light came on. Hose blew off coolant reservoir. Vehicle was towed and hose was reattached. *Ak recall (93v-015) work done on the coolant system, after the recall was done the vehicle running hotter than before. *Yh
Cosnumer received recall 93v015000 in early june. Consumer contacted union park bmw located in wilmington delaware, tele#302-658-7245, and was told parts were on order, but does not know when parts will come in. Consumer has been waiting for over 2 months.*Ak
While driving window got foggy and coolant was leaking on front seat floor. Technician explained that clamps were too tight, forcing the coolant to overflow just like stated in recall 93v015000. *Ak
Driving at 55 mph, all instruments reading normal, heard a "bang" , lost all engine power and brakes,power steering. Was not timing belt because when downshifting to arrest vehicle tachometer was working. Car would not restart in neutral while coasting, nor would it "pop" start. Coasted to a stop using emergency brake. When stopped, noticed flames from under hood. Left vehicle and watched it burn to oblivion. Cause of fire unknown at this time, insurance won't investigate because there was not any coverage for fire.
Able to smell the gas fume, especially when the engine is running. The fuel leakage may be related to the type of gasoline additive (ntbe?) In the california,
While driving engine caught on fire, spreading to the exhaust . Manufacturer has not been notified. *Ak
REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE.
When air conditioner or heater is turned on, vehicle looses power/hesitates.
WIRING HARNESS UNDER HOOD SHORTED, CAUSING FIRE.
FUSE BOX CAUGHT ON FIRE.
Parked vehicle and five minutes later fire started followed by an explosion. Please describe details. *Ak
Heater core recall repairs refused due to vehicle being imported and manufactorer has no record of vin (93v-015). *Ak
Seat belt latch plastic part broke off inside of latch, causing latch to fail. *Ak
BMW 325: every year compared
All 325 years1987 BMW 325 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 BMW 325 | 16 | 2 | F | |
| 1987 BMW 325I | 5 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 535 | 3 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 528 | 1 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 528E | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1987 BMW 325ISA | 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 1987 BMW 325
Does the 1987 BMW 325 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1987 BMW 325: heater core (February 1993); switch (November 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 1987 BMW 325?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (5), visibility & wipers (4), electrical system (2).
How many complaints has the 1987 BMW 325 had?
16 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 14, 1994 and the latest on October 14, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1987 BMW 325 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 8 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 1987 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