- The problem
- Feed fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting is unable to compensate for the hardening of the feed fuel hose.
- The risk
- Fuel seepage between the feed fuel hose and the engine fitting can result in free fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
- The fix
- A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
Vehicle safety record
1989 BMW 325 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1989 BMW 325 with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (4) and the visibility & wipers (3). Those complaints describe 3 crashes and 2 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 1994 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1988 has 7 and the 1990 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 325 year, for its age
#85 most complained-about 1989 vehicle
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 3
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1989 BMW 325 problems
Share of all 11 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1989 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
- 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.
What owners say
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11 complaints about the 1989 BMW 325
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall 93v015000/heater core. Dealer refused to correct recall problem. Consumer's vehicle has already experienced problem with a cracked heater core which caused hot fluids to enter passenger's compartment, resulting in total loss of driver's visibility. Please provide any further details. *Ak
Recall 93v015000/ heater core recall. Dealer is john robert bmw, 2537 forest lane, dallas, tx 75234, 972-247-7233. Dealer still has no parts. Please provide further information.*Ak . Bmw states recall was done on july 21,2000, at auto bond in ft worth tx.
Driver's seat broke/leaning to the right side. It is also not very sturdy but wobbly. *Ak
Consumer placed the vehicle from park to reverse and the vehicle accelerated in reverse, causing the consumer to have an accident. Consumer contacted the dealer, dealer unable to find the cause. Dealer stated the floor mat may have been the cause of the problem. *Ak
On three occasions when cruise control was engaged, vehicle continued to accelerate. *Ak
While driving vehicle and pulling into a parking space at 5 mph suddenly vehicle took off, then vehicle came to a stop after hitting a curve; had foot on brakes at the time. Vehicle did not stop. Took to dealer & was informed vehicle did not have surging problem. *Ak
Very small pieces of the plastic portion of the latch break off and fall into latch, causing it to jam. *Ak
Circuit board needs to be replaced due to failure of service indicator light/tachometer. *Sd
The windows on the car stick and sometimes you can't roll them down. Also the window fogs up and defrost doesn't work so you have to wipe them clear by hand.
Anti lock brake system sometime grabs and other times shoot forward. Tt
Throttle on vehicle stuck open causing an accident. Tt
BMW 325: every year compared
All 325 years1989 BMW 325 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 BMW 325 | 11 | 2 | F | |
| 1989 BMW 325I | 8 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 535 | 7 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 535I | 6 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 525I | 4 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 525 | 3 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 320 | 2 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 520IA | 1 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1989 BMW 325IA | 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 1989 BMW 325
Does the 1989 BMW 325 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1989 BMW 325: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 1994); heater core (February 1993). 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 1989 BMW 325?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (4), visibility & wipers (3), seats & seat belts (2).
How many complaints has the 1989 BMW 325 had?
11 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 20, 1995 and the latest on January 10, 2001. Of these, 3 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1989 BMW 325 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 9 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 1989 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