1985-2002 · 12 model years
Owners have filed 71 complaints about the BMW 525 across 12 model years, and it has 5 recalls. The 1991 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (15), while 1985, 1997, 1998 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the electrical system, followed by the acceleration & cruise control.
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 BMW 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 323Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3, 323iT, 325iT and 325xiT vehicles, 2001-2002 525i, 530i, 540i, M5, 525iT and 540iT vehicles, and 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and...
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 80-ampere fusible link located in the engine compartment can develop mechanical weakness due to aging and thermal stresses, and can break.
Insufficient axial clearance exists for throttle valve, shaft, and housing due to the different thermal expansion rates of the separate parts when vehicle reaches normal operating temperatures and ambient temperature is 40 degrees fahrenheit or less.
Under certain conditions, front seat center, fold-down arm rest may contact the safety belt buckle, causing damage to the release button and preventing the belt tongue from latching when buckling up.
The hub failed at 75 mph, the front left wheel fell off and the 1997 525tds hit the concrete median and rolled 2 and 1/2 times. Fortunately no injuries. *Tr
When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lurched forward. The consumer pulled over and disconnected the cruise control cable to temporally stop the problem. The dealership was notified. Please provide more information.
Electrical problem. *Bf the lights were out of balance, the front right strut was banging and the a/c made noises. *Sc the power windows worked intermittently, the windshield had a crack. *Jb
The brake light indicator flashed on the dashboard, soon after consumer noticed an electrical wire smell and smoke started coming from the air vents, and within seconds vehicle was on fire. *Jb
In may of 1998 vehicle's parking brake failed and allowed vehicle to roll across a parking lot, striking another vehicle which caused approximately $2000.00 Damage to the rear end of vehicle. Then, in may of 2001, parking brake failed again while the vehicle was in park, allowing vehicle to roll forward into a tree, causing approximately $10,000.00 Damage to front end. Dealership/manufacturer were uncooperative in handling this problem. *Ak the vehicle jumped out of park into reverse or neutral own it own causing accident. *Yh
Temperature gauge went up. Took to mechanic, and they replaced water pump. Currently, consumer is now having a problem with thermostat. *Ak
Across every model year, owners report problems with the electrical system (15), acceleration & cruise control (10), airbags (8) most often.
NHTSA lists 5 recalls across all BMW 525 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data
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