The 80-ampere fusible link located in the engine compartment can develop mechanical weakness due to aging and thermal stresses, and can break.
Covers1989 BMW 525
Electrical system
BMW 525 Electrical problems by year
15 complaints filed with NHTSA about the BMW 525's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.
Electrical complaints by model year
Electrical recalls
Latest 525 electrical complaints
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
Electrical connections are unprotected from water, dirt, etc., And may induce failure. *Ak
While driving everything on the dash went out. After an hour everything came back on. Then went out again. Dealer has not seen vehicle. *Ak
Wires in the hatchback are rubbing together which causes a short, and the back door won't open. Also, all the electrical parts are working intermittently, and transmission has been replaced twice. *Ak
The defective rear brake light circuit malfucntioned, causing the tail lights to go out while driving, which almost caused an accident. Dealer replaced the brake circuit board. Problem is still occurring. Been to dealer 6 times. Dealer cannot determine problem. *Ak
When starting the vehicle driver heard a loud noise, there was a smell of smoke and vehicle would not start. Mechanic stated that this was due to the battery exploding. The battery has been replaced. *Ak
The orginal battery located under the rear seat cushion exploded, causing a very bad fumes/odor inside the vehiicle. *Ak
A short inside the fuse box caused a meltdown of the wiring harness. *Ak
Purchased car new, consumer was driving and smoke started to come from the dash, pulled over and car caught on fire. Please describe . *Ak
Electrical system problems, causing cluster module/power windows/alarm/power door locks to fail. *Ak
Brake light/circuit light came on, 1 min after light came on noticed smoke coming from underneath the dash near the steering area, resulting in a fire. *Ak.
Appears to be power drainage of the battery intermittently. Rendering vehicle inoperative. Tt
Instrument cluster failed, causing failure of dashboard and engine safety warning systems. *Skd
IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN WHEN KEY INSERTED. *SKD
Computer system failure, preventing use of power door locks and windows, trapping driver in vehicle. *Aw
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