1986 Bmw 325 problems
The BMW E30 is the second generation of BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1982 to 1994 and replaced the E21 3 Series. The model range included 2-door coupe and convertible body styles, as well as being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door sedan and wagon/estate body styles. It was powered by four-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder petrol and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter a first for the 3 Series. The E30 325iX model was the first BMW to have all-wheel drive.
The first BMW M3 model was built on the E30 platform and was powered by the high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 175 kW (235 bhp) in its final iteration. The BMW Z1 roadster was also based on the E30 platform. Following the launch of the E36 3 Series in 1990, the E30 began to be phased out.
Development
Development of the E30 3 Series began in July 1976, with styling being developed under chief designer Claus Luthe with exterior styling led by Boyke Boyer. In 1978, the final design was approved, with design freeze (cubing process) being completed in 1979. BMW's launch film for the E30 shows the design process including Computer-aided design (CAD), crash testing and wind-tunnel testing. The car was released at the end of November 1982.
Externally, the E30's appearance is very similar to twin headlight versions of its E21 predecessor, however there are various detail changes in styling to the E30. Major differences to the E21 include the interior and a revised suspension, the latter to reduce the oversteer for which the E21 was criticised.
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Common 1986 Bmw 325 problems
The 1986 BMW 325e is known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequent issues is related to the fuel system, where the fuel injection system can experience problems such as clogged fuel filters, failing fuel pumps, and issues with the oxygen sensor.
Another common problem area for the 1986 BMW 325e is electrical issues. Many owners have reported experiencing difficulties starting the car, or finding that the battery is draining quickly. These issues may be caused by a malfunctioning alternator, a damaged battery, or a short in the wiring harness.
The cooling system is also a problematic area for the 1986 BMW 325e. The water-cooled engine with a radiator, hoses, and a coolant system can experience issues such as overheating, which may be caused by a faulty thermostat, a leaking radiator, or a clogged coolant system. Overheating can lead to engine damage, so it's important to address these issues promptly.
Suspension and steering problems are also common in the 1986 BMW 325e. The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear semi-trailing arm suspension can experience issues such as worn bushings, failed shocks, or problems with the steering. These issues can affect the car's handling, ride comfort, and safety.
Rust and corrosion are also common problems for the 1986 BMW 325e, especially in areas such as the rocker panels, wheel arches, and trunk lid. This issue may be caused by poor paint quality, inadequate rust protection, or exposure to harsh environmental conditions.
In summary, the 1986 BMW 325e is known to have several common problems related to the fuel system, electrical issues, cooling system, suspension and steering problems, and rust and corrosion. Owners who experience any of these problems should take their car to a qualified mechanic or dealership to diagnose and fix the issue. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues from occurring.
How many miles per gallon does a 1986 BMW 325e get?
Based on data from 16 vehicles, 238 fuel-ups and 49,335 miles of driving, the 1986 BMW 325e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.02 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (0.83%) removed.
What engine is in a 1986 BMW 325e?
2.7 L M20B27 straight-6
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 325, 325e, 325es | 1985-1987 | 2.7 L M20B27 straight-6 |
| 325i, 325is, 325ix | 1985-1993 | 2.5 L M20 straight-6 |
| M3, M3 Evo 1 | 1986-1987 | 2.3 L S14 straight-4 |
| M3 Evo 2 | 1988 |
Are BMW E30 engines reliable?
The E30 is an unusually stout car with few weaknesses, at least by 1980s German-car standards. The engines can last nearly forever but require valve adjustments every 15,000 miles and, to be safe, a new timing belt at four-year or 45,000-mile intervals.
What is the difference between a 1986 BMW 325 and 325e?
The primary differences between the 325e and the 325i are in the engine and drivetrain. Although both models have engines from the same M20 family, the 325e has more displacement than the 325i (2.7 liters vs. 2.5), but drastically less horsepower (121 vs 167).
What engine is in a 1986 BMW 325e?
2.7 L M20B27 straight-6
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 325, 325e, 325es | 1985-1987 | 2.7 L M20B27 straight-6 |
| 325i, 325is, 325ix | 1985-1993 | 2.5 L M20 straight-6 |
| M3, M3 Evo 1 | 1986-1987 | 2.3 L S14 straight-4 |
| M3 Evo 2 | 1988 |
How many miles per gallon does a 1986 BMW 325e get?
Based on data from 16 vehicles, 238 fuel-ups and 49,335 miles of driving, the 1986 BMW 325e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.02 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (0.83%) removed.
What is the difference between a 1986 BMW 325 and 325e?
The primary differences between the 325e and the 325i are in the engine and drivetrain. Although both models have engines from the same M20 family, the 325e has more displacement than the 325i (2.7 liters vs. 2.5), but drastically less horsepower (121 vs 167).
How reliable are BMW e30s?
The E30 is an unusually stout car with few weaknesses, at least by 1980s German-car standards. The engines can last nearly forever but require valve adjustments every 15,000 miles and, to be safe, a new timing belt at four-year or 45,000-mile intervals.
1986 Bmw 325 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 325 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Equipment problems
- Engine problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Bmw 325 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Bmw 325 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Bmw 325.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- VIN: WBAAB6405G1
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-01
- VIN: WBAAB640XG1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-10
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-16
- VIN: WBAAB6409G1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY DON'T KNOW IF THEY CAN DO CONSUMERS RECALL FOR FREE. MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAAB5404G9
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSTANT HEATING PROBLEM, ON AND OFF AT TIMES, ENGINE GOT HOT AND ROD STARTED KNOCKING NHTSA ID # 93V01500,# 86V151000. . *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-07-28
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAAE6406G1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBAAE640060
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RECALL 93V015 HEATER:DEFROSTER:DEFOGGER; HOT FLUID ENTERED COMPARTMENT AND BURNT DRIVERS LOWER LEG. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-08
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING IS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH. *SKD
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-08
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER IS NOT POWERFUL ENOUGH.
1986 Bmw 325 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1986 Bmw 325.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
- Summary: THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
- Consequence: 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.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.
- Remedy: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: 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.
- Remedy: BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Bmw 325 problems:
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