1990 Bmw 325i 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 1990 Bmw 325i problems
The BMW 325i, produced in 1990, is a beloved car for many enthusiasts due to its pure driving experience and timeless design. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.
One of the most common issues with the 1990 BMW 325i is the failure of the head gasket, which can cause a significant oil leak at the center of the block. This issue typically occurs due to the engine's high operating temperatures, which can weaken the gasket over time. Replacing the head gasket is a complex and expensive repair, so it's essential to check for any signs of oil leaks before purchasing a 325i.
Another common problem with the 1990 BMW 325i is the failure of the manual shifter's bushings, which can cause sloppy and imprecise shifting. This issue is more common in high-mileage cars and can be caused by wear and tear on the bushings. Replacing the bushings is a relatively simple repair, but it can be time-consuming and requires some mechanical knowledge.
The steering rack is another component that can fail in the 1990 BMW 325i, resulting in a massive leak. This issue is typically caused by the rack's age and wear and tear. Replacing the steering rack is a complex and expensive repair, so it's essential to check for any signs of leaks before purchasing a 325i.
Rust is also a common problem with the 1990 BMW 325i, particularly in the forward mounting points for the rear subframe and in the valance surrounding the exhaust pipes. Rust can weaken the car's structure and lead to expensive repairs, so it's essential to check for any signs of rust before purchasing a 325i.
In addition to these common problems, the 1990 BMW 325i also has some unique issues that potential buyers should be aware of. For example, the power convertible tops can be expensive to fix, and the 325iX all-wheel-drive models are susceptible to driveline vibration.
Despite these common problems, the 1990 BMW 325i remains a beloved car for many enthusiasts due to its timeless design and pure driving experience. With proper maintenance and care, these issues can be minimized, and the car can provide years of enjoyment. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and budget accordingly for any necessary repairs.
Is a 1990 BMW 325i reliable?
The 1990 325i motor is NOT mechanically fuel-injected. It is fully electronic, and generally very reliable. The DME (ecu for non-bmw people) can crap out on you, but it's usually after you open it up and do a ham-fisted chip change with an ebay chip. If you are not into DIY, don't buy this car.
Is the BMW 325i reliable?
One of the many reasons to buy a BMW is that it is well-built. Most rear-wheel drive BMWs have the same weight on the front and back wheels. The world knows that BMWs are reliable, and the BMW 325I is no different. This model is strong, long-lasting, and reliable because it is well-made and well-engineered.
How long do 325i engines last?
200000 to 250000 miles
These cars easily last for 200000 to 250000 miles, if maintained properly according to company instructions. Things you should keep in mind for a long life of the car: Life of car depends mostly on how you keep it. Avoid unnecessary modifications to engine and electrical wirings.
What engine does a 1990 BMW 325i have?
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| M3 Sport Evo | 1989-1990 | 2.5 L S14 straight-4 |
Is a 1990 BMW 325i reliable?
The 1990 325i motor is NOT mechanically fuel-injected. It is fully electronic, and generally very reliable. The DME (ecu for non-bmw people) can crap out on you, but it's usually after you open it up and do a ham-fisted chip change with an ebay chip. If you are not into DIY, don't buy this car.
Is the BMW 325i reliable?
One of the many reasons to buy a BMW is that it is well-built. Most rear-wheel drive BMWs have the same weight on the front and back wheels. The world knows that BMWs are reliable, and the BMW 325I is no different. This model is strong, long-lasting, and reliable because it is well-made and well-engineered.
What engine does a 1990 BMW 325i have?
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| M3 Sport Evo | 1989-1990 | 2.5 L S14 straight-4 |
Are BMW E30 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.
1990 Bmw 325i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 325i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Bmw 325i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Bmw 325i complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Bmw 325i.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBABB2310LE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- VIN: WBABB1302LE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: REGARDING MY 1990 BMW 325 CONVERTIBLE. THE COVERING UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL ABOVE THE PEDALS WILL FALL ON MY FEET WHEN I AM DRIVING, MY FEET GET CAUGHT AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND PUSH THE COVERING OFF MY FEET AND SHOVE IT BACK OVER THE PEDALS. THERE IS A PLACE FOR IT TO LOCK INTO EXCEPT TO SIT ABOVE THE PEDALS. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN MY FEET GET CAUGHT, I AM CONSTANTLY MOVING MY FEET TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH PEDAL. I WAS GETTING MY OIL CHANGED AND THE PERSON WORKING THERE SAID HE ALSO HAD THAT PROBLEM WITH HIS BMW 325 CONVERTIBLE. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-20
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A MONTH AGO, RESUMING THE CRUISE SETTING ON THE CRUISE CONTROL RESULTED IN THE SPEED JUST ACCELERATING TO WAY BEYOND THE CRUISE SPEED. TRIED TO TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR RESULTING IN THE ENGINE JUST REVVING UP. PUT IT BACK INTO GEAR AND IT CONTINUED RACING AND ACCELERATING. THE ONLY WAY WAS TO HIT THE BRAKE AND SLOW DOWN TO THE CURB ON A PRETTY BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. TOOK IT INTO THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHO WANTED A LOAD OF MONEY TO INVESTIGATE. HAVE NOT USED CRUISE SINCE THEN. I THINK THERE IS A MANUFACTURER FLAW AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY BMW. ONCE AGAIN, THIS CAN BE AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS. I FORGOT THE INCIDENT AND TRIED IT AGAIN THAT RESULTED IN EXACTLY THE SAME FAILURE. *CB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAAA2311LE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER PUT ON SEATBELT, STARTED THE CAR PUT IN REVERSE, AND CAR JERKED AND TOOK OFF BACKWARDS VERY FAST. WENT ACROSS TO YARDS, AND STILL RMP'S WERE REVVING VERY HIGH. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE ON DRIVERS SIDE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. MECHANIC SAID THAT THROTTLE WAS NOT STUCK. ALSO, BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CAR, CONSUMER FELT THAT THROTTLE LEAKAGE AND CONTROL AND SUDDEN ACCELARATION PLAYED A BIG PART IN THIS INCIDENT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAAA2314LE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE AFTER REPAIR RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-28
- VIN: WBAAA2318LA
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THE ENGINE CUTS OUT FOR A SECOND AS WELL THE THE GAUGES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CLUSTER FAIL. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THREE DIFFRENT MECHANICS TWO BMW SPECIALIST AND ONE AND AUTHORIZED DEALER AND NONE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE FAILURE OCCURES USUALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS WARMED UP AND IS EXCELLERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-07
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER'S CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, AUTO WAS TRAVELING APPROX. 65-70 MPH. CONSUMER FINALLY SLAMMED ON BRAKES AND WAS ABLE TO PULL THE AUTO TO THE SHOULDER, AND AFTER SITTING WITH BOTH FEET ON BRAKES WHILE AUTO WAS STILL REVVING AND ACCELERATING. -SHE THEN WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PUT AUTO IN PARK AND SHUT OFF ENGINE, BUT THEN AFTER WAITING 2-5 MINUTES, TURNED AUTO ON AGAIN AND THE AUTO CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE WHILE IN PARK. DRIVER FINALLY SHUT AUTO OFF AND CALLED FOR HELP. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE; IN ADDITION, CANNOT OPEN THE UNLOCKED DOOR FROM INSIDE/ DRIVER'S SEAT WOBBLES AND SEAT HEATER OVERHEATED, BURNING DRIVER. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBABB1317LE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD RECALL #93V015000, FIXED A YEAR AGO, CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR ENGINE COOLING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR OVERHEATED . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-12
- VIN: WBAAA235ALF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-17
- VIN: VBAAA2314LA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HCOOLING SYSTEM LEAKED AND THE ENGINE BURNED UP. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAAA2317LA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT END COLLISON; REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE; THREE CAR COLLISION; ONE SENSOR CRUSHED UPON IMPACT. TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAAA2317LA
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: PASSENGERS AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING FRONT END COLLISON; REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE; THREE CAR COLLISION; ONE SENSOR CRUSHED UPON IMPACT. TT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Bmw 325i problems:
1990 BMW 325i Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Top 1990 BMW 325i Problems · Oil Leaks From Lower Engine Area · Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail · Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank.
Any common E30 problems?
Mar 2, 2006 ... Subframe, control arm, sway bar. Also, other thing to look out for: Rear shock mounts tend to go bad, the flexible coupling between the trans ...
Wanting to buy an 1990 E30 325i, what are some issues I should be ...
Apr 19, 2015 ... A broken timing belt will put you in an expensive world of hurt to correct. It's a relatively simple and cheap bit of scheduled maintenance that ...
Q&A: BMW 325i 1992 - Common Problems & Solutions
Apr 30, 2008 ... I have a e36 1992 325i bmw,and i have a problem with the transmission. When you change the gear from park to drive it - Answered by a ...
Really want an E30 325i but concerned about reliability and ...
Mar 6, 2015 ... The common problems that seem to plague E30s are leaks, electrical gremlins, and rust in the wheel wells, battery tray and the footwells among ...
Other years of Bmw 325i
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