Bmw 325is problems

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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.

photo of Bmw 325is car production

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Bmw 325is model years

bmw 325is 1995 photo
325is 1995
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bmw 325is 1994 photo
325is 1994
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bmw 325is 1993 photo
325is 1993
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bmw 325is 1992 photo
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Common Bmw 325is problems

The BMW 325is is a popular model among car enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the issues reported by owners:

  • Engine Problems: Engine issues are another common complaint among BMW 325is owners. The most frequently reported problem in this category is related to the 2006 model year, where the steering wheel can lock or have a fault.
  • Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are also common in the BMW 325is. The automatic transmission, in particular, can be problematic, adding nearly two seconds to the zero-to-60 sprint compared to the manual version. Manual shifters can also become sloppy with age, making gear changes less precise and more difficult.
  • Suspension and Steering Problems: Suspension and steering issues are another common complaint among BMW 325is owners. These can include problems with the steering rack, which can result in a massive leak, and issues with the suspension components, which can lead to a rough ride and decreased handling performance.
  • Rust and Corrosion: Rust and corrosion are also common problems in the BMW 325is, particularly in the valance surrounding the exhaust pipes and at the forward mounting points for the rear subframe. These issues can lead to significant repair costs and can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle.

In summary, the BMW 325is is a popular model among car enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. These can include electrical issues, engine problems, transmission issues, suspension and steering problems, and rust and corrosion. Owners of these vehicles should be aware of these issues and take proactive steps to maintain their vehicles to minimize the risk of these problems occurring.

Bmw 325is

Is the BMW 325i engine reliable?

If you take care of your 325I, it should last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles. But many have driven more than 300,000 miles without major technical problems.

What is the life expectancy of a BMW 325i?

200,000 to 250,000 miles

You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained. Is the BMW 3 Series reliable? Due to its meticulous craftsmanship and precision engineering, the 3 Series is a durable, long-lasting, and dependable car. Learn more from the experts at BMW of Greenwich.

What does the S stand for in 325is?

True, the "S" does stand for "Sport", but this shouldn't be confused with the Sport Package---the "S" designation referred to the body style (coupe vs. sedan). An E36 sedan with a Sport Package would still be referred to as a 325i.

What is a common problem in BMW?

BMW engines are renowned for their performance but can also present unique challenges. If not addressed promptly, oil leaks from brittle valve cover gaskets or leaky oil filter gaskets are common issues that could lead to severe engine damage.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 325is years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 325is cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Bmw 325is model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 325is model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 325is years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 325is car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 325is , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Structure problems
  • Suspension problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 325is vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 325is model years

A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 325is . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 325is vehicles.

List of Bmw 325is complaints

Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2017-09-05
  • VIN: WBABF4326RE
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH DOORS BECAME INOPERABLEWITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER ALSO TRUNK LATCH BROKE DUE TO THE WAY IT IS ATTATCHED TO TRUNK LID IE TWO SCREWS THRU SHEET METAL, SHEET METAL BROKE AROUND BOTH SCREWS
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-08-29
  • Date Complaint: 2011-08-30
  • VIN: WBABF4328RE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: OWNER OF A 1994 325IS. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DIED DOWN (SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR) ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND TO ALMOST CRASH INTO ME. IN ILLINOIS. CALLED THE NATIONAL BMW CUSTOMER CENTER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO ACTIVE RECALL DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT OF INCIDENTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF 325 I IN THE CONSUMER REPORTS SITE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL KEPT AND MAINTAINED PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED. *TR
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2005-05-06
  • Date Complaint: 2005-05-06
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: I AM A MEMBER OF THE BMWCCA AND A BMW AUTOMTIVE ENTHUSIAST. I HAVE NOTICE FOR MANY YEARS THE OCCURANNCE OF A COMMON FAILURE IN E36 AND E46 BODY STYLES - FOR ALL YEARS OF PRODUCTION. THE REAR SUBFRAME IS ATTACHED AT FOUR MOUNTING LOCATIONS TO THE UNIBODY. THE UNIBODY IS NOT REINFORCED AT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS. FAILURES HAVE OCCURED WHERE THE UNIBODY SHEET METAL CRACKS AND IN MANY CASES THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RIPPED FROM THE CAR. IN GERMANY, BMW HAS RECOGNIZED THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A RECALL TO REINFORCE THE SUBFRAME ATTACHMENT POINTS. I FEEL IT IS TIME THAT BMW TAKES OWNERSHIP OF THIS PROBLEM IN THE USA. PLEASE HELP. THIS PROBLEM WILL WORSEN AS THESE CARS AGE AND WILL EVENTAULLY CAUSE FATALITIES. PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MORE DETAILS - I CAN PROVIDE NUMEROUS PHOTOS FORM CLUB MEMBERS. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
  • Date Complaint: 2004-09-27
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: LTR RE A DEFECTIVE HOOD LATCH ON A 1994 BMW 325IS, REQUESTING A DEFECT INVESTIGATION. WHILE DRIVING, THE HOOD LATCH DISENGAGED AND CAUSE THE HOOD TO OPEN. *JB
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-07-27
  • Date Complaint: 2001-08-06
  • VIN: WBABF4321RE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: AFTER TAKING VEHICLE THROUGH A CARWASH ENGINE HYDROLOCKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO INJECT INTO ENGINE. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER STATES DME SHORTED OUT CAUSING IT TO HYDROLOCK AND CAUSING ENGINE AND FUEL COMPONENTS TO BE DAMAGED INTERNALLY. *SLC
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2000-06-23
  • Date Complaint: 2000-07-11
  • VIN: WBAAA2305J3
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE OVERHEATED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN TOLD CONSUMER THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE HEATING CORE.*AK
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-27
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 1999-10-15
  • VIN: WBABF3327RE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: THE 1994 BMW 3 SERIES HAS A CLUTCH LINING PROBLEM THAT WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO BUCK AND THROW ITSELF FORWARD WHEN STUCK IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME. ALTHOUGH THIS IS CALLED A MINOR INCOMVENIENCE BY BMW, IT CAN CAUSE A LOW IMPACT ACCIDENT IF THE CLUTCH AND DUAL MASS FLY WHEEL ARE NOT REPLACED.... $2000 LATER.
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 1999-09-23
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
Bmw 325is 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-20
  • Date Complaint: 1999-08-18
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR 3 SERIES BMWS WHERE THE WATER BACKS UP UNDER THE WINDSHIELD AND IT GETS INTO THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER AND SHORTS IT OUT.

Latest 5 recalls Bmw 325is

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Bmw 325is.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 325is 1994
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
  • Model: Bmw 325is 1993
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
  • Model: Bmw 325is 1995
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
  • Model: Bmw 325is 1992
  • Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
  • Model: Bmw 325is 1992
  • Report Received Date: 1997-08-19
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.

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