Bmw 525 problems
The BMW E34 is the third generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced from November 2, 1987, until 1996. Initially launched as a sedan in January 1988, the E34 also saw a "Touring" station wagon (estate) body style added in September 1992, a first for the 5 Series. BMW replaced the E34 with the E39 5 Series in December 1995, although E34 Touring models remained in production until June 1996.
The E34 generation marked the first time all-wheel drive was incorporated into the 5 Series with the 525iX, and the first V8 engine to be used in a 5 Series. The E34 also saw the introduction of stability control (ASC), traction control (ASC+T), a 6-speed manual transmission and adjustable damping (EDC) to the 5 Series range.
There was an unusually large range of engines fitted over its lifetime as nine different engine families were used. These consisted of straight-four, straight-six and V8 engines.
The E34 M5 is powered by the S38 straight-six engine and was produced in sedan and wagon body styles.
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Bmw 525 model years
Common Bmw 525 problems
The BMW 525, particularly the 2006 model year, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another common problem in the BMW 525 is related to the cooling system, which is responsible for 25% of all mechanical issues in this model of vehicle. If these problems are not addressed promptly, they can lead to more severe engine issues.
The air conditioning system in the BMW 525 has also been reported to have problems. The fan may change speed without any prompt from the controls, and the system may only blow out cold air on lower settings. This issue can be frustrating for drivers, especially during hot weather.
The sunroof in the BMW 525 has also been reported to have problems, specifically with the rubber seal not being fitted correctly, causing a whistling sound while driving and impacting fuel economy and comfort.
The E60 5 series, including the 535i, has been reported to have problems with its fuel pump system, resulting in poor engine performance, low power, and rough idling. This issue requires a full change of all the pumps, which is a costly job.
Lastly, the timing chain in the M47/N47 engine, which was originally described as maintenance-free, is known to suffer from sudden snaps, rendering the engine useless. It is essential to check that the BMW 5 series has a full service that details the reviews and inspections carried out on this part.
In summary, the BMW 525 has several common problems, including engine overheating, cooling system issues, air conditioning problems, sunroof problems, fuel pump system issues, and timing chain problems. These issues can be costly to fix and may impact the vehicle's performance and reliability. It is essential to be aware of these problems when considering purchasing a used BMW 525.
Is the BMW 525i reliable?
BMW 525i Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 4.2 out of 5 stars.
How many miles can a BMW 525i last?
A BMW can last 150-200,000 miles with proper care and if you drive the national average of 13,500 miles per year, you can expect to drive your BMW for 10-15 years according to MotorAsk.
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
Our latest reliability data shows petrol 5 Series models in a good light; they finished in second place out of 24 cars with a 97.2% record. Diesel variants scored an excellent 91.8% and the 530e PHEV 89%.
Is the BMW 525d 2006 reliable?
Most reliable car I've ever owned
Best overall value. It looks good and drives well. Well worth the money. I have owned a Lexus and an Infiniti and this car is keeping its value ahead of those.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 525 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 525 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 525 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 525 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 525 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 525 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 525 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 525 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 525 model years
A total of 18 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 525 model years
There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 525 model years
There were a total of 10 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 84 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 525 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 525 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 525 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2014-12-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBADG71030B
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
Bmw 525 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-30
- Date Complaint: 2012-01-17
- VIN: WBADT33451G
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER BRAKE SERVO FAILURE DUE TO WATER ACCUMULATION. DRIVING THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP WHEN THERE WAS SUDDENLY NO POWER BRAKES. DEALER INDICATED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A BAD VACUUM LINE. WHEN REPLACING THE VACUUM HOSE, I FOUND THE BRAKES BOOSTER (SERVO) SUBMERGED IN 6 INCHES OF WATER. AFTER DRAINING THE WATER AND DISCONNECTING THE VACUUM HOSE A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER DRAINED FROM INSIDE THE POWER BOOSTER/SERVO. CAR RAN FINE AFTER REPAIR. 1 WEEK LATER, ON 1/16/12 DURING SUB-FREEZING TEMPS, THERE WS NO BRAKE PEDAL FUNCTION AT ALL. EXTENSIVE WEB SEARCH FOUND SEVERAL THREADS DEVOTED TO THE PROBLEM. HERE IS ONE OF THOSE LINKS: HTTP://WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=418457 TWO POTENTIAL CAUSES: 1 - THE BRAKE BOOSTER/SERVO IS IN A WELL. THIS WELL DOES HAVE A SMALL DRAINAGE HOLE THAT CAN CLOG DUE TO LEAVES OR OTHER DEBRIS. THIS WELL IS UNDER A CABIN AIR FILTER BOX. THE AIR FILTER IS A NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEM, COMPLETE REMOVAL OF THE BOX AND MAINTENANCE UNDER THE BOX IS NOT PART OF STANDARD MAINTENANCE. IN CLIMATES WHERE LEAVES FALL, THEY CAN COLLECT UNDER THIS BOX AND BLOCK DRAINAGE. SHOULD THE WELL FILL WITH WATER THE UNIT WILL BECOME SUBMERGED AND ULTIMATELY TAKE ON WATER. WATER SEEPING INTO THE BOOSTER/SERVO CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE UNIT CAUSING BRAKE FUNCTION TO BE DRASTICALLY REDUCED. IF ALL THE WATER IS NOT DRAINED, IN BELOW FREEZING CONDITIONS THE WATER IN THE BOOSTER/SERVO WILL FREEZE, EFFECTIVELY FREEZING THE BRAKE PEDAL, MAKING BRAKING IMPOSSIBLE! THIS WATER CAN ALSO GET SUCKED INTO THE VACUUM LINE AND BE SUCKED INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THEN INTO THE ENGINE POTENTIALLY CAUSING MASSIVE ENGINE FAILURE. 2 - FAILURE OF THE CCV VALVE, CAUSED BY CONDENSATE, CAN ALSO CAUSE WATER TO ULTIMATELY BACK-UP INTO THE VACUUM SYSTEM AND INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER/SERVO, CAUSING THE SAME EFFECTS MENTIONED ABOVE. BOOSTER REPLACEMENT NEEDED. *TR
Bmw 525 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2007-04-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBADT43451G
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE. THE VEHICLE THEN SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL ,VEERED TO THE RIGHT, AND CRASHED INTO A CHANNELIZER BARREL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALTHOUGH, HE STRUCK THE BARREL HEAD ON THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000.*AK
Bmw 525 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-13
- Date Complaint: 2005-02-23
- VIN: WBAHD6327SG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
Bmw 525 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2004-10-06
- Components: SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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
Bmw 525 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6310MB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
Bmw 525 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT STARTED SMOKING. CONSUMER PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SHUT VEHICLE OFF. SERVICE MANAGER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. ELECTRICAL COMPONETS IN FAN WERE BURNED OUT. CONSUMER STATED THIS PROBLEM STARTED AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORMED. DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER TO ATTACHED RECALL INFORMATION.*AK *YH
Bmw 525 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-06-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6318NB
- Components: PARKING BRAKE,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
Bmw 525 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-11
- VIN: WBAHD6312MB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT UP. TOOK TO MECHANIC, AND THEY REPLACED WATER PUMP. CURRENTLY, CONSUMER IS NOW HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THERMOSTAT. *AK
Bmw 525 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-09
- VIN: WBAHD6312PB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES VEHICLE RACES TO VERY HIGH RPMS. IT APPEARS THAT VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. *AK THE DEALER INDICATED THAT DIAGNOSIS WOULD BE DONE IF THE CONDITION REOCCURS. THE CONDITION DID NOT REOCCUR, ACCORDING TO THE CONSUMER. *YH
Bmw 525 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2000-05-15
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ON SUNNY DAY CONSUMER SPILLED COLD WATER ON THE WINDSHIELD AND THE GLASS CRACKED. *AK
Bmw 525 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-07
- Date Complaint: 2000-05-08
- VIN: WBAHD5320RG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER GOT INTO VEHICLE, TURNED KEY IN IGNITION NOTHING HAPPENED. DOORS LOCKED ON VEHICLE & CONSUMER WAS STUCK INSIDE FOR 20 MINUTES IN 90 DEGREE PLUS HEAT. CONSUMER HAD TO KEEP BLOWING HORN. SOMEONE HEARD CONSUMER AND KEY WAS PUSHED THROUGH RUBBER SEAL SKYLIGHT TO UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE. ROAD SIDE ASSISTANT WAS CALLED & TOLD CONSUMER TO CARRY A HAMMER TO BREAK WINDOWS OUT. BMW DEALERSHIP TOLD CONSUMER TO BRING VEHICLE IN. CONSUMER SCARED TO GET BACK IN. *AK
Bmw 525 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-01-06
- VIN: WBAHD6320SG
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR OR ADJUST THE WINDOWS FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE IS RECALL 94V219000 FOR THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM, DEALER STATES VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Bmw 525 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1999-12-29
- VIN: BW374552820
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ALL AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS BECOME FROZEN, CAUSING THE DOORS NOT TO CLOSE SECURELY. DEALER REPLACED THE LOCKS WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Bmw 525 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-30
- Date Complaint: 1999-12-10
- VIN: WBAHD5328SG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ARE UNPROTECTED FROM WATER, DIRT, ETC., AND MAY INDUCE FAILURE. *AK
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 525
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Bmw 525.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 525 2001
- Report Received Date: 2017-01-20
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: 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 X5 4.6is vehicles. These vehicles may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. These replacement modules contain an air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to lower absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver side air bag module, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 15, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw 525 1989
- Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
- Model: Bmw 525 1990
- Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
- Model: Bmw 525 1991
- Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
- Model: Bmw 525 1992
- Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
- Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
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