Bmw 525i problems

General information about Bmw 525i
Bmw 525i years list
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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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Common Bmw 525i problems

The BMW 525i is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues are often related to the engine, cooling system, and electrical components.

Cooling System Issues: BMW often uses plastic fittings on different components of the cooling system, which can become brittle and fail as the car ages. This can lead to oil leaks, particularly from the valve covers, transmission, and various seals. These leaks are more common in BMWs that are five years old or older.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Light: The SRS light coming on is a common problem in BMW cars, including the 525i. This issue is usually caused by the passenger seat weight sensor or the clock spring. The SRS light is part of the airbag system, and if it comes on, it indicates that there is an issue with the restraint system.

Check Engine Light: The check engine light coming on is another common problem in BMW cars. This issue can be caused by a variety of problems, from something as simple as a bad fuel cap to more serious issues like the transmission being stuck in limp mode.

Instrument Cluster Issues: The pixels of the instrument cluster may not show correctly or could fail, causing the odometer screen to pulsate or go off. This issue is caused by a faulty LCD or the ribbons that connect the LCD to the circuit board.

Door Locks: The door locks in BMWs can stop working, which is an easy issue to check when buying a used car. To check the locks, stand 10 feet from the car and press the lock/unlock button to see if the locks open or close. If just one door lock fails to operate properly, it's probably a damaged door lock actuator.

Window Regulator Issues: The window regulators in BMWs are made of plastic clips that can break, causing the windows to stop moving up or down. This issue is not costly to repair, but it can be more expensive if you have the BMW dealer fix it.

Thermostat Failure: BMW thermostats can fail, causing the engine to overheat, which can be critical if not addressed promptly. If the thermostat fails in the open position, the engine will take a long time to warm up, so it's important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

Lifter Sounds: Certain BMW models, including the 525i, may generate lifter sounds, especially during startup. This issue is caused by the hydraulic lifters in the engine, which can become noisy as the car ages.

Fuel Pump System: The E60 5 series, including the 535i, suffers from widely reported 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 can be a costly job to replace.

In summary, the BMW 525i is known for several common problems that affect its engine, cooling system, and electrical components. These issues can lead to costly repairs and should be addressed promptly to avoid further damage to the car.

Is the BMW 525i reliable?

BMW 525i Ratings Overview

The average rating is a 4.2 out of 5 stars.

What is the main problem with the BMW 5 Series?

BMW 5 Series air suspension problem

Rear air suspension issues are common in the 5 Series Gran Turismo, causing symptoms such as the vehicle leaning to one side, sagging at the rear, a loud bag from the suspension airbag, and hissing noises.

How much is a 525i BMW worth?

Prices for a used BMW 5 Series 525i currently range from $2,690 to $13,959, with vehicle mileage ranging from 77,304 to 189,447. Find used BMW 5 Series 525i inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

Is BMW 5 Series a reliable car?

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%.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 525i years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 525i cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 525i model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 525i model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 525i years

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

Bmw 525i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 525i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Electrical system problems
Air bags problems
Power train problems
Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 525i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 525i model years

A total of 8 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 525i model years

There were a total of 10 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 525i model years

There were a total of 14 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 162 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 525i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 525i vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw 525i 1995

Date Of Incident: 2022-12-18
Date Complaint: 2022-12-23
VIN: WBAHD5326SG
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: RECAL 94V219000: Double-lock Feature GCM Revised. "The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside of the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle." NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME OR THE REMEDY DOES NOT CORRECT THE DEFECT, CONTACT BMW AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE My car locked me in it and I was unable to exit exactly as described in this Recall. Called BMW and they are saying the recall was remedied. Clearly it is not corrected. BMW says they cant do anything. 1995 or not this is a serious safety issue, this car is perfectly safe running and driving vehicle besides this issue.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2020-09-23
Date Complaint: 2020-10-28
VIN: WBADT43481G
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: BMW IS USING THE RECALL TO FORCE PEOPLE BACK INTO THEIR SERVICE CENTER. EVEN WHEN A REPAIR ISN'T REQUIRED. THEN, THEY TELL YOU THAT THERE ARE 100 OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NEEDED ON YOUR VEHICLE. ATTACHED ARE THE SAMPLES OF THE DOCUMENTS. THIS BEHAVIOR IS FRAUDULENT AND DECEPTIVE. EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW MY VEHICLE DOES NOT NEED THIS AIRBAG, THEY CONTINUE TO SEND ANNOYING LETTERS.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-01
Date Complaint: 2020-03-05
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADT43431G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: I DROVE THE CAR A MILE TO THE STORE AND A MILE BACK AND WHEN I WAS WALKING AWAY YOU COULD SEE A SPARK AND THEN A MINUTE LATER ANOTHER ONE AND ANOTHER UNTIL THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND WITHIN 4 MINUTES THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY SECURITY CAMERAS CAUGHT THE WHOLE THING ON TAPE. WE TRIED OUR BEST TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BUT IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-17
Date Complaint: 2020-02-19
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADS43441G
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PARKING AND RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE DETECTED A BURNING ODOR AND FLAMES EXITING THE FRONT OF HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN OPENING THE HOOD HE SAW FIRE LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH WATER HE HAD AVAILABLE. NO POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO DISCONNECT WIRES FOR THE ELECTRICAL FAN AND CONTINUED DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED NIELLO BMW ELK GROVE (8580 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE, CA 95757 (916) 687-9000) WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING IN 2002.THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2020-02-17
Date Complaint: 2020-02-18
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADS43441G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: I HAD TAKEN A LONGER ROAD TRIP, AND WAS ON MY WAY BACK, ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE WAY WHEN WE STOPPED FOR DINNER. I PARKED, AND EVERYTHING WAS USUAL. A COUPLE MINUTES LATER, I WENT TO MOVE THE CAR, AND WHILE I WAS WAITING IN A DRIVE-THRU LINE, I SEE SMOKE BILLOWING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND I SMELL A BURNING SMELL. I PARKED THE CAR BACK WHERE IT HAD BEEN, AND, THINKING IT WAS A COOLANT ISSUE, OPENED THE HOOD TO LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN, AND LEFT MY PASSENGERS WITH THE CAR AND WALKED ACROSS THE STREET TO BUY SOME COOLANT. WHEN I RETURNED, MY PASSENGERS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD NOTICED A FLAME AT THE EXTREME FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND HAD TO DOUSE IT WITH WATER. I CHECKED, AND I SAW THAT THE WIRES LEADING TO THE AUXILIARY COOLING FAN IN FRONT OF THE RADIATOR HAD MELTED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE PLASTIC NEAR THEM (AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE). I THEN FOUND THE CONNECTOR FOR THOSE WIRES AND DISCONNECTED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD NOT RELIGHT. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RESULTING FROM THE WIRES PULLING TOO MUCH POWER AND THUS MELTING THEMSELVES. THE PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES DID NOT SET OFF ANY WARNING OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, AND DID NOT AFFECT THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE, AT LEAST AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT THE BATTERY CAN RUN THIS FAN FOR UP TO 11 MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF, THUS BEING ABLE TO START A FIRE IN A GARAGE WHEN NO ONE IS AROUND. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE WHOLE CAR COULD GO UP IN FLAMES.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2019-05-22
Date Complaint: 2019-06-25
VIN: WBADT43481G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND OFF MANY TIMES. THERE ARE SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I EXIT THE HIGHWAY CAR SHAKED AND ALMOST CANNOT DRIVE. BUT AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OR PARK ONE DAY, IT CAN DRIVE AGAIN, WHEN IT CAN DRIVE, IT RUNS EXCELLENT. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. IF I DRIVE A LONG DISTANCE, THE LIGHT TURN ON AGAIN. IT EVEN SLOW DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY. CURRENTLY IT CANNOT DRIVE. IT EVER STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY 60TH NOGALES EXIT. TEMPERATURE LIGHT IS ON. I DRIVE IT OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER I EXIT HIGHWAY, THE STEERING IS LOCKED.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2018-05-10
Date Complaint: 2019-03-18
VIN: WBADT43431G
Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLOW TO CHANGE GEARS INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OVER A POTHOLE, THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. THE DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V015000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2017-11-16
Date Complaint: 2017-11-20
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADT43421G
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Summary: POSSIBLE BMW RECALL ISSUE (CAR SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE WHILE CAR OFF). CAR PURCHASED ON 11/8/17. ON 11/16/17, CAR WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WITH IGNITION OFF AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, DRIVER HEARD THE CAR ALARM GO OFF WHICH PROMPTED HIM TO GO OUTSIDE AND SAW FLAMES AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. DRIVER CALLED 911. CAR CONTINUED TO COMBUST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FIRE DEPT GOT TO OUR HOUSE. SEE PICTURES FOR DAMAGE. WE STILL HAVE THE BMW CAR IN QUESTION IN OUR DRIVEWAY.

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Bmw 525i 1992

Date Of Incident: 2004-03-07
Date Complaint: 2014-11-06
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING SEVERE BURNS. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR THE THIRD DEGREE BURNS TO HER FACE AND NECK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS 99,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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Bmw 525i 1993

Date Of Incident: 2013-01-01
Date Complaint: 2014-11-03
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. AS A RESULT, THE REAR PASSENGERS WERE NOT ABLE TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2013-04-09
Date Complaint: 2013-08-26
Fire: 1
VIN: WBADT334X1G
Components: ENGINE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, SHE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE RADIATOR. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE BEGAN TO READ EXTREMELY HOT WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR. ALSO, LIGHT GRAY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V138000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 01V206000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL. THE REPAIRS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE CONSISTED OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WATER PUMP, VALVE COVER GASKET AND THE COOLANT PIPE. IN ADDITION, THE AUXILIARY FAN WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,990.

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Bmw 525i 2001

Date Of Incident: 2013-07-25
Date Complaint: 2013-08-26
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL PARKING GARAGE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND ABRUPTLY AS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS LIGHTLY DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED JAW FROM THE AIR BAG STRIKING HER FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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Bmw 525i 1991

Date Of Incident: 2012-10-20
Date Complaint: 2012-10-20
VIN: WBAHC2308LB
Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. *TR

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Bmw 525i 1995

Date Of Incident: 2012-04-01
Date Complaint: 2012-05-01
VIN: WBAHD6324SG
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 525I. WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS OR WINDOWS MANUALLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V219000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

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Bmw 525i 1992

Date Of Incident: 2011-07-30
Date Complaint: 2011-07-30
VIN: WBAHD6313NB
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: BODY APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE. THE BODY LOOKS LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO FALL APART, IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FIELDS BMW NORTHFIELD 700 W FRONTAGE ROAD NORTHFIELD, IL 60093 MAY HAVE BEEN NEGLIGENT. THEY INSPECTED VEHICLE ON JUNE 11TH 2011 AND DID NOT MENTION THIS ISSUE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

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Latest 5 recalls Bmw 525i

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 40 recalls for different components of the Bmw 525i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

Model: Bmw 525i 2006
Report Received Date: 2019-04-04
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Model: Bmw 525i 2002
Report Received Date: 2019-01-14
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 model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 525i 2003
Report Received Date: 2019-01-14
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 model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 525i 2001
Report Received Date: 2019-01-14
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 model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp 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 vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Model: Bmw 525i 2009
Report Received Date: 2017-10-30
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.