Bmw 525ia 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 525ia model years
Common Bmw 525ia problems
The BMW 525iA is a popular car known for its smooth ride and luxurious features. However, like any car, it is not without its common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the BMW 525iA, based on complaints from owners of this car.
Cooling System Weaknesses
One of the most common problems with the BMW 525iA is its cooling system. This includes issues with the thermostat, hoses, and water pump. These components can fail due to prolonged exposure to heat from the engine bay, leading to overheating and potential engine damage. Fortunately, these issues can be addressed by a BMW independent mechanic, who can make short work of this job.
Crankcase Ventilation Valve System Failure
Another common problem with the BMW 525iA is the crankcase ventilation valve system. This system can fail due to prolonged exposure to heat from the engine bay, leading to engine performance issues. However, this is a relatively simple fix for the DIY mechanic, as it only requires replacing the failed components.
Cooling Fan Clutch Failure
The cooling fan clutch can also fail in the BMW 525iA due to the loss of frictional properties in the clutch fluid over time. This can lead to issues with engine cooling and potential engine damage. However, this is a relatively simple fix that can be done by the DIY mechanic in about an hour.
Broken Cupholders and Brittle Plastic
Some BMW 525iA owners have reported issues with broken cupholders and brittle plastic in the engine bay. These issues can be frustrating, but they are relatively minor and can be addressed by replacing the affected components.
Fuel Cap Lock Fidgety
Another common problem with the BMW 525iA is a fidgety fuel cap lock. This can be frustrating for drivers, but it is a relatively simple issue to address by replacing the affected components.
Trip Computer Pixel Issues
Some BMW 525iA owners have reported issues with the pixels in the trip computer going bad. This can be a frustrating issue, but it can be fixed cheaply by replacing the affected components.
Maintenance Costs
While the BMW 525iA is known for its luxurious features and smooth ride, it is also known for its maintenance costs. However, these costs can be mitigated by using genuine OEM parts and performing regular maintenance on the car. Additionally, many BMW independent mechanics offer competitive pricing for maintenance and repairs, making it more affordable for BMW 525iA owners.
In summary, the BMW 525iA is a popular car known for its smooth ride and luxurious features. However, like any car, it is not without its common problems. These include issues with the cooling system, crankcase ventilation valve system, cooling fan clutch, broken cupholders and brittle plastic, fuel cap lock, and trip computer pixels. While these issues can be frustrating for drivers, they are relatively minor and can be addressed by a BMW independent mechanic or the DIY mechanic. Additionally, regular maintenance and the use of genuine OEM parts can help to mitigate the costs of owning a BMW 525iA.
Is the BMW 525i reliable?
BMW 525i Ratings Overview
The average rating is a 4.2 out of 5 stars.
What goes wrong 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.
What is the common problem in BMW e39?
Cooling System: The water pump and thermostat have been known to fail in the e39 5 series, and in some rare cases the radiator can be faulty. To find out if your cooling system is failing, look for the “Service Engine Soon” light to illuminate and also keep a close eye on the temperature gauge.
What engine is in a 2006 BMW 525i?
3.0 L 6-cylinder2006 BMW 525i / Engine
For 2006, the 525 is equipped with a new 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder, and the 530 gets a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder. BMW's V-8-powered 5 Series has a larger, stronger engine and is now known as the 550. Both the 530 and 550 are covered separately in the cars.com Research section.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 525ia years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 525ia cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 525ia model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 525ia model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 525ia years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 525ia car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 525ia , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Visibility problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Air bags problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 525ia vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 525ia model years
A total of 2 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 525ia model years
There were a total of 3 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 525ia model years
There were a total of 4 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 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 525ia . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 525ia vehicles.
List of Bmw 525ia complaints
Bmw 525ia 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2012-11-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6322RG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: VEHICLE IN MOTION WITH DEFROST ON, SMOKE CAME FROM DEFROST VENT ON DASHBOARD, FILLING CAR INSTANTLY WITH SMOKE. PULLED OFF HIGHWAY, OPENED WINDOWS, SMOKE CLEARS THEN MOVED CAR APPROXIMATELY 200FT. OFF MAIN ROUTE TO SIDE STREET. SMOKE AND FLAMES IMMEDIATELY CAME OUT OF THE DEFROST VENT. USED 3 ABC FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, FAILING TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED WITH 2 PUMPERS, AND HAD TO USE AFFF FOAM TO MANAGE THE FIRE DUE TO HIGH AMOUNTS OF MAGNESIUM IN THE CAR. THE NEWLY PURCHASED CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION, THE CAR AND CONTENTS ARE A TOTAL LOSS. RESEARCHED ON LINE, FOUND MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THE SAME EXACT ISSUE IN THIS MODEL, THIS WAS NOT UNIQUE. ALSO WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY REPORTS OF RECALL FOR THIS DEFECT. ALSO, WILL BE CONTACTING BMW OF NORTH AMERICA TODAY. *TR UPDATED 12/06/12*LJ
Bmw 525ia 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-19
- Date Complaint: 2006-03-02
- VIN: WBAHD6321SG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE THE COOLANT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR AND HOSES, GASKET VALVE COVER, REGULATOR SWITCH AND DETERMINED THE ENGINE MAY BE DAMAGED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 98V178000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Bmw 525ia 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2005-10-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6326RG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE DRIVING. THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE BACK SEAT. *NM
Bmw 525ia 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-07
- Date Complaint: 2004-04-11
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBADT43481G
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY BMW-525 IA YEAR 2001.( VIN#WBADT 43481-GF-59688) ON D/4/7/04 AROUND 7.45 PM MY WIFE PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AT HIGH SPEED & PASSED OVER THE GRASS, SHRUBS AND HIT THE CEMENT WALL. MY WIFE & ME WERE IN THE CAR. WE BOTH WERE INJURED,THE CAR IS DAMAGED, BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO BMW ABOUT THIS ALSO AND WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO SEE ANY SUCH COMPLAINTS MADE BY ANY BMW CAR OWNERS. *JB
Bmw 525ia 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-04
- Date Complaint: 2000-10-11
- VIN: WBAHJ6311PG
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: "TRANS PROGRAM" WILL LIGHT UP ON DASHBOARD AND WHEN IT DOES, TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP. THIS WAS INTERMITTENT BEFORE BUT NOW CONSTANT WHEN FIRST STARTING IN AM. IF I LET CAR SIT FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, "TRANS PROGRAM" WILL DISSAPPEAR AND CAR WILL SHIFT NORMALLY (AUTOMATIC TRANS). AFRAID TRANSMISSION MIGHT SLIP WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION CAUSING ACCIDENT. BROUGHT TO DEALER, COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHATS WRONG BUT WANTS TO REPLACE TRANS. BMW HAS SEVERAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS RE. THIS (ACCORDING TO INTERNET) BUT BMW WILL NOT SHARE NOR ANSWER MY LETTER. WENT TO INDEPENDENT TRANS. MECHANIC WHO SAYS TRANSMISSION ITSELF IS FINE. THANKS.*AK
Bmw 525ia 1991
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2000-08-01
- VIN: WBAHD6319MB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I STARTED TO SPRAY THE CAR WITH WATER WHEN I GOT TO THE WINDSHIELD I HEARD A CRACK WHEN WATER HIT IT, WHEN I LOOKED I SAW A CRACK ACROSS TOP ( NEAR REAR VIEW-MIRROR).
Bmw 525ia 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-04
- Date Complaint: 2000-06-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6318NB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH/CIRCUIT RECALL WHICH RESULTED IN A VEHICLE FIRE. NLM
Bmw 525ia 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2000-02-03
- VIN: WBAHD6321RG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HEATER CORE FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE RADIATOR CAP (98V-178) RECALL. *MJS
Bmw 525ia 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-20
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-24
- VIN: WBAHD6327SG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG WARNING COMES ON/OFF, LIGHT INDICATING SYSTEM DEFECT
Bmw 525ia 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1998-09-28
- VIN: WBAHD6322RG
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM CONTACT HOOD ON EACH DOWNSTROKE.
Bmw 525ia 1995
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-07
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAHD6327SG
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 525ia
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Bmw 525ia.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 525ia 2001
- Report Received Date: 2003-10-24
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG(S). IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL MAY ALSO BE ACTIVATED. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE STARTER CABLE WOULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY, AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Model: Bmw 525ia 2001
- Report Received Date: 2002-05-16
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Model: Bmw 525ia 2002
- Report Received Date: 2001-11-26
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: TIRES:SIDEWALL
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: DURING THE TIRE MOUNTING PROCESS ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH STANDARD (NON-SPORT) SUSPENSION AND EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTITOURINGCONTACT CH95 ECOPLUS TIRES, SIZE 225/65R16 95H, HAVING DOT CODES 4001, 4101, OR 4201, THE OUTER SIDEWALL SURFACE OF THE TIRES MAY HAVE BEEN CUT BY A SHARP EDGE. OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION OF INFLATION PRESSURE.
- Consequence: CONTINUED DRIVING WITH LOW INFLATION PRESSURE IN THE TIRE COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE TIRE, AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, AND COULD IN SOME CASES RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FIVE TIRES FOR A POSSIBLE CUT IN THE SIDEWALL, AND IF A CUT IS FOUND, THE TIRE WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Model: Bmw 525ia 2001
- Report Received Date: 2001-06-21
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
- Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
- Model: Bmw 525ia 1991
- 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.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 525ia?
