1994 BMW 525I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1994 BMW 525I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1994 BMW 525I. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
The brake light switch can fail allowing the switch to remain in the "brake lights off" position or in the "brake lights on" position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the brake lights either will not operate or will be continuously on, regardless of brake pedal position. Following drivers would not be able to determine whether the vehicle IS stopping, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the existing brake light switch with a newly designed switch.
The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle. Drive-away protection would prevent the engine from starting.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the general control module with one containing the revised software to permit window opening with the double-lock engaged and key in the ignition.
Owner complaints
7 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My transmission went out in my 1994 BMW 525I. This has been reportedly happening to many of us. The failure was in the reverse gear first, then the first two forward gears. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Consumer has same problem with coolant system as stated in recall 98v178000. But, this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. *ak
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Consumer's vehicle was having the same door lock/latch problem as stated in recall 94v219000. But this vehicle was not included in recall due to vin. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Radiator blew out while driving at 55 mph, causing vehicle to overheat. also, heater core cracked. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Head gasket was replaced under warranty 3/31/98 due to oil leak. Failed again on 4/28/99 at 55900 miles. White exhaust smoke and coolant drop og 35 mm in 2438 miles. air conditioner compressor noisy and vibrates steering wheel and does not cool at idle. Complaint under warranty on 3/31/98 not fixed. Replaced idler pulley only. Getting worse on 4/30/99 at 56400 miles.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
Security system engaged while occupants inside, occupants trapped inside.
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
After having recall repair work done last week vehicle IS still experiencing same problem, the throttle will remain open, while driving vehicle. recall # 97v131000. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 50898Announcement that owners of vehicles involved in recalls 96v110 and 96v111 will be combined into one mailing.
- 50897Recall 96v111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch.
- 50679Wind noise diagnostics.
- 50678Child airbag letter, warning label and safety reference card.
Every BMW 525I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.