I own a 1993 325is which has a tear in the subframe where the suspension component meet. Car was not modified in anyway. I just noticed this loud sound coming from the differential or rear area. Took the car into my mechanic and found out that the subframe was torn apart. Lucky it didn't come out in the highway or I would I have cause an accident and probably get killed. My mechanic has stated he seen many bmw's with this kind of problems. I have search and contacted other bmw's and it look like its a common failure in early bmw's between 1992-1995's e36. Newer model seems to have the subframe reinforce with thicker brackets and new suspension components. Total cost for the repair $3600 labor and parts.
The worst 1993 BMW 325IS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine5
- Body4
- Lights4
- Seat belts3
- Transmission2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine5
- Body4
- Lights4
- Seat belts3
- Transmission2
- Visibility2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Locks1
- Steering1
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 98V178000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 96V111000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1993 BMW 325IS 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1993 BMW 325IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I have a 1993 325is bmw. And there are a number of problems. On rainy days I can hear water in the floor boards. The door panels are both coming ungluded and bubbling. My driver side floor mat hits the gas petal. The check coolant light on my computer is always on, the the coolant is low even after I fill it. I am afaid my car will overheat.
While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed a liquid leaking from underneath the vehicle. The consumer was able to drive to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the fuel sending unit and fuel pump needed replacement. Please fill in additional information.
The rear subframe mount points have ripped in at least one place from the unibody resulting in not being able to safely drive the car. I caught it early so no injury has resulted. This is a common (unacceptable) problem with these cars (bmw e36).
My 1993 bmw 325is has a failure of the chassis mounting points for the rear subframe of the car. The car had been feeling funny for weeks prior to this until one day the car started to shudder when taking a turn and accelerating out of it. From that day on the car felt completely detached from my steering inputs, it was obvious something was wrong. Had I not caught it when I did, more than just financial damage would have surely occured; after all, these are what hold the whole rear of the suspension and drive train the the chassis. After shelling out over $1500 for repairs to my car which included replacement of a chassis member, new bushings, reinforcement plates, and other small misc items. I did some research to find out that this is a problem that is all to common. If the rear rubber subframe mounts become weak it puts excessive stress on the unitbody. Once this happens the chassis will eventually tear, leaving the subframe completely detached from the car. The later model bmw m3's came with reinforcement plates, indicating bmw knows there is a problem. It is unethical to let such a dangerous and wide spread problem go unattended. Bmw needs to do something about this important issue.
Puchased with email and verbal guarantee no problems with car. Have valid consumer complaints against same dealer with misrepresentation of veh.(s) purchased. 1: TCM light on. Veh. Will not shift. Occurred 2nd day of ownership. Dealer denies. 2: lights were non-functional upon arrival to dealer. Had "detailer" rewire (4 hours). Brake failure light still on computer. 3: dealer ordered and promised pass. Window motor. Replaced 2 relays while at dealer. Did not repair. Refuses to send motor for functional window. Window will not, and did not roll down even at dealers. 4: verified with dealer guibo joint (propellar shaft front flex disc) at front of driveshaft severely damaged causing steering problems. Dealer insisted nothing wrong in email and phone. Have 2 witnessed that contacted him in regards to this matter. Cost: 330. Dealer finally sends funds for repair. Refuses in lieu of this to send power window motor. 5: veh. Overheats in short stops 6: dealer refuses to make repairs he was fully aware of at time of sale. 7: dealer stated would have emissions tested as I am relocating to calif. Failed to do so. 8: power steering pump leaking from 2 lines. Verified by my own mechanic. Leaking p/s fluid onto other hoses.
Airbag failure in bmw 1993 325is 40 MPH head on collision.
Rear sub frame torn at 2 right points, and cracked around the left forward most mount point. Vehicle had not been abused, driven off-road, or on a race track. All original whell, suspension and driveline components were in good working order.
Vehicle overheated and when the consumer raised the hood to check the radiator the top flange of the composite radiator broke off under the pressure of the overheating system and sprayed the consumer with scalding coolant causing severe burn injuries (attorney for consumer), the defect was possibly related to recall campaign #93v‑015 and 98v‑178.
Rear seat belts will not release from the retracting mechanism, causing the seat belts to become inoperable. Please give any further details.
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Questions about the 1993 BMW 325IS
Is the 1993 BMW 325IS reliable?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1993 BMW 325IS, 1.6 times a typical 325IS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 BMW 325IS?
Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is body (4).
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 325IS have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1993 BMW 325IS engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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