Driver's seat belt failed to unlock after use. Locking mechanism broke. Also, seat adjuster rail had collapsed, causing seat to lean towards the right when going up hill. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.
The worst 1990 BMW 525 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Engine1
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Locks1
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 94V066000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- Under certain conditions, front seat center, fold-down arm rest may contact the safety belt buckle, causing damage to the release button and preventing the belt tongue from latching when buckling up.
- Risk
- Occupant would not be properly restrained and could be injured in the event of a sudden stop or accident.
- Remedy
- Replace front seat safety belt buckles with shorter version that will not contact the armrests. Note: owner notification date; 2/90 is prepared in draft form.
Recall number 90V016000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 BMW 525 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- Recall 96V110 - bmw of north america has initiated a recall campaign which involves the airbag contact...
- Recall 96V111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch. tw
- Engine will not start. tw
- Feed fuel hoses update. tw
- New style steering column. tw
What 1990 BMW 525 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Cooling system failed due to excessive pressure. Said defect is now the subject of a recall to fix the admitted defect by bmw of north america inc, recall no. 98v-178000.
Brake lights malfunctioned; also could not open unlocked door from inside/driver's seat wobbled and sea theater overheated, burning driver.
The vehicle lost steering power when driving the vehicle in a rain storm. Please describe.
Persistent gas fumes in passenger area, due to fuel line hose/fittings after recall. (94v066000)
Driver's shoulder/lap belt buckles inoperative, plastic pieces have fallen into latch mechanism from release button, male won't go into female portion. Tt
When it rainy or there is water on ground water get into or on the belt which cause the power steering to go out and loss control. Tt
Compare the 1990 BMW 525
Other model years
Questions about the 1990 BMW 525
Is the 1990 BMW 525 reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1990 BMW 525, 2.3 times a typical 525 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 BMW 525?
Seat belts, with 2 complaints. Next is seats (2).
How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 525 have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1990 BMW 525 seat belts?
Yes, 1 recall: 90V016000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1990 BMW 525?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history