(1) my 1990 bmw 525i started to over heat on august 01,2006. The temp gauge goes up 50% mark. The coolant level went down every day and I filled it up with distilled water to control the temperature, hoping that it would correct itself some time. (2) I could not drive the car on regular basis anymore. Within few days, I saw coolant overflowing and spray-out. Following this, I noticed slight rough idle and vibration. (3) realizing that driving the car was no more safe, I called westchester bmw, white plains, ny. On emergency basis, the dealer accepted the car the following week for diagnosis. On august 14 2006, the dealer concluded it is coolant leaking in the engine and outside the engine. No parts were repaired and replaced because the engine work specified by the dealer was expensive. I took the car back home. Can not drive it anymore.
The worst 1990 BMW 525I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Lights5
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Lights5
- Transmission3
- Airbags2
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Locks2
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
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 1990 BMW 525I 4
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.
- Announcement that owners of vehicles involved in recalls 96V110 and 96V111 will be combined into one mailing
- 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
1990 BMW 525I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 21-23 | 18 |
What 1990 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer complained about the low beam headlights. Lights went out without warning. This happened intermittently.
While driving 30 MPH the vehicles air bags deployed without warning.
While driving, coolant level warning light illuminated and consumer noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, consumer found that water was in the oil due to a cracked head, consumer later received recall 98v178.
I realized my car was wrecked several times, it's a salvaged car, but sold as normal; therefore overpriced.
Brake light failed no damage, dealer won't honor recall #96v111000.
Radiator cap failed, causing complete failure to radiator. However radiator is not covered under recall notice (98v‑178).
Inside door panel separated from the door.
Consumer was driving 30 MPH without vehicle collision occurring the driver's air bag deployed, causing the occupant to become injured. Please give any further details.
Rear door will not open from inside.
Compare the 1990 BMW 525I
Other model years
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Questions about the 1990 BMW 525I
Is the 1990 BMW 525I reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1990 BMW 525I, fewer than a typical 525I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 BMW 525I?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is lights (5).
How many recalls does the 1990 BMW 525I have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1990 BMW 525I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1990 BMW 525I get?
Official estimates for the 1990 BMW 525I range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 21-23 highway.
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