Tl* the contact owns a 1993 bmw 525i. The contact stated that both the rear driver and passenger side doors failed to open. As a result, the rear passengers were not able to enter or exit the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000. The VIN was not available.
The worst 1993 BMW 525I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine3
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine3
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
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 525I 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1993 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 | 16-17 | 23-26 | 19-20 |
What 1993 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Received installation of recalled radiator cap at vob bmw in 9/27/99 (98v178000) that was supposed to keep the bmw cars from overheating which causes the engine to overheat and burnup. On 5/9/00 the temp was 95 degrees f, after running my air conditioning, my car began to smoke heavily and the engine burned-out before I could get it all the way off the road. The service mechanic I had my car towed to, found that the radiator and engine both had a large hole in each. Also, the water pump impeller which is plastic was broken or melted off. As a result, no fluids were getting to the engine; hence, my engine burned up quickly.
A malfunction or failure of a colling system component (thermostat, water pump or fan belt) caused the vehicle to overheat prior to recall notice 98v‑178. Nlm
Design of charcoal filter canister caused it to absorbed a large amount of water causing it to freeze and the fuel pump kept pumping until the fuel tank imploded.
Vehicle parked on on down hill grade. When vehicle is started and put in reverse gear, the transmission does not engage immediately and vehicle rolls forward. Increased pressure is applied to the accelerator and suddenly the transmission engages.
Compare the 1993 BMW 525I
Other model years
19901991199219931994199519981999200120022003200420052006200720082009
Questions about the 1993 BMW 525I
Is the 1993 BMW 525I reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1993 BMW 525I, fewer than a typical 525I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 BMW 525I?
Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is body (1).
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 525I have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1993 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 1993 BMW 525I get?
Official estimates for the 1993 BMW 525I range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16-17 city and 23-26 highway.
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