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.
The worst 1994 BMW 525I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine3
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Locks1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine3
- Acceleration1
- Electrical1
- Locks1
- Steering1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
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
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch
- What is wrong
- The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside the vehicle.
- 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.
Recall number 94V219000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1994 BMW 525I 5
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.
- Child airbag letter, warning label and safety reference card
- Wind noise diagnostics
- Announcement that owners of vehicles involved in recalls 96V110 and 96V111 will be combined into one mailing
- Recall 96V111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch
1994 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 1994 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer has same problem with coolant system as stated in recall 98v178000. But, this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.
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.
Radiator blew out while driving at 55 MPH, causing vehicle to overheat. Also, heater core cracked.
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.
After having recall repair work done last week vehicle is still experiencing same problem, the throttle will remain open, while driving vehicle. Recall # 97v131000.
Computer command control module failed, locking consumer in vehicle.
Compare the 1994 BMW 525I
Other model years
19901991199219931994199519981999200120022003200420052006200720082009
Questions about the 1994 BMW 525I
Is the 1994 BMW 525I reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1994 BMW 525I, fewer than a typical 525I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 525I?
Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 525I have?
4 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and exterior lighting.
Was there a recall on the 1994 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 1994 BMW 525I get?
Official estimates for the 1994 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.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1994 BMW 525I?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history