Unknown, the car shut down on me two time in a month.
The worst 2007 BMW 525I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags25
- Electrical14
- Steering12
- Engine9
- Seat belts6
- Seats6
- Brakes4
- Lights4
- Transmission4
- Body3
- Acceleration1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 BMW 525I
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
- Risk
- Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V564000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2007 BMW 525I 57
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.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon?...
- Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon"...
- Various Electrical Problems Caused by Water Ingress
- Power Reduction, FC 2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC 2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Faults are Stored in...
2007 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 28 | 21-22 |
What 2007 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 535I. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remain illuminated, indicating a possible failure to the air bag system. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair however, upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was shaking while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the failure had worsened while at a complete stop. Over time, the service engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was placed on an indefinite hold until the call disconnected. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 284,191.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-85 MPH, she smelled smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine And Engine Cooling) , but the vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under an unknown the federal safety agency campaign; however, the failure recurred with a burning odor detected. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,406. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I purchased said automobile from my neighbor for my son to drive. I figured it was a good car to buy because it was serviced by Hendrick BMW (Charlotte, NC) only and regularly. BMW's also have a reputation for being safe as well as reputable so this also weighed into my decision. Fast forward 18 months. The passenger rear brake bulb went out. We replaced the bulb, it worked for a short time, then went out. We replaced the bulb again. This time it didnt work. About a week later the front passenger side head light went out, then the other side. We took it to Hendrick BMW for repair. Hendrick has told us the car wiring basically needs to be replaced due to the protective coat wearing off and corroding the bare wire underneath. The headlights/ brake light will also need to be replaced due to the corrosion blowing out the bulb. For the front headlight the whole assembly needs to be replaced at a tremendous cost. I performed a google search on this and found many, many instances of the same issue. Ive seen many of these cars while casually driving around town. It would seem to be a MAJOR issue if an active drivers head and tail lights suddenly stopped working on a busy road. Also due to the cost most people probably wouldnt fix the issue on their own and drive the car anyway causing an ever bigger safety issue. I have never had this issue with any other vehicle brand ive owned. Ive looked into this issue with other brands and most tell me they use wiring which will not do this. I am not sure why BMW would not do the same. The car is also up for inspection. The car will not pass inspection unless I pony up over $6k ($2500 NADA value) to fix. My taxes are also due. In NC you cant pay the tax unless the car passes inspection. This is costing me daily penalties in addition to the major safety issue. I believe the federal safety agency has a duty to look into this major manufacturing defect and have BMW provide remedy to those other unfortunate folks who are experiencing the same issue.
Transmission goes in to safe mode suddenly on the freeway at high speed randomly and slows down making it dangerous situation. Code p17ec .
Headlight wiring insulation rot lead to failed high and low beams on driver side and intermittent failures of both beams on passenger side. See photo for exampole of disintegrated wiring on driver high beam wiring harness. Only known option is to buy a complete new headlight assembly ($1250+ per side) or attempt diy. This problem is well-known and has long been reported by other bmw e60 (5 series 2004-2010) owners at bimmerfest.com and 5sriest.net. See these urls for more information: https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798640 https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=883000 https://5series.net/forums/e60-e61-parts-accessories-mods-22/opening-up-e60-headlights-138473/
Compare the 2007 BMW 525I
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Questions about the 2007 BMW 525I
Is the 2007 BMW 525I reliable?
Owners have filed 72 complaints about the 2007 BMW 525I, 2.3 times a typical 525I model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2007 BMW 525I year score?
The 2007 BMW 525I scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 525I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 BMW 525I?
Airbags, with 25 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles. Next is electrical (14).
How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 525I have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2007 BMW 525I airbags?
Yes, 1 recall: 13V564000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 525I have bad airbags?
The BMW 525I model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (44 complaints), 2004 (33 complaints) and 2007 (25 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2007 BMW 525I get?
Official estimates for the 2007 BMW 525I range from 21 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 28 highway.
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