Vehicle in motion with defrost on, smoke came from defrost vent on dashboard, filling car instantly with smoke. Pulled off highway, opened windows, smoke clears then moved car approximately 200ft. Off main route to side street. Smoke and flames immediately came out of the defrost vent. Used 3 abc fire extinguishers, failing to contain the fire before the fire department arrived with 2 pumpers, and had to use afff foam to manage the fire due to high amounts of magnesium in the car. The newly purchased car was in very good condition, the car and contents are a total loss. Researched on line, found multiple reports of the same exact issue in this model, this was not unique. Also was not able to find any reports of recall for this defect. Also, will be contacting bmw of north america today. *tr updated 12/06/12
The worst 1994 BMW 525IA problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Visibility2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Visibility2
Recalls 2
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
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 525IA 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1994 BMW 525IA owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My car burst into flames while driving. The flames were coming from under the back seat.
Vehicle experienced heater core failure due to a defect in the radiator cap (98v‑178) recall.
Right side windshield wiper arm contact hood on each downstroke.
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Questions about the 1994 BMW 525IA
Is the 1994 BMW 525IA reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1994 BMW 525IA, 1.3 times a typical 525IA model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 525IA?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (2).
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 525IA have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and latches/locks/linkages.
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