AI Damage1987 BMW 325: common problems
Owners of the 1987 BMW 325 filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and visibility. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 15
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 40% of all complaints
- 2 Visibility 33% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Equipment 13% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 7% of all complaints
- 6 Latches, locks, linkages 7% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- 8 Seats 7% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 6 complaints (40% of all).
- Visibility: 5 complaints (33% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (20% of all).
- Equipment: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 15 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving oil light came on after being serviced 5 days ago. Will be taking vehicle back to dealership to have mechanic check engine and electrical system for problems.
Coolant leaking into vehicle on driver's side due to a crack in heater core. Please give any further details.
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration due to failure of the idle control valve, on one occasion the surge occurred and the vehicle went onto a curb which damaged the oil pan, consumer feels the dealer should reimburse her for the repairs.
While driving coolant light came on. Hose blew off coolant reservoir. Vehicle was towed and hose was reattached. Recall (93v-015) work done on the coolant system, after the recall was done the vehicle running hotter than before.
While driving window got foggy and coolant was leaking on front seat floor. Technician explained that clamps were too tight, forcing the coolant to overflow just like stated in recall 93v015000.
Driving at 55 mph, all instruments reading normal, heard a "bang" , lost all engine power and brakes,power steering. Was not timing belt because when downshifting to arrest vehicle tachometer was working. Car would not restart in neutral while coasting, nor would it "pop" start.
The fuel leakage may be related to the type of gasoline additive (ntbe?) in the california,
The brake lights have failed multiple times, the rear door cannot open from the inside, the driver's seat is unstable, and the seat heater burned through the seat burning occupant.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,286 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the 325 has 10 complaints (22 years in the data). This year has 15, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1987 BMW 325?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, visibility, electrical system. Total complaints: 15. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (33%), A/C or heater (20%), warning lights, check engine (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1987 BMW 325?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1987 BMW 325 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1987 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.