NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Cooling System
934.6%
Module
311.5%
Frame AND Members
311.5%
Radiator Assembly
311.5%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
27.7%
Engine
27.7%
Buckle Assembly
27.7%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
27.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
120.0%
150,000+ miles
360.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1992 BMW 325i 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 1996peak 10Apr 2014
Recalls on the 1992 BMW 325I
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
98V178000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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.
97V131000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
96V110000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CONTACT RING WIRING COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK. THE AIR BAG READINESS INDICATOR LAMP (SRS OR AIRBAG) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT VEHICLE COLLISION.
96V111000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 68,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA2 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I LOCKED MY 1992 BMW 325I WITH THE KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH MY FRIEND INSIDE (I DID NOT REALIZE HE HAD NOT GOTTEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE YET). I HAD DROPPED THE KEY WHEN I HEARD HIM POUND ON THE WINDOW (LOOSING THE KEY IN SOME BRUSH). WHEN THIS SITUATION HAD TRANSPIRED I FOUND OUT THAT HE COULD NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN ANY MANNER. IF THIS WERE A SMALL CHILD AND LETS SAY A FORGETFUL GRANDPARENT THE CHILD WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN ANY MANNER. (OR WITH THE WEIRD MOTHER DROWNING KIDS AND UNCLES LOCKING KIDS IN HIS BASEMENT THAT WE HEAR ABOUT ON THE NEWS) THIS CAR COULD BE USED AS A POTENTIAL PRISON. IF THIS WERE ANY PERSON(S) WHO ARE NOT VERY MUSCULAR THE CAR COULD POTENTIALLY BE A DEATH TRAP IF SOMEONE HAD NOT KNOWN THEY WERE INSIDE OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, KNOWING THEY ARE INSIDE THE CAR AND CALLING A LOCKSMITH, THE LOCKSMITH IS NOT ABLE TO GET INSIDE OF THE CAR WITHOUT DOING SUPER EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO THE LOCKS OR BREAKING A WINDOW. IN WHICH CASE BREAKING A WINDOW IN SUCH A SMALL SEDAN COULD AND IN MY CASE RESULTED FROM MY FRIEND ENDING UP WITH CHUCKS OF GLASS IN HIS SKIN AND I BROKE MY HAND GETTING THROUGH THE WINDOW BECAUSE WE WERE IN THE DESERT WITH NOTHING AROUND TO BE ABLE TO BREAK THE WINDOW. IF IT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A TRUNK RELEASE INSIDE OF A TRUNK TO LET OCCUPANTS OUT. WHY CAN YOU BE LOCKED INSIDE OF YOUR OWN CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10238567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, NJFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED UNDER THE DASH.*AKAFTER FORENSIC STUDY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CUASED BY FUEL SEEPAGE AS A RESULT OF FUEL LINES HARDENING AND LEAKING. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE INCIDENT FOR BMW'S 525I AND OTHER MAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8005128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED UNDER THE DASH.*AKAFTER FORENSIC STUDY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CUASED BY FUEL SEEPAGE AS A RESULT OF FUEL LINES HARDENING AND LEAKING. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE INCIDENT FOR BMW'S 525I AND OTHER MAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8005128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springlake, NCCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE AT A STOP ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE AT A FRONTAL IMPACT IN WHICH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND DID NOT PROTECT OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #877116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lees Port, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IGNITION TURNED OFF, PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS.
NHTSA complaint #803481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 207,000 milesLouisville, KY
TIRES
I WAS DRIVING AT 70MPH ON I71 WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENABLED WHEN I FELT VIBRATIONS FOR APPROX. 20 SECONDS AND THEN MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. I HAD DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES UP TO THIS POINT AND I VERIFIED THAT TIRE TO BE 36 PSI AS RECENTLY AS THAT MORNING. THE TIRE HAS NO PUNCTURE DAMAGE AND THE BEAD IS STILL FULLY SET ON BOTH SIDES. THE TIRE SEPARATED BETWEEN THE SIDEWALL AND TIRE FACE. TIRE RACK REFUSED TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION IN A WAY THAT I WOULD NOT INCUR FURTHER OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS, AND THE TIRE MANUFACTURER ACTED CONFUSED AND FAILED TO COMPREHEND THE INFORMATION I WAS GIVING THEM. I ENDED UP FILING A VISA CHARGEBACK AGAINST TIRE RACK. I HAVE THIS SAME TIRE ON TWO CARS AND WE'VE SEEN THESE TIRES FAIL ON OUR OTHER VEHICLE BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS SIMPLY BAD LUCK. THIS TIME I'M ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THIS TIRE FAILED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE TIRE IS STILL CURRENTLY SET ON THE WHEEL AND HAS BEEN UNTOUCHED, AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. THE TIRE IN QUESTION IS A GENERAL ALTIMAX HP, IT'S NOT AVAILABLE IN THE NHTSA SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10584027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 BMW 325I. WHENEVER THE CONTACT LOCKS THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, HE IS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THEM FROM INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ONCE HE LOCKS THE DOORS, THE DOOR HANDLES AND LOCKS FAIL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10238739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA2 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I LOCKED MY 1992 BMW 325I WITH THE KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH MY FRIEND INSIDE (I DID NOT REALIZE HE HAD NOT GOTTEN OUT OF THE VEHICLE YET). I HAD DROPPED THE KEY WHEN I HEARD HIM POUND ON THE WINDOW (LOOSING THE KEY IN SOME BRUSH). WHEN THIS SITUATION HAD TRANSPIRED I FOUND OUT THAT HE COULD NOT OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN ANY MANNER. IF THIS WERE A SMALL CHILD AND LETS SAY A FORGETFUL GRANDPARENT THE CHILD WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IN ANY MANNER. (OR WITH THE WEIRD MOTHER DROWNING KIDS AND UNCLES LOCKING KIDS IN HIS BASEMENT THAT WE HEAR ABOUT ON THE NEWS) THIS CAR COULD BE USED AS A POTENTIAL PRISON. IF THIS WERE ANY PERSON(S) WHO ARE NOT VERY MUSCULAR THE CAR COULD POTENTIALLY BE A DEATH TRAP IF SOMEONE HAD NOT KNOWN THEY WERE INSIDE OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, KNOWING THEY ARE INSIDE THE CAR AND CALLING A LOCKSMITH, THE LOCKSMITH IS NOT ABLE TO GET INSIDE OF THE CAR WITHOUT DOING SUPER EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO THE LOCKS OR BREAKING A WINDOW. IN WHICH CASE BREAKING A WINDOW IN SUCH A SMALL SEDAN COULD AND IN MY CASE RESULTED FROM MY FRIEND ENDING UP WITH CHUCKS OF GLASS IN HIS SKIN AND I BROKE MY HAND GETTING THROUGH THE WINDOW BECAUSE WE WERE IN THE DESERT WITH NOTHING AROUND TO BE ABLE TO BREAK THE WINDOW. IF IT IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A TRUNK RELEASE INSIDE OF A TRUNK TO LET OCCUPANTS OUT. WHY CAN YOU BE LOCKED INSIDE OF YOUR OWN CAR?
NHTSA complaint #10238567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goose Creek, SC
TIRES
THIS JUNE OF 2005 WHILE MY 92BMW325I WAS PARKED AT THE MALL, THE BACK PASSENGER TIRE I NOTICED BLEW UP. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO PIT STOP TO HAVE THE TIRE VULCANIZED, THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING W/IT BUT BE REPLACED. I REPLACED IT AT SAM'S CLUB W/AP205/60R15H TOUR. I ASKED IF THE OTHER 3 TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED & THEY SAID "NO". LAST SUNDAY JUL 24 WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 26, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW UP & CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE & FORTUNATELY SPARED ANY INJURY TO MY SON. I BOUGHT THESE 4 P205/60R15 OR 15-205/60-15GT COOPER COBRA TIRES FROM STROBEL TIRE CO. WE'RE STILL WAITING FOR OUR INSURANCE CO. TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. I READ ABOUT A LAWSUIT ABOUT COOPER TIRE SO I CALLED THE LAWFIRM HANDLING SUCH BUT THE PERSON I TALKED W/SAID THAT W/NO INJURY, IT WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE TO PURSUE A CASE SO SHE DIRECTED TO CALL 18883274236, HENCE THIS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #10130336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Rochelle, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
WHILE ENTERING INTO THE VEHICLE THE DOOR FAILED TO OPENED. THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN PROPERLY. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTACT THE DEALER FOR APPOINTMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesWest Hartford, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1) MOUNTS FOR REAR SUBFRAME TO BODY NOT STRONG ENOUGH. THEY FLEX AND CRACK LEADING TO A CHAIN REACTION THEN THE REAR END RIPS OFF. 2)I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY TWO WAY ROAD. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CARS REAR END IS MOVING TO THE LEFT AND I LOST CONTROL FOR A LITTLE. LUCKILY DIDNT CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR. THEN I REGAINED CONTROL AND DROVE BACK TO MY HOUSE WHICH WAS 1 STREET AWAY. 3) I HAD TO HAVE IT TOW TRUCKED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SHEET METAL PART WHERE THE WHOLE REAR END MOUNTS TO. DOCUMENTED AND COST ME OVER $2000.00 THIS IS NOT AN ISCOLATED INCIDENT CHECK OUT THIS FORUM: HTTP://BIMMER.ROADFLY.ORG/BMW/FORUMS/E36/FORUM.PHP BMW KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY MAKE REINFORCEMENT PLATES WHICH WE MUST BUY AND PAY FOR THE INSTALLATION.
NHTSA complaint #10100090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesWoodland Hills, CA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
I OWN A 1992 BMW 325I, IVE ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM, THE REAR SUB FRAME IS BREAKING APART FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO BE A EXPENSIVE PROBLEM THAT OCCURS TO MANY BMWS. THIS IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON A CAR, THIS IS A DEFECT THAT BMW SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE.
NHTSA complaint #10043619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunnyvale, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
TOOK CAR THROUGH CAR WASH. CAR CAME OUT DEAD. TURNS OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WHERE WATER GETS INTO THE MAIN ECM COMPUTER AND SHORTS IT OUT. THIS IS TERRIBLE. BMW SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS. $1100 FOR GOING THROUGH A SIMPLE CAR WASH. OWNERS SHOULD BE CAUTIONED. MR
NHTSA complaint #768077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tulsa, OK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FRAME. MR
NHTSA complaint #767864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
POWER TRAIN
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A CLUTCH PROBLEM IN WHICH THE DEALER REPLACED THE PRESSURE PLATE AND T BEARING, LATER, THE THROW OUT BEARING, FRICTION PLATE, YOLK ARM AND PIVOT PIN WERE REPLACED DUE TO CLUTCH VIBRATION, THE UNIVERSAL JOINT ALSO FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DEALER HAS REPLACED THE CLOSING/COMFORT RELAY, REGULATOR, WINDOW SWITCH AND OTHER FAULTY PARTS FOR THE POWER WINDOWS AND SUNROOF, THE RADIO ALSO FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THE BATTERY FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, FRONT ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, ONCE DUE TO NOISE, BRAKE SENSORS HAVE ALSO BEEN REPLACED TWICE, REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED ONCE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
SUSPENSION
THE CENTER CARRIER BEARING WAS REPLACED, THE REAR TOP SHOCK MOUNTS WERE ALSO REPLACED DUE TO A REAR END NOISE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
DEALER HAS REPLACED THE CLOSING/COMFORT RELAY, REGULATOR, WINDOW SWITCH AND OTHER FAULTY PARTS FOR THE POWER WINDOWS AND SUNROOF, THE RADIO ALSO FAILED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ATTACHED INCORRECTLY, THE GAS TANK TOP SEALS AND THE REAR GAS TANK SENDER WERE REPLACED DUE TO GAS FUMES AND THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
STEERING LOCK BROKE, WHEN CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION CYLINDER ROTATED, HOWEVER NOTHING HAPPENED, THE ENTIRE DASH AND STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE TAKEN APART TO REPLACE THE STEERING LOCK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND RESISTOR WERE REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
THE WATER PUMP LOCKED UP, THE FAN BLADE BROKE AND THE BELTS BURNED, DEALER REPLACED THE WATER PUMP, FAN AND BELTS, THE OIL PAN GASKET WAS REPLACED DUE TO AN OIL LEAK. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #566932 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, NJFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED UNDER THE DASH.*AKAFTER FORENSIC STUDY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CUASED BY FUEL SEEPAGE AS A RESULT OF FUEL LINES HARDENING AND LEAKING. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE INCIDENT FOR BMW'S 525I AND OTHER MAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8005128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Howell, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE OF VEHICLE. LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT FIRE MAY HAVE STARTED UNDER THE DASH.*AKAFTER FORENSIC STUDY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FIRE WAS CUASED BY FUEL SEEPAGE AS A RESULT OF FUEL LINES HARDENING AND LEAKING. THERE IS A RECALL RELATED TO THE INCIDENT FOR BMW'S 525I AND OTHER MAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8005128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wendcrest, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
WHILE TRAVELING VEHICLE LOST POWER. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO BMW, TECHNICIAN STATED PLASTIC COVER TO RADIATOR HAD CRACKED, AND HAD LOST COOLEN. COST TO CONSUMER WAS OVER THANSAND DOLLERS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8000612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crofton, MD
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
NOISE IN THE REAR OF CAR (SUBFRAME) KIND OF LIKE ITS OWN SQUEAK... NOT LIKE A DOOR SQUEAK, NOTHING ELSE MAKES THIS NOISE, SOUNDS REALLY BAD (SUBFRAME PROBLEM?)
NHTSA complaint #753230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Canada, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
THE RADIATOR CAP FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE 98V-178, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS IS DUE TO IMPROPER RADIATOR DESIGN. NLM
NHTSA complaint #561568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
I WAS LOSING COOLANT AND I COULD NOT FIND A LEAK OVER MORE THAN A YEAR. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM (AT UNITED BMW, DULUTH, GA) THE FOUND NO PROBLEM. ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTED THE WINDSHIELN VERY CLOWDY AND THE SMELL OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL COMING FROM THE HEATING DUCTS. SUDDENLY THIS BIG CLOUD OF WHITE MIST IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD ONLY TO BE SPRAYED WITH THE REMNANTS OF THIS FLUID AS IT GOT ON THE FAN. I JUMPED BACK AND AVOIDED ANY INJURY. THE HOSE LEADING FROM THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR TO THE ENGINE BLOCK HAD FALLEN OFF! THAT SHOULD BE SIMPLE TO FIX! ON CLOSER INSPECTION, THE RADIATOR ATTACHMENTS HAD COMPLETELY FRACTURED OFF! THE FRACTURED PORTION WAS STUCK IN THE HOSE! AND THE REMNANT ON THE RADIATOR IS TOO SHORT TO SECURELY ANCHOR THE HOSE TO THE RADIATOR AFTER REMOVING THE BROKEN PART FROM INSIDE THE HOSE. HOWEVER, I USE IT THIS WAY AND KEEP A SUPPLY OF WATER IN THE CAB FOR SHORT TRIPS.THE FRACTURED RADIATOR WAS CHRONICALLY LEAKING AND OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WINTERS THERE WOULD BE A MIST ON MY WINDSHIELD THAT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET RID OF. WIPING WITH TISSUE WOULD LEAVE A STEAK MOST OF THE TIME! I NOTE THAT BMW HAS RECENTLY RECALLED THE RADIATOR CAP ON THIS VEHICLE. FROM THIS EXPERIENCE I SUBMIT TO YOU THAT HIGH PRESSURES DID NOT CAUSE THE HOSE TO RUPTURE BUT A DEFECTIVE RADIATOR THAT IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE POINT OF HOSE CONNECTION RESULTING IN CHRONIC LEAKS PARTICULAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WORKING PREASURES LEADING TO MIST AND FROM THE COOLANT WITHIN THE VEHICLE AND POOR VISIBILITY. TURNING THE WINDCHIELD DEFOGGER ON DOES NOT CLEAR THIS PROBLEM BUT ADDS TO IT! BMW NEED TO RECALL THESE DEFECTIVE RADIATORS BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF THIRD DEGREE BURNS AND DEATH AS WELL AS UNSAFE DRIVING FROM THE CONSTANT FOGGING OF THE WINDSHIELD. YOURS TRULY, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #747610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.