1985 BMW 325
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1985 BMW 325 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.
1985 BMW 325 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1985 BMW 325 recalls 2
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
THE TWO PARTS OF THE STEERING COLUMN DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT COULD COMPLETELY DISCONNECT IF THE CAR CONTACTS AN OBJECT IN THE ROADWAY OR ELSEWHERE OF SUFFICIENT MASS TO APPLY A SIGNIFICANT FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING GEARBOX. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE LOST.
Fix: BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
1985 BMW 325 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1985 BMW 325 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 5
HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA92017 · Visibility · opened Jun 1992 · closed Mar 1993MSTR CYL FAILS TO RELEASE Closed
NHTSA #EA90002 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1989 · closed Oct 1990BRAKES DRAG & FAIL Closed
SUMMARY: THE BRAKES REPORTEDLY BEGAN TO DRAG AND LOCK WITHOUTWARNING DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING ON 4 VEHICLES. THE CAUSE IS NOTKNOWN AT THIS TIME.===
NHTSA #PE89142 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jul 1989 · closed Oct 1989BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH Closed
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NHTSA #EA89007 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Dec 1988 · closed Jul 1989BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #PE88086 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Aug 1988 · closed Dec 1988An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 1
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Bulletin B510819 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jan 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 325. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the BMW 325
Einheits-Pkw der Wehrmacht – literally: "standard passenger motor-car of the Wehrmacht" – was Nazi Germany's plan for a new, multi-purpose fleet of all wheel drive off-road vehicles, based on just three uniform chassis, specifically designed and built for the Wehrmacht. The plan was formulated in 1934, and vehicles were built from 1936 to 1943. This vehicle was manufactured by Ford and Horch.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1985 BMW 325 vehicles on record
1985 BMW 325WBAAC510X01487643
1985 BMW 325WBAAE510601244700
1985 BMW 325WBAAB310200847940
1985 BMW 325WBAAE710701888024
1985 BMW 325WBAAD310401557915
1985 BMW 325WBAAE510001246507
1985 BMW 325WBAAE410100910572
1985 BMW 325WBAAB510401228004
1985 BMW 325WBAAC510901480375
1985 BMW 325WBAAE510001242277
1985 BMW 325WBAAE110000879748