1986 BMW 325
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1986 BMW 325 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.
1986 BMW 325 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1986 BMW 325 recalls 3
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.
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.
Fix: REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.
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.
1986 BMW 325 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1986 BMW 325 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 4
HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed
NHTSA #EA92017 · Visibility · opened Jun 1992 · closed Mar 1993DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES Closed
DEFECTIVE HEATER CORES
NHTSA #DP92004 · Visibility · opened Mar 1992 · closed Jun 1992MSTR 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 1989An 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.