1989 BMW 325 problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: Does the 1989 BMW 325 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1989 BMW 325. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

1989 BMW 325 at a glance

Safety recalls2

Owner complaints13

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1989 BMW 325 recalls 2

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #94V066000 · 11/04/1994

FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.

Fix: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:heater Core NHTSA Campaign #93V015000 · 01/02/1993

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.

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.

1989 BMW 325 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Visibility

Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

Seats

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Dimensions & weight

Length

176.8 in

Width

65.0 in

Height

53.9–54.3 in

Wheelbase

101.2 in

Curb weight

2,895–3,056 lb

Front track

54.7–55.1 in

Rear track

54.7 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 BMW 325 — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

HEATER CORE FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA92017 · Visibility · opened Jun 1992 · closed Mar 1993

An 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 2024

Source: 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.

1989 BMW 325 vehicles on record

1989 BMW 325WBAAD11000AF48684

1989 BMW 325WBAAD11000AF50130

Other BMW 325 model years

1989 BMW 325 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1989 BMW 325 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1989 BMW 325. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1989 BMW 325?

Across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, visibility, seats.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.