1989 BMW 525
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 BMW 525 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 66 on record.
1989 BMW 525 at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 BMW 525 recalls 3
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.
THE 80-AMPERE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN DEVELOP MECHANICAL WEAKNESS DUE TO AGING AND THERMAL STRESSES, AND CAN BREAK.
Fix: REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE FUSIBLE LINK, AND REPLACE THE OLD FUSIBLE LINK.
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
Fix: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
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 525 common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 2
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 2024FEED FUEL HOSES UPDATE. *TW
Bulletin 130792(3700) · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 1993Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the 525. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the BMW 525
The BMW E12 is the first generation of 5 Series executive cars, which was produced from 1972 to 1981 and replaced the saloon models of the BMW New Class range.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1989 BMW 525 vehicles on record
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11040BC75017
1989 BMW 525WBAHC210903516549
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110X0BC67259
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110304231852
1989 BMW 525WBAHC210904239203
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11070BC62682
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11030BC63134
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110603844070
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110903509983
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11010BC54559
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11080GA52871
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110X0GA61488
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11000BC69344
1989 BMW 525WBAHB11090BB45186
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11050BC69419
1989 BMW 525WBAHC110503563989
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11080BC76428
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11050BC67749
1989 BMW 525WBAHB11090BB42370
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11070BC61127
1989 BMW 525WBAHC21020BE07987
1989 BMW 525WBAHB11090BB34897
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11010BC57672
1989 BMW 525WBAHC11010BC52357