1989 BMW 525I
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 BMW 525I is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 73 on record.
1989 BMW 525I at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 BMW 525I recalls 2
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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
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 …
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
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 525I common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1989 BMW 525I MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1989 BMW 525I costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 BMW 525I. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
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 525I. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the BMW 525I
The BMW 5 Series is an executive car manufactured and marketed by BMW since 1972. It is the successor to the BMW New Class sedans and is currently in its eighth generation. The car is sold as either a sedan or, since 1991, a station wagon. A 5-door fastback was sold between 2009 and 2017. Each successive generation has been given an internal G-code designation since 2017. Previously, a F-code designation was used between 2010 and 2016, while an E-code designation was used between 1972 and 2010. These are used to distinguish each model and generation from each other.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
1989 BMW 525I trims & engines on record
1989 BMW 525I vehicles on record
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11050BC59649
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11030BC63358
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC21030BE08792
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC110X03510849
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11030BC68589
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11010BC57784
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11090BC53739
1989 BMW 525IWBAHB11060BB46666
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC2105LBE05831
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC110X03564569
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11080BC58690
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11050GA51953
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11060BC55643
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11000BC72793
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11000GA51035
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11000BC61504
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11090BC68287
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC210703518994
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC21000BE10953
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC110X0BC61056
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC110804233645
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC110003846588
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC21060BE06793
1989 BMW 525IWBAHC11070BC65128