VehicleVerdict

1987 BMW 325 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median 325 year — the 1987 model ranks #2 of 27 325 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (30% of the total).

30

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other 325 years?

325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted38 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 1 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 30 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 13 complaints1990: 10 complaints1991: 6 complaints1992: 25 complaints1993: 13 complaints1994: 30 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 30 complaints2003: 11 complaints2006: 13 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints
325 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 325 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 BMW 325 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine930%
Electrical System517%
Visibility & Wipers517%
Seats27%
Transmission27%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%
Other13%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Fuel System13%
Latches & Locks13%
Brakes13%

Does the 1987 BMW 325 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

93V015000Visibility & WipersFebruary 1, 1993 · 375,000 units

Defect

THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.

Consequence

VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.

Remedy

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.

86V151000LightingNovember 10, 1986 · 97,300 units

Defect

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH COULD OVERHEAT, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO MELTING OF PLASTIC INTERNAL PARTS IN AREA OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SWITCH PLUNGER COULD JAM, RENDERING BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INOPERATIVE OR CONTINUOUSLY ILLIMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION.

Remedy

REPLACE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH REVISED SWITCH WITH INCREASED ELECTRICAL LOAD CAPACITY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING AT 55 MPH, ALL INSTRUMENTS READING NORMAL, HEARD A "BANG" , LOST ALL ENGINE POWER AND BRAKES,POWER STEERING. WAS NOT TIMING BELT BECAUSE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING TO ARREST VEHICLE TACHOMETER WAS WORKING. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART IN NEUTRAL WHILE COASTING, NOR WOULD IT "POP" START. COASTED TO A STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 1998 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON. HOSE BLEW OFF COOLANT RESERVOIR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND HOSE WAS REATTACHED. *AK RECALL (93V-015) WORK DONE ON THE COOLANT SYSTEM, AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE THE VEHICLE RUNNING HOTTER THAN BEFORE. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 15, 2000

1987 BMW 325 — common questions

Is the 1987 BMW 325 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1987 model at #2 of 27 325 years. It is one of the 325 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1987 325 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints).

Does the 1987 BMW 325 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 BMW 325. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 BMW 325 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW 325 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 325 years to avoid are 2001, 1987, 1994, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2011, 2007, 2009, 2010. The cleanest record among 325 years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.