VehicleVerdict

1993 BMW 325iS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 1993 BMW 325iS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other 325iS years?

325iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted27 complaints1992: 8 complaints1993: 27 complaints1994: 11 complaints1995: 7 complaints
325iS NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 325iS years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 BMW 325iS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine622%
Lighting519%
Body & Structure415%
Seat Belts311%
Transmission311%
Visibility & Wipers27%
Steering14%
Latches & Locks14%
Fuel System14%
Airbags14%

Does the 1993 BMW 325iS have recalls?

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

98V178000EngineAugust 4, 1998 · 340,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.

97V131000Speed ControlAugust 19, 1997 · 410,000 units

Defect

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 OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

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.

96V111000LightingJuly 1, 1996 · 180,000 units

Defect

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND WHEN THE CONSUMER RAISED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE RADIATOR THE TOP FLANGE OF THE COMPOSITE RADIATOR BROKE OFF UNDER THE PRESSURE OF THE OVERHEATING SYSTEM AND SPRAYED THE CONSUMER WITH SCALDING COOLANT CAUSING SEVERE BURN INJURIES (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER), THE DEFECT WAS POSSIBLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“I HAVE A 1993 325IS BMW. AND THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS. ON RAINY DAYS I CAN HEAR WATER IN THE FLOOR BOARDS. THE DOOR PANELS ARE BOTH COMING UNGLUDED AND BUBBLING. MY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT HITS THE GAS PETAL. THE CHECK COOLANT LIGHT ON MY COMPUTER IS ALWAYS ON, THE THE COOLANT IS LOW EVEN AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 1, 2005

“THE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNT POINTS HAVE RIPPED IN AT LEAST ONE PLACE FROM THE UNIBODY RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR. I CAUGHT IT EARLY SO NO INJURY HAS RESULTED. THIS IS A COMMON (UNACCEPTABLE) PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS (BMW E36). *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 15, 2004

“REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RELEASE FROM THE RETRACTING MECHANISM, CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts

“ORIGINAL LIMITED SLIP REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AT 14,347 MILES AND REPLACED AT 18,700 MILES BY DEALER FOR ORIGINAL OWNER. SECOND OWNER COMPLAINED OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS AT 70,000 MILES AND SECOND REPLACEMENT OF LIMITED SLIP REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS IN PROCESS AT 76. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1993 BMW 325iS — common questions

Is the 1993 BMW 325iS reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1993 325iS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), lighting (5 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).

Does the 1993 BMW 325iS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 BMW 325iS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.