1986 BMW 325 Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 1986 BMW 325. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 93V015000Feb 1, 1993375,000 vehicles potentially affected
  Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
  Covers: BMW 325 1984–1993, 318 1984–1985, 1991–1992, M3 1988–1991

  Reported issue: The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.

  Possible 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…

  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.

  Full campaign details →

• 86V151000Nov 10, 198697,300 vehicles potentially affected
  Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
  Covers: BMW 325 1986–1987, 735 1986–1987, 528 1986–1987 +3 more

  Reported issue: Brake light switch could overheat, eventually leading to melting of plastic internal parts in area of electrical contacts.

  Possible 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.

  Full campaign details →

• 86V138000Oct 20, 1986120,261 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
  Covers: BMW 325 1985–1986, 318 1985

  Reported issue: The two parts of the steering column disengagement element could completely disconnect if the car contacts an object in the roadway or elsewhere of sufficient mass to apply a significant force directly to the steering gearbox. Consequence of defect: steering control would be lost.

  Remedy: Bolt two specially formed plates to the disengagement element so that steering capability will be retained.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• DP92004Defective heater coresClosed · Mar 3, 1992
• EA90002Mstr cyl fails to releaseClosed · Oct 12, 1989
• PE89142Brakes drag & failClosed · Jul 14, 1989

← All problems reported for the 1986 BMW 325