1990 BMW 525I Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 55%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 140,201miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 BMW 525I, 55% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 140,201 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“(1) my 1990 Bmw 525I started to over heat on august 01,2006. The temp gauge goes up 50% mark. The coolant level went down every day and I filled it up with distilled water to control the temperature, hoping that it would correct itself some time. (2) I could not drive the car on regular basis anymore. Within few days, I saw coolant overflowing and spray-out. Following this, I noticed slight rough idle and vibration. (3) realizing that driving the car was no more safe, I called westchester Bmw, white plains, ny. On emergency basis, the dealer accepted the car the following week for diagnosis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10165963, filed 2006-08, 140,201 miles“While driving, coolant level warning light illuminated and consumer noticed white smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, consumer found that water was in the oil due to a cracked head, consumer later received recall 98v178.”
NHTSA complaint #565570, filed 2002-05Related recalls
- 98V178000Aug 4, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in…Covers: BMW 525I 1989–1995, 735I 1988–1995, 735ILA 1988–1995 +28 more
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 7% |
| 2001 | 4 | 18% |
| 1995 | 4 | 17% |
| 1994 | 3 | 43% |
| 1993 | 3 | 60% |
| 1992 | 7 | 39% |
| 1991 | 5 | 38% |
| 1990 | 6 | 55% |
Other parts of the 1990 BMW 525I
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 BMW 525I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology