1991 BMW 525I Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 38%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1991 BMW 525I, 38% of the 13 complaints for this model year. 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.
“Fluid leaks since '11/95. Have had a total of 3 coils replaced; r/r lower timing cover, replaced gaskets/new drive belts - r/r oil pan and replaced gasket to the tune of $1,125.00 at 39,243 miles. Waranty is 4 yrs./50k miles. Asked for an adjustment due to low mileage and highly unusual problems. Received form letter saying sorry, car is out of warranty. This $45k+ auto”
NHTSA complaint #701020, filed 1998-11“Upper radiator plastic male outlet connecting to upper rubber hose exploded causing extrime engine overheating and engine failure with no warning even after dealer installed new radiator cap recall in august 1999. Almost caused a highway accident. Car has excellent maintenance record at dealership. Reported problem to Bmw of north america. Representative told me that was not the responsibility of Bmw of north america.”
NHTSA complaint #713258, filed 1999-10“Engine cooling system design contains a flaw, when removing radiator cap consumer sustained burn injuries due to cap not having a two-stage release, o-rings at the base of the cap ensure that the pressure is maintained within the radiator until the cap is fully unscrewed.”
NHTSA complaint #530970, filed 1999-02“The trunk appears to be closed and can still be unlocked with the trunk light on causing the battery to run down, which in turn upset the door lock program which is still having problems. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #552975, filed 2000-07Related 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 1991 BMW 525I
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1991 BMW 525I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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