1994 BMW 525IA: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 BMW 525IA: 2 recalls, 4 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #94V219000 · 1994 · 2,180 vehicles
What's wrong: The double-lock feature can engage with occupants and the door/ignition key inside the vehicle.
Why it matters: The occupants of the vehicle would be unable to exit either from the doors or from the windows of the vehicle. Drive-away protection would prevent the engine from starting.
The fix: Dealers will replace the general control module with one containing the revised software to permit window opening with the double-lock engaged and key in the ignition.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #98V178000 · 1998 · 340,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2).
The 1994 BMW 525IA has 4 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 8 525IA model years for complaints (2.3× the average 525IA year). Neighboring years: 1993 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (3 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 BMW 525IA.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 BMW 525IA have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 BMW 525IA. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 BMW 525IA problems?
Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (2), engine & cooling (2), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 1994 BMW 525IA get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 BMW 525IA repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.