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Cars » BMW » 525i

Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW 525i

BMW 525i Models:

Image for car images BMW 1990 1995 BMW 525i size thumb Image for car images BMW 2001 2003 BMW 525i size thumb Image for car images BMW 2004 2007 BMW 525i size thumb

BMW 525i Problems

Loosness in the Front Suspension Due to Worn Tension Strut Bushings

Suspension & Steering -- Verified

The front thrust rod bushings—also referred to as tension strut bushings—are known to fail occasionally. The oil-filled rubber mounts weaken and crack over time, causing a mushy road feel and shuddering in the steering wheel when going over bumps. These worn bushings should be replaced.

Loss of Power Steering Fluid Due to Leaking Hoses

Suspension & Steering -- Verified

A fluid leak may develop from one or more power steering hose. When a leak is being repaired, it is not uncommon for multiple hoses to be replaced.

Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail

Heating & Air Conditioning -- Verified

The blower final stage fan resistor is known to fail. Symptoms are the heater fan speed varies regardless of the setting, the fan will not turn off when the car is switched off, or the fan will not switch on at all.

Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up

Miscellaneous -- Verified

A creak or squeak can be heard from the top of the front or rear doors. This noise is most noticeable when the windows are fully up. The noise is caused by the decay of the flocking material on the door seals. New door seals, Teflon tape, special lube, or a combination of all of these may be needed to eliminate the noise.

Burning Smell or Oil Drips on the Ground Due to Engine Oil Leak

Engine -- Verified

Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.

BMW 525i Recalls (Recent)

Seat Back Side Bolster Heating Element May Be Damaged

Body, Interior & Misc., December 14, 2004

RepairPal Expert Overview:

Excessive wear may develop on the side bolsters of the seat backrest. As a result the seat heater mat located in this area may be damaged. If such damage were to occur, with the system turned on, the occupant may feel excessive heat from the area. The heating element may damage or melt a small hole in this damaged area of the seat cover. If this happened, it could lead to the seat occupant being burned. Dealers will modify the seat heating circuit to correct this concern. This recall is expected to begin during December of 2004.

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BMW 545i Recall 05V504000

Drive Train, November 30, 2005

Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

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The Engine May Stall and/or Not Start

Engine, July 16, 2004

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The digital management control (EMC) unit may not have produced according to specification. The engine may stall and not restart. As a result, a loss of power steering, and after repeated actuation of the brake pedal, a loss of brake power assist will occur. These conditions could result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will install a new (EMC) unit to correct this issue. This recall began on July 16, 2004.

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Control Arm May Not Be Tight

Suspension & Steering, June 28, 2006

RepairPal Expert Overview:

On 40 vehicles, the nuts securing the front control arm and tension strut to the wheel hub were not tightened to specification and could loosen over time. If the nuts loosen, vehicle handling and control could be compromised increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will tighten the front control arm and tension strut nuts to the correct specifications. The recall began June 28, 2006.

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Rear Shock Absorber May Not Be Secure

Suspension & Steering, September 13, 2006

RepairPal Expert Overview:

The lower rubber mount for the rear shock absorber may not have been manufactured properly and may not adhere to the housing. If separates, the driver will experience impaired handling and control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the rear shock absorber. Ther recall began September 13, 2006.

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BMW 525i Questions and Answers

brycen, 1990 BMW 525i, Lothian, MD

aux fan not woking i checked fan with power probe it works that way under the hood the relays are not labled. the haynes repair book do not help much????????

Clends, 1990 BMW 525i, Tualatin, OR

For maintenance purposes, replaced distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and wires. Car was running fine before. Now motor turns but won't start. I'm sure wiring is same as before. One thing, new spa...

Visitor, 1990 BMW 525i, Mechanicsville, PA

Changed the distribtir cap and rotor on a 1972 BMW Bavaria and not won't run. Where is #1 cylinder on the cap?

Visitor, 1990 BMW 525i, Chicago, IL

how do i take out the fan out the water pump to change the water pump out of a 1990 bmw 525i

juni34, 1990 BMW 525i, Chicago, IL

how do i take out the fan to the water pump for a 1990 bmw 525i

Write a Story About Your Car

BMW 525i Stories

I bought used 2003 525i and it has been a nightmare. Twisted seat, LED display, pulley coming off, cracked radiator, belt replacement, fuel filter, brakes, heated seates, cup holder, headlight, brake light, shocks, loss of hp, service light, leaking oil, leaking power steering fluid and other problems have all be taken place in the short 6 month time I have owned it. No wonder there are so many you-tube videos on how to fix a BMW. I would never recommend a BMW. i am sticking to American Made next time.

I am holding this bmw 525i model 1993. I am having problem in replacing ac regulator. Can anyone guide me how to replace the same? Also how to remove radiator, dynamo belt, fan clutch, plugs and injectors along with the photographs.

I own a 2001 BMW 525i my battery is not holding a charge it is fairly new I believe my alarm has something to do with my battery draining do to it being so sensitive. my alarm goes off at night and I don't hear it when it goes off, in which it continues to sound. by morning my battery is low and my car wont start without a jump. my question is if I have my battery fully recharged at a shop would that help. I did have my alarm toned down at the dealer.

how much to replace a fuel pump (with pump included) and how long (hrs)

i have a white 1995 bmw 525i and it starts up and runs perfect it can also race and beat alot of other cars because of the engine size and it is a foreign car. i love it

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