Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
10 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
203,907 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1994 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 10 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 10.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 1 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 1 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 1 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 1 |
| Structure:Body | 1 |
Air Bags: 2; Electrical System: 1; Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch: 1; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 1; Power Train:Clutch Assembly: 1; Structure:Body: 1
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 4 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
1999: 4; 2000: 1; 2001: 1; 2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2011: 1; 2017: 1
Air Bags leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
OWNER OF A 1994 325IS. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DIED DOWN (SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR) ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND TO ALMOST CRASH INTO ME. IN ILLINOIS. CALLED THE NATIONAL BMW CUSTOMER CENTER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO ACTIVE RECALL DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT OF INCIDENTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF 325 I IN THE CONSUMER REPORTS SITE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL KEPT AND MAINTAINED PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 135,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10422665 at NHTSA ↗
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
10 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 531.3%ODI 10026054 · 92,800 miPUCHASED WITH EMAIL AND VERBAL GUARANTEE NO PROBLEMS WITH CAR. HAVE VALID CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AGAINST SAME DEALER WITH MISREPRESENTATION OF VEH.(S) PURCHASED. 1: TCM LIGHT ON. VEH. WILL NOT SHIFT. OCCURRED 2ND DAY OF OWNERSHIP. DEALER DENIES. 2: LIGHTS WERE NON-FUNCTIONAL UPON ARRIVAL TO DEALER. HAD "DETAILER" REWIRE (4 HOURS). BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT STILL ON COMPUTER. 3: DEALER ORDERED AND PROMISED PASS. WINDOW MOTOR. REPLACED 2 RELAYS WHILE AT DEALER. DID NOT REPAIR. REFUSES TO SEND MOTOR FOR FUNCTIONAL WINDOW. WINDOW WILL NOT, AND DID NOT RO… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 240.0%ODI 10275120 · 183,313 miCARS RPM WILL NOT STAY STABLE . GO UP @DOWN WHEN IDLING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON GOES OUT WHEN ACCELERATING. REPLACE THERMOSTAT . RADIATOR. FAN AND FUEL PUMP PRIOR TO THIS DUE TO CAR OVER HEATING THEN CAME FAILURE OF CRACKED CYLINDER IN ENGINE. STILL NO MECHANIC CAN DIAGNOSIS EVEN WITH COMPUTER SCOPE HELP. *TR |
| Structure:Frame And Members | 337.5%ODI 10043405 · 158,000 miI RECENTLY HAD THE REAR END OF MY CAR DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE SUPREME WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR TO SEVERAL MECHANIC AND HAVE HAD EVERY INDIVIDUAL MECHANIC SAY HE HAS SEEN IT HAPPENED TO MY SAME EXACT CAR. AND ALSO SAID I WAS LUCKY I DIDN'T CRASH. AFTER HAVING THE CAR LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC HE SAID THAT BMW HAD MANUFACTURED THE SUBFRAME MOUNTS INSUFFICIENT AND IT HAS RESULTED IN THOUSANDS OF CASES OF REAR ENDS FALLING OFF OF THE CARS AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS WITH WEAR AND TEAR. LUCKILY MY CAR BROKE RIGHT … | 16.3%ODI 753112REAR SUB FRAME TORN AT 2 RIGHT POINTS, AND CRACKED AROUND THE LEFT FORWARD MOST MOUNT POINT. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN ABUSED, DRIVEN OFF-ROAD, OR ON A RACE TRACK. ALL ORIGINAL WHELL, SUSPENSION AND DRIVELINE COMPONENTS WERE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 220.0%ODI 848548THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 16.3%ODI 10016180 · 80,000 miAIRBAG FAILURE IN BMW 1993 325IS 40 MPH HEAD ON COLLISION. *NLM | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 10011852 · 180,000 miTHE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JB |
| Structure | 112.5%ODI 558353LEFT REAR STRUT AND MOUNT CRACKED AND TORE AWAY FROM SUB-FRAME OF VEHICLE. NLM | 16.3%ODI 10082218 · 142,450 miTHE REAR SUBFRAME MOUNT POINTS HAVE RIPPED IN AT LEAST ONE PLACE FROM THE UNIBODY RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR. I CAUGHT IT EARLY SO NO INJURY HAS RESULTED. THIS IS A COMMON (UNACCEPTABLE) PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS (BMW E36). *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 212.5%ODI 10081226 · 139,829 miMY 1993 BMW 325IS HAS A FAILURE OF THE CHASSIS MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE REAR SUBFRAME OF THE CAR. THE CAR HAD BEEN FEELING FUNNY FOR WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS UNTIL ONE DAY THE CAR STARTED TO SHUDDER WHEN TAKING A TURN AND ACCELERATING OUT OF IT. FROM THAT DAY ON THE CAR FELT COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM MY STEERING INPUTS, IT WAS OBVIOUS SOMETHING WAS WRONG. HAD I NOT CAUGHT IT WHEN I DID, MORE THAN JUST FINANCIAL DAMAGE WOULD HAVE SURELY OCCURED; AFTER ALL, THESE ARE WHAT HOLD THE WHOLE REAR OF THE SUSPENSION AND DRIVE TRAIN THE THE CHASSIS. AFTER SHE… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension:Rear | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 110.0%ODI 10120052I AM A MEMBER OF THE BMWCCA AND A BMW AUTOMTIVE ENTHUSIAST. I HAVE NOTICE FOR MANY YEARS THE OCCURANNCE OF A COMMON FAILURE IN E36 AND E46 BODY STYLES - FOR ALL YEARS OF PRODUCTION. THE REAR SUBFRAME IS ATTACHED AT FOUR MOUNTING LOCATIONS TO THE UNIBODY. THE UNIBODY IS NOT REINFORCED AT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS. FAILURES HAVE OCCURED WHERE THE UNIBODY SHEET METAL CRACKS AND IN MANY CASES THE REAR SUBFRAME IS RIPPED FROM THE CAR. IN GERMANY, BMW HAS RECOGNIZED THIS PROBLEM AND HAS ISSUED A RECALL TO REINFORCE THE SUBFRAME ATTACHMENT POINTS. I… | 120.0%ODI 10175234 · 51,818 miDT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING UP OUT OF A DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE CONTROL ARM SUPPORT. THE BOLTS THAT ATTACHED THE WHEEL WERE FRACTURED. PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS TO ALERT THE CONTACT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THE REPAIR MUST BE COVERED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED WHO COINCIDED WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN BECAUSE … |
| Electrical System | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 110.0%ODI 893434AFTER TAKING VEHICLE THROUGH A CARWASH ENGINE HYDROLOCKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO INJECT INTO ENGINE. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER STATES DME SHORTED OUT CAUSING IT TO HYDROLOCK AND CAUSING ENGINE AND FUEL COMPONENTS TO BE DAMAGED INTERNALLY. *SLC | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Too few reports for a range | 135,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10422665 · 135,000 miOWNER OF A 1994 325IS. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DIED DOWN (SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR) ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLES BEHIND TO ALMOST CRASH INTO ME. IN ILLINOIS. CALLED THE NATIONAL BMW CUSTOMER CENTER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO ACTIVE RECALL DESPITE NUMEROUS COMPLAINT OF INCIDENTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION OF 325 I IN THE CONSUMER REPORTS SITE. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL KEPT AND MAINTAINED PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS, SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED. *TR |
| Structure:Body | Too few reports for a range | 272,814 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11021665 · 272,814 miOUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES ON BOTH DOORS BECAME INOPERABLEWITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER ALSO TRUNK LATCH BROKE DUE TO THE WAY IT IS ATTATCHED TO TRUNK LID IE TWO SCREWS THRU SHEET METAL, SHEET METAL BROKE AROUND BOTH SCREWS |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1994: 0 complaints · 1995: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| 1995 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Air Bags | Electrical System | Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Power Train:Clutch Assembly | Structure:Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 0 | — | 0 | 1ODI 893434AFTER TAKING VEHICLE THROUGH A CARWASH ENGINE HYDROLOCKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO INJECT INTO ENGINE. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER STATES DME SHORTED OUT CAUSING IT TO HYDROLOCK AND CAUSING ENGINE AND FUEL COMPONENTS TO BE DAMAGED INTERNALLY. *SLC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System:Wiring:Front Underhood | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline | 0 | 1ODI 893434AFTER TAKING VEHICLE THROUGH A CARWASH ENGINE HYDROLOCKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO INJECT INTO ENGINE. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED.*AK CONSUMER STATES DME SHORTED OUT CAUSING IT TO HYDROLOCK AND CAUSING ENGINE AND FUEL COMPONENTS TO BE DAMAGED INTERNALLY. *SLC | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hood:Latch | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Structure:Body | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
1 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 10.0% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b