Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 0 | — | 3 | — | Few |
* Complaints compared with the median 525it year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Latest BMW 525it recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, May have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
On certain passenger vehicles, the engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. This is a supplement to a recall that began during September 2001 (see recall campaign 01V206).
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The engine auxiliary/cooling fan operation, including variable speed, is electronically controlled. Failure of the fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fan. Owner notification began September 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the BMW 525it should you avoid?
None of the BMW 525it years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
How many recalls has the BMW 525it had?
3 recalls across 2001. The model year with the most is 2001. See all BMW 525it recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.