The most-reported 325iS run is WBABF3318NE (1992 builds) with 3 complaints, 2.3× the typical run. Structure problems make up 28% of reports; 1992 is the worst model year at 1.8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for 325iS model years 1992–1995.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The BMW 325iS has 21 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 37% of every 325iS complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBABF3318NE•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| WBABF3311NE•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| WBABF3317PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBABF4315PE•••••• | 1993 | — | 1 | |
| WBABF4316NE•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| WBABF331XNE•••••• | 1992 | — | — | |
| WBABF3313PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBABF431XPE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBABF3318PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WEABS4312PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBABF4316PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| WBABF3316PE•••••• | 1993 | — | — |
Each of the other 9 325iS runs has 1 complaint or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the BMW 325iS the gap between build years is 1.8×: a 1992 car draws 1.8 complaints per run, a 1994 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 4 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1994 | 5 | 5 | — | |
| 1993 | 11 | 9 | — | |
| 1992 | 7 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1992 at 1.8 complaints per run; lightest is 1994 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 28% of everything BMW 325iS owners report: Structure, 8 of 27 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting | — | — | |
| Fuel System | — | — | |
| Gasoline | — | — | |
| Suspension | — | — | |
| Seat Belts | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on the BMW 325iS; the 4 below cover build years 1992 to 1995. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 97V131000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 1992–1995 |
| 98V178000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System | 1992–1995 |
| 96V111000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 1992–1994 |
| 96V110000 | Air Bags:frontal | 1992 |
97V131000 was opened in 1997 on cars built from 1992: 5 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 27 reports on the BMW 325iS, 3.7% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | BMW 325iS | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 27 | 1,116,631 |
| Involved a crash | 1 (3.7%) | 64,221 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (3.7%) | 26,977 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 58,047 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 36% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,116,631 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 299,142 production runs. The BMW 325iS share of that is 27 complaints over 21 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a BMW 325iS VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 27 NHTSA complaints from 21 325iS runs and 4 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which 325iS production run has the most complaints?
WBABF3318NE, a 1992 build, with 3 complaints. The typical 325iS run has 1.3.
Which 325iS years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1992 is heaviest at 1.8 complaints per run and 1994 lightest at 1.
How many 325iS complaints involve a crash?
3.7% of 27 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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