Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of BMW 525

BMW 525 owners have reported 20 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of BMW 525 based on all problems reported for the 525.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2005 BMW 525

Failure Date: 02/12/2024

I am encountering persistent issues with my 2005 BMW 525i. Despite having replaced several critical components, including the ignition coils, spark plugs, mass air flow sensor, and throttle body sensors, the vehicle continues to experience performance problems, specifically failing to advance beyond the fourth cylinder when driving uphill. After conducting numerous diagnostic tests, I have concluded that there may be an air leak in the intake manifold. Additionally, after prolonged use under these conditions, the positive battery cable from the trunk has shown signs of overheating, evidenced by smoke, which I suspect is related to repeated uphill driving. While the vehicle performs adequately on flat surfaces, it exhibits hesitation and jerking once it surpasses the fourth cylinder.

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2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 10/17/2022

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the recall serviced; upon return of the vehicle, the contact noticed the vehicle would shake while driving at various speeds. She also noted that the failure would worsen while at a complete stop and that overtime, the service engine warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified about the failure; the contact was placed on an indefinite hold until the call disconnected. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 284,191.

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3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 08/06/2022

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-85 mph, she smelled smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where he referenced NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling) , but the vehicle was not diagnosed for the failure. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 04/04/2022

I received a notice in the mail stating that my vehicle with the matching VIN had a recall for the pc value heater. And that it causes the vehicle to over heat and catch fire I contacted the dealership and manufacturer and I was told that there was no remedy available as I started experiencing issue's with my vehicle. It worries me because I constantly have my grandchildren with me and don't want them in a unsafe vehicle.

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5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 03/02/2022

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 02/18/2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the thermostat and radiator were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v273000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 01/27/2022

The engine overheated on January 27, 2022 and a warning appeared on the dash to pull over and turn off the engine. It was then towed to a repair facility, where it was determined that overheating caused the failure of radiater hoses, loss of coolant, and other damages. Repairs cost $2574. 56 on January 29, 2022. When I contacted BMW and the dealer, I was told that did not want to hear about it until they have determined what remedy was available for the recall, and they told me they would noot listen to any complaints about damages until then.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 06/25/2021

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer under an unknown NHTSA campaign; however, the failure recurred with a burning odor detected.  additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 34,406. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 01/03/2021

The contact owns a 2006 BMW 525i. The contact stated while driving 60-65 mph, the vehicle started to overheat. The coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and added coolant in the vehicle. The contact then continued to drive. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that he replaced the thermostat himself. However, the failure persisted and the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v119000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2001 BMW 525

Failure Date: 03/01/2020

I drove the car a mile to the store and a mile back and when I was walking away you could see a spark and then a minute later another one and another until then the car started smoking and within 4 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. My security cameras caught the whole thing on tape. We tried our best to contain the fire but it took the fire department to put it out.

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11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 10/21/2019

The NHTSA database is showing a recall for my car has not been completed. However I am currently in south korea with my car and the dealership here is telling me that the recall has been completed. This is a conflict. I can not ship my car back to the us without this recall being cleared. Can someone provide me documentation showing that the recall has been satisfied.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 07/15/2019

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 BMW 525-I. The contact estated that the vehicle was parked, when th engine was turned onf, black smoke started emerging from the engine compartment, when the hood was opened a fire started. The fire department was called and they extinguished the fire. The police was present and a report was issued. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for a diagnostic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 307,726. Bp.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2001 BMW 525

Failure Date: 11/16/2017

Possible BMW recall issue (car spontaneously caught fire while car off). Car purchased on 11/8/17. On 11/16/17, car was parked in our driveway with ignition off after driving approximately 30 minutes. Approximately 10 minutes later, driver heard the car alarm go off which prompted him to go outside and saw flames and smoke coming from under the hood. Driver called 911. Car continued to combust several times before fire dept got to our house. See pictures for damage. We still have the BMW car in question in our driveway.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

Overheated, I have spent over $3000 to repair the overheat problem, it keep coming back.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 05/29/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2007 BMW 525xi. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced at the dealer, the ignition was turned to the on position but the engine did not start. The engine did not restart. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle as the steering wheel lock mechanism failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Sg.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2007 BMW 525

Failure Date: 04/03/2015

I was traveling approximately 40 mph on a city causeway. I went to apply the brakes for a red light and had none. The pedal was very stiff and had no hydraulic assist. I pushed the pedal as hard as I could and downshifted, finally stopping about 8 feet into the intersection. The car acted fine all morning up to that point. I had no warning light or anything to alert me to the failure. I have since found out that BMW issued a recall for this very issue on the v8 engine but not for the i6 engine which I have.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2004 BMW 525

Failure Date: 04/07/2014

Sudden acceleration on a BMW 525i 2004. No previous incidents. While turning into a parking space, perpendicular to the road, in front of a bakery, during the final approach the engine suddenly accelerated, abruptly and without a reason, going over the bump stop. The car ended up in the sidewalk, no injuries (fortunately no pedestrians were on the sidewalk at the time). Luckily the driver had the foot on the break pedal and could take action preventing a crash with the building's door and avoiding hitting the people inside the shop. Car was taken to the dealer and will undergo testing. Service adviser claims no issue like this has happened before, only in Toyota's. Not true at all.

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18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 01/08/2014

Bought from manager at BMW service department w/89,920 on 10/25/13. 2 overheated broke down on 11/29/13 on January 7 rarely park in driveway, pull up on driveway with an incline at my home. Car was placed in park but sorta did not catch gear right, felt a rollback so I engaged my e-brake. Did not want to release key, so I get stuff at house and resumed inspection of vehicle, car did not start. So I attempted to remove out of park, to no avail, then after off and on attempts it changed gears. Screen said gear change without brake possible. Took it in they said had to replace guide plate and solenoid for 1250. 00 I have 4 kids and a wife I love, we are always in vehicle, I feel my families safety is violated for being exposed to a potential dangerous episode. Did research parking pawl guide plate has recall. Exact to my problem dealership acknowledges it but claims that my car ain't because recalls on v8 models. Only had car for short time frame. Feel scammed, paid 14600 w/ taxes from bank loan and now I'm stuck with a lemon! help!!??.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2004 BMW 525

Failure Date: 03/12/2012

Dealer is telling me a new transmission is needed.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2006 BMW 525

Failure Date: 09/23/2011

Several of the head bolts broke due to an engineering flaw. I was told by the BMW shop that beacuse the head bolts were made from a differnet metal that they heat and cool at different rates and the bolts tend to break, they had seen it many times. When I contatcted BMW they refused to admit that it was a common problem and would not accept responsibility for the repairs.


Other Common Engine And Engine Cooling related problems of BMW 525


525 Service Bulletins
525 Safety Recalls
525 Defect Investigations