1996 BMW 325i

Introduction

The 1996 BMW 325i is a compact executive car powered by a 2.5-liter inline-6 engine that produces 189 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 325i is known for its agile handling, luxurious interior, and powerful engine. However, it is also prone to certain issues that can affect its performance and reliability.

Engine

• M50 2.5L Inline-6
  • VANOS Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS system is responsible for adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. Failure of the solenoid can cause the engine to run poorly, stall, or lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the VANOS solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Guide Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain guide can wear and break, causing the timing chain to slip and the engine to lose power.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain guide and tensioner.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Head Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. This can lead to overheating and engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
  • Transmission Input Shaft Bearing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The input shaft bearing can fail, causing noise and vibration when shifting.
    • Solution: Replace the input shaft bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Transmission Fluid Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission can develop a leak, causing the transmission fluid level to drop. This can lead to transmission damage.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking seal or gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Solenoid Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The valve body solenoid can fail, causing shifting problems.
    • Solution: Replace the valve body solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front control arm bushings can wear out, causing noise, vibration, and poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers can fail, causing the ride to become harsh and the handling to suffer.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sway Bar Link Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar link can fail, causing noise and poor handling.
    • Solution: Replace the sway bar link.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. This can lead to the vehicle losing power.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly, especially when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Solution: Find and fix the source of the drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the drain
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not work.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear window regulator can fail, causing the window to become stuck or fall.
  • Solution: Replace the rear window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver’s Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The driver’s seat heater can fail, preventing the seat from heating up.
  • Solution: Replace the seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuator can fail, causing the door to not lock or unlock.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control unit can fail, causing the heating and air conditioning system to not work properly.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 BMW 325i is a reliable and well-built vehicle, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems include VANOS solenoid failure, timing chain guide failure, transmission input shaft bearing failure, and alternator failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to be aware of them before buying a used 325i.