2007 BMW 525i Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2007 BMW 525i ranks worst among the 7 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 100 and 72 complaints. Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 35% of complaints, and the year carries 2 recalls including an airbag campaign.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 7 525i years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 72
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 18 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2007 BMW 525i problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags25 (35%)
- Electrical System14 (19%)
- Steering12 (17%)
- Engine10 (14%)
- Structure & Body9 (13%)
- Other6 (8%)
- Seat Belts6 (8%)
- Brakes4 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a head-on collision, leaving the driver with facial and upper-body injuries.
- Rear seat belts malfunctioned during a side-impact crash, causing the lap belt to cut into a passenger's stomach instead of restraining her properly.
- Owners noticed window, windshield, and rear window seals deteriorating after the vehicle passed 100,000 miles, in one case coinciding with a fire.
- A burning odor and multiple warning lights appeared related to an engine recall campaign, with the fix part reportedly unavailable.
- Liquid leaking into the trunk area pooled near the main wiring harness in the tire well, causing electrical shorts.
- The transmission warning light illuminated at highway speed along with slipping and reduced power response during acceleration.
2007 BMW 525i recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V683000Oct 30, 2017Engine740,561 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V564000Nov 12, 2013Airbags76,565 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
2007 BMW 525i fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,725
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other 525i years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 BMW 525i reliable?
- Compared to other 525i model years with data, 2007 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 525i?
- Airbags lead at 35% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 19% and Steering at 17%. Median mileage at failure for airbag issues was 93,000 miles.
- Does the 2007 BMW 525i have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this year: one for a PCV valve heater in the Engine system and one covering an Airbags issue, neither marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2007 525i compare to the 2006 model?
- 2006 also carries an Avoid verdict with a complaint index of 83 and 77 complaints, slightly better than 2007's index of 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2007 BMW 525i?
- EPA rates it at 21.5 mpg combined (18 city / 28 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,725.