KnownCarProblems2007 BMW 525i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007 BMW 525i, most often about the air bags (35% of complaints, typically around 93,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about 525i model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2007 BMW 525i problems
Air bags
25 complaints · 35%Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, who stated that the censor in the passenger's side seat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was…
Passenger restraint failure warning came up on my 2007 525i. This has been a problem on previous models but after taking my vehicle into the dealership they informed me it would not be covered and would cost me roughly $2000 to repair. This is a severe safety issue as nobody can ride in the passenger seat. This should…
Electrical
14 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 89,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
Bought the car in aug started using the seat warmer about december of 2014. Here and there upon using I'd smell something burning so I would turn it off! But not all the time when using the warmer did I smell burning! Late march my husband noticed a burn hole on my driers seat, I instantly remembered the burning smell…
Headlight wiring insulation rot lead to failed high and low beams on driver side and intermittent failures of both beams on passenger side. See photo for exampole of disintegrated wiring on driver high beam wiring harness. Only known option is to buy a complete new headlight assembly ($1250+ per side) or attempt diy.…
Steering
12 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 62,500 miles.
2007 BMW 525 has a message indicating the steering lock is activated. Message will not go away. BMW indicates this is a common problem but is not covered out of warranty.
I have a BMW 525i 2007, which was a certified pre-owned vehicle bought from east bay BMW. Around 71,000 miles, the 'steering wheel lock malfunction' light came on (red color). The car is drivable, and works fine, however, the light is still on with a warning that the engine may not start. I asked BMW of mountain view…
Engine
9 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 71,500 miles.
Returning home from a trip to the grocery, car running fine, turned into my driveway, heard a noise , engine stopped running. Had the car pulled to my garage,, I am a diesel engine rebuilder so I do know engines. I looked the engine over with the hood up, didn't really notice anything. Got back in the car and tried to…
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. Upon driving the vehicle for several minutes, an unknown odor was detected in the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number…
Seats
6 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 74,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 525i. The contact stated that the front driver side electronic seat control switch would reverse when the contact attempted to move the seat forward. The dealer replaced the switch assembly. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Bought the car in aug started using the seat warmer about december of 2014. Here and there upon using I'd smell something burning so I would turn it off! But not all the time when using the warmer did I smell burning! Late march my husband noticed a burn hole on my driers seat, I instantly remembered the burning smell…
Seat belts
6 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles.
Passenger restraint failure warning came up on my 2007 525i. This has been a problem on previous models but after taking my vehicle into the dealership they informed me it would not be covered and would cost me roughly $2000 to repair. This is a severe safety issue as nobody can ride in the passenger seat. This should…
Warning message for passenger side air bag malfunction. Took to dealer and told it was the seat sensor. I did not replace it because it was way to much money. There are tons of complaints about the same thing happening to people with this car. Prior year cars have been recalled for the same issue. It sure seems like…
Other or unspecified
6 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles.
Bought the car in aug started using the seat warmer about december of 2014. Here and there upon using I'd smell something burning so I would turn it off! But not all the time when using the warmer did I smell burning! Late march my husband noticed a burn hole on my driers seat, I instantly remembered the burning smell…
I have a BMW 525i 2007, which was a certified pre-owned vehicle bought from east bay BMW. Around 71,000 miles, the 'steering wheel lock malfunction' light came on (red color). The car is drivable, and works fine, however, the light is still on with a warning that the engine may not start. I asked BMW of mountain view…
Transmission
4 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The car beeps every few miles and a warning light shows it need an oil change, I had just gotten a change, so they changed it again, the next day the bells started ringing again. Also the gear shifter went out. It is still ringing.
Transmission jerks and the car gives a kick when the car automatically downshifts from 2 to 1. This typically happens when slowing down to a stop. Seen many references of transmission jerk / kick issues online on bimmerfest. Reports to BMW USA as well. BMW USA refuses to assist with this issue.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2007 BMW 525i recalls
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: occupant classification
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.
Fix: 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 customerrelations@bmwusa.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2007 BMW 525i
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 525i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: air bags (25 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles); electrical (14 complaints, typically around 89,500 miles); steering (12 complaints, typically around 62,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 525i have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 30, 2017 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2007 a bad year for the BMW 525i?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about 525i model year since 2000, with 72 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.