Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
| Every 50,000 mi | Timing Belt (inspect) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1988 325is.
The 1988 BMW 325is is a distinct model in the marque's lineage, defined by an engine requiring exactly 4.8 quarts of 20W-50, 15W-50, or 10W-50 API SL oil for proper lubrication. In the context of the model's reliability history, this specific year stands out as exceptionally well-sorted, having generated zero recalls and only five total owner complaints primarily concentrated in the Engine & Engine Cooling and Visibility categories. For researchers, this minimal complaint volume and complete absence of recalls indicate a structurally sound year with few systemic manufacturing issues, positioning it as a highly reliable benchmark within the broader model timeline.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.8 qt of 20W-50 / 15W-50 / 10W-50 API SL engine oil, GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3.6 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 20W-50 · API · 15W-50 · 10W-50 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.8 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 30,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
| Every 50,000 mi | Timing Belt (inspect) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1988 BMW 325is lead in one area — the engine & engine cooling,visibility, 1 of 5 reports (20%), well ahead of the next concern. NHTSA has issued no recalls for this vehicle, so these are owner-reported concerns only. 1 of the reports describe a crash and 1 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the engine & engine cooling,visibility pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 5 complaints on record, top 5 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 1 of 1 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.8 qt of 14 degrees F TO 122 degrees F: 20W-50 API SL OR GREATER, -4 degrees F TO 104 degrees F: 15W-50 API SL, -22 degrees F TO 68 degrees F: 10W-50 API SL OR GREATER, -40 degrees F TO 23 degrees F: 5W-30 API SL OR GREATER, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.