1992 BMW 318: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The affected gasket is known to be of a defective nature and is prone to failure at some point in the vehicle's life, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of coolant. The original part and replacement parts are referenced in a bmw technical service bulletin 11 10 93 (3885). Thus far, bmw has chosen only to evaluate each case individually and selectively reimburse owners for the cost of repairs for vehicles which are out of warranty.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1998
“Engine profile gasket failure, causing loss of hot coolant, resulting in a fog of white steam which could impair visibility. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1996
“With temperatures ranging from 95 degrees or more rear window emploded while not in direct sunlight. Please describe details. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · May 1995
Show 5 more owner reports
“While parked with brake on, emergency brake failed, vehicle rolled and hit another vehicle, once resulting in an accident. Tt”Owner report · Parking Brake · Jan 1995
“M/trans: accelerator sticks during cold weather; engine speeds up, even with brakes applied;nearly caused rear end accident;not included under recall #91v219000”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1992
“Vehicles has a sudden loss of coolant from the engine due to a defective design. The manufacturer-bmw has issued a tsb on this problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
“5-spd manual transmission will not go into 1st gear without difficulty which is now becoming more frequent. Please describe details. *ak”Owner report · Power Train
“Timing case profile gasket failed, allowing a sudden and immediate release of most or all of the coolant (radiator) while traveling.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
THE ADHESIVE MATERIAL OF THE TWO PIECE THROTTLE BODY HEATER MIGRATES INTO THE CIRCULATION CHAMBER CAUSING BUILD UP OF IMPURITIES AND RESTRICTION OF FLOW WITHIN THE CHAMBER. THIS CONDITION AND WATER VAPORS FROM THE CRANK THAT FREEZES AT LOW AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURES PREVENTS THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM CLOSING AS THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL.
Remedy: BMW DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY HEATER WITH A MODIFIED HEATER.
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM, VENTED INTO THE INTAKE TRACT OF THE ENGINE AT THE BELLOWS BOOT AHEAD OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING, ALLOWS WARM WATER VAPOR FROM THE CRANKCASE VENT TO CONDENSE AND FREEZE IN THE COLDER BELLOWS BOOT WHEN THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS. THE BUILD UP OF ICE CAN DISLODGE AND MOVE INTO THE THROTTLE HOUSING, PREVENTING THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM FULLY CLOSING WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL.
Remedy: REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A VERSION CONTAINING A MODIFIED HEATING SYSTEM ALONG WITH REROUTING OF THE CVS HOSE. THIS WILL PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP IN THE INTAKE TRACT.
FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.
Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
How other years compare
Check your exact 318 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1992 BMW 318 reliable?
NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 BMW 318. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1992 BMW 318 have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.