1993 BMW 318: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 17 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)13 complaints

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)2 complaints

Seat Belts1 complaint

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint

“Engine timing case profile gasket failed, causing vehicle to suddenly veer from the third lane to the shoulder by the first lane.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1998

“Profile case gasket failed, causing all engine fluid to spill onto freeway at speed. This is a factory defect which needs to be addressed before it can cause a serious accident. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1997

“While driving vehicle the engine timing case profile gasket failed, causing total loss of engine coolant.owner is very concerned for safety. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM94V037000 · Feb 1994

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS94V066000 · Apr 1994

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

199121 complaints · 3 recalls 199216 complaints · 4 recalls 1993 (this page)17 complaints · 2 recalls 199420 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact 318 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1993 BMW 318 reliable?

NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 BMW 318. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.

Does the 1993 BMW 318 have open recalls?

2 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.