1992 BMW 318I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 1998
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The profile head gasket is a widely reported defect on bmw 318i engines. For me its a serious problme now that this is the second head gasket to blow. The first was replaced under warranty, the second may or may not be replaced under warranty. In anny event the repair work has not yet been done. Based on the web pages I have read this is a widespread problem and bmw is not reacting properly. I think you should consider a class-action law suit to make them act properly for such a major defect.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1998
“I have done some research over the internet for this problem and it appears to be a very common one. I am completely amazed that bmw is not covering this repair of this, even though they are aware of the defect.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1998
“Profile gasket failure. The part fails on all m42 engines produced by bmw between 1991 and 1992. Was made aware via technical bullletin sent to dealers. A recall needs to be issued.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 1998
Show 3 more owner reports
“Air bag contact ring on the driver's side broke. When the air bag warning light came on, vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ring was replaced at owner's expense. Vehicle not included in recall 96v110000 bmw/interior; passive restraint: air bag:driver. *ak *ml”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 1997
“Vehicle experienced coolant loss and low coolant levels but the temperature guage did not rise above normal. Loss was due to engine gasket failure.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1996
“When driving at 30 mph the vehicle surges, the engine races to high rpm and the vehicle cuts off without warning. Contacted the dealer, cause of problem was yet to be determined. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1992 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 318I 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 318I reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 BMW 318I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1992 BMW 318I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. 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.