1994 BMW 318I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 1992 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt: the contact stated vehicle overheated randomly. The engine head was replaced twice and needed to be replaced again. The repairs were costly. However, the dealership reimbursed the consumer for one repair, but will not do it again. Consumer state while driving on the highway vehicle overheated. The entire head of the engine had to be replaced. The service dealer did not state the reason for the vehicle overheating. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2005
“Fuel leakages from the upper return lines. Dealer making repairs. *ak dealer claims it was next to the starter. Also claims it was fixed, however it is not. *jg”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2001
“Would be driving and vehicle failed to shift from first into 2nd gear. Would get hung up in first. Then, it would suddenly jerk and shift into 2nd. Taken to dealership, mechanic indicated problem of shifting was repairable.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Interior door panel assemblies on 3 (three) sections of the vehicle have detached - in the event of accident, passengers may not be able to escape! Also, flawed door panel assemblies make entery/egress from vehicle difficult/dangerous.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2001
“Initial throttle recall (nhtse #97v131000) performed 5-13-98. Problems relating to cruise control/brake lights continue. (please note: there are irregularities in several fields of the questionaire that show up incorrectly on the final chart.)”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2000
“Temperature guage rises and a large amount of coolant spill engine overheats engine stalls I really don't expect this on a bmw why don't help us with the problem I'm really disapointed they just ignore the problem.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
“While driving on expressway, vehicle began to overheat and red light came on, consumer had vehicle inspected and was advised that head gasket contained a crack which caused coolant to leak and caused severe damage to the engine head, consumer was also advised by reputable bmw dealers that vehicle was designed with a faulty part called the profile gasket and it is well known, but manufacturer does not want to recognize it as a problem, consumer has also experienced cooling system problems twice, the first requiring the replacement of the entire radiator and also there was a recall on radiator cap. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000
“Consumer took car to a car wash when control box got wet, then the fuel injector froze open, causing fuel to leak onto the engine. Car spilled gasoline all over the ground. Consumer was trying to start vehicle when the car when a car wash attendant came out and told her not to start vehicle because it might blow up. Prior cars of 1994 bmw had this same problem. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2000
“The car keeps stalling out when I am at a stop, starts right up again and is fine for a period of time, then stalls again (may be days later). Dealer is claiming it's the alternator.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 1999
“When onsumer's son got inside of vehicle and locked doors manually. Then tried to turn on engine, but the engine did not start. Driver tried to get out of vehicle, and he couldn't because the door won't unlock. Somehow he opened the sun roof and got out. Then unlocked door with key. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 1994 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 1994 BMW 318I reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 BMW 318I. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1994 BMW 318I have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling 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.