1995 BMW 318I: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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.
“The gas pedal is stuck and cannot stop and rpm are red lining. Car is unsafe to drive. Luckily I was pulling into work to park and that's when the gas pedal got stuck and the engine started revving up high to 500 rpm. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2016
“I heard noises coming from and grinding associated with the rolling down of front driver's side window on my 1995 bmw 318i. It finally failed to properly up and I had to take it to the dealership. The dealer told me it was the window regulator and replaced it at a cost of $500. After checking message boards on-line I discovered that this is a very common problem. Many people stated that the regulators had gone out on all of the windows on various bmw models. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2005
“While pulling up to the curb to let a passenger out driver's front floor mat pushed up against the gas pedal and caused car to accelerate. The driver stepped on the brake to stop the car, but with the floor mat pressed against the gas pedal, the car continued to accelerate, hitting the vehicle parked in front of it. The gas pedal extends down and attached to the floor so that the floor mat had no place to go, but against the gas pedal, if it gets pushed forward inadvertantly as it did in this case. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2004
Show 5 more owner reports
“Consumer has trouble starting vehicle. It takes her about 5-6 times turning the key before vehicle will start. It sounds as if there is an electrical short in the ignition switch.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2004
“I have a 1995 bmw 318i and has 37,000 miles. I have a problem with m/t and first gear pops out of gear which can cause the vehicle behind you to hit your car. I have had mechanics diagnose the problem and they say to replace the transmission. I called bmw they will not cover this design problem to replace the transmission. Their was a service bulletins issued in 1999 after the warranty had run out.(perfect timing). I think this should have been a recall considering the danger of this on the open road. *nlm”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2003
“Consumer states that when hit at a low speed in the front center of the vehicle the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2002
“While driving all the lights willl go off and the vehicle will shut off. Driver would have to start the vehicle up again. Dealer said sometimes the driver's side floor mat would hit the gas pedal, and that would cause the vehicle to shut off. *ak”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 1997
“Consumer stated under rainy conditions, the vehicle's floor boards fill with water. This shorted out the computer when the vehicle was started which resulted in a fire. Please provide any further information. *ph”Owner report · Electrical System
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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.
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 1995 BMW 318I reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 BMW 318I. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1995 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.