1993 BMW 318IS: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving car accelerates by itself. Made sure carpet wasn't on pedal. Happened few times during winter. Rpm's going very high. Very hard to stop the car. Very unsafe. Bmw told me there is recall but my car was not affected. Didn't even look at car. Told me to call back when it happens again*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2003
“There is a coolant leak in engine because an inferior form of rubber sealant is used on engine. Coolant goes back into engine. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated they knew about leak and its a frequent problem, but not under warranty.*ak the head had to be replaced due to this problem, the problem is a rubberized gasket, known as the timing case profile gasket. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2001
“Both front ball joints were replaced. Ehicle also slides and fishtails on other than dry road. Consumer has had 3 accidents. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2001
Show 4 more owner reports
“While driving car overheated. Had vehicle towed to the dealer, and was told that there was an engine head gasket failure. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1999
“The vehicle's electronic command control box was flooded due to water entering the box. Dealer contacted and aware of the problem. Consumer had repair work done at owner's exspense. Tsb 410393 (3914). *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 1998
“When the gasket goes all of the coolant in the radiator leaks out of the car, causing the engine to overheat. Because water in the coolant is out of the car, it is nothing that the consumer can do. The dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1998
“When driving the vehicle through a carwash the computer for the vehicle short circuited and shut completely down. Dealer has to replace total computer. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 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 1993 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 318IS 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 1993 BMW 318IS reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 BMW 318IS. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1993 BMW 318IS 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.