Bmw 318 problems

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The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 Series and has been produced in seven generations.

The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback ("Gran Turismo") and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series, styles no longer included in the 3 Series.

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the BMW brand's annual total car sales, and has won numerous awards throughout its history.

The M version of the 3 series, M3, debuted with the E30 M3 in 1986.

photo of Bmw 318 car production

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Bmw 318 model years

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318 2001
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318 1998
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318 1997
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318 1996
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318 1995
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318 1994
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318 1993
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318 1992
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318 1991
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318 1990
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318 1985
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318 1984
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Common Bmw 318 problems

The BMW 318i is a popular model in the BMW 3-series lineup, known for its power and innovation. However, like any other car, it has common problems that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common problems with the BMW 318i is automatic gearbox problems. The gearbox can produce a whining sound while the car is in gear, and the loudness and pitch of the sound increase as the speed increases. This sound usually stops when the clutch is depressed and the gearbox disengages. Additionally, the transmission may begin to fail, causing grinding or shaking when changing gears. This shaking becomes more startling as the condition worsens, and it's essential to have the car inspected as soon as this begins to happen.

Another common problem with the BMW 318i is battery problems. The positive battery cable connector and the matching fuse box terminal can corrode or degrade over time, causing the car to lose electrical power, resulting in a stall or an inoperable vehicle. Battery problems can also occur when an external device is plugged into a BMW, sapping its energy.

The BMW 318i can also experience electrical issues, such as dashboard warning lights. These warning lights can indicate that something is wrong and needs to be fixed right away, or that a feature or technology is now active. A BMW expert can help interpret these problems and get the car back to its best shape.

Furthermore, the BMW 318i can experience engine problems, such as crankcase bearing bushing issues, crankshaft sensor problems, and fuel pump issues. These problems can cause the engine to go into an emergency reduced power mode, limit performance, or even stall. A BMW dealer can confirm if the car is affected by these issues and arrange to have the necessary parts replaced.

Finally, the BMW 318i can experience suspension concerns, such as problems with the power steering or rear axle bolts. These problems can cause heavier steering than usual or even loss of drive. Affected examples will need to have a new power steering system or rear axle bolts fitted to fix the fault.

In conclusion, while the BMW 318i is a powerful and innovative car, it's essential to be aware of the common problems that can occur. Regular servicing and inspections can help prevent major mishaps and ensure that the car remains in excellent condition.

Bmw 318

Is the BMW 318i a reliable car?

Is the BMW 318i a good & reliable car? So long as it is serviced on time and looked after well, the BMW 318i can be a great, reliable and enjoyable mode of transport. Although it is no tar-burning supercar the 318i has been known for 30 years as a well-made, pleasant way to get around town.

Is the 318 a good car?

It really is a very good car. However, there are 3 things which are disappointing: 1) retraction of wing mirrors is not electronic 2) there are no sensors at the front even though there are at the rear. 3) there is no spare wheel at all.

Which is better 318i or 320i?

Both the 318 and the 320, whether in petrol or diesel form, are about as efficient as each other in the real world. However, the extra power of the 320i and 320d models makes lighter work of moving the mid-size saloon and estate, and we think they're the better option for more drivers.

Do BMW 3 Series have problems?

A problem with the crankshaft sensor of some examples built from 16 May 2018 and 7 June 2018 could lead to the engine going into an emergency reduced power mode and limit performance. A BMW dealer will be able to confirm if your 3 Series is affected by this and arrange to have the sensor replaced.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 318 years

We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 318 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 318 model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 318 model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 318 years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Bmw 318 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 318 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 318 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 318 model years

A total of 21 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 318 model years

There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 318 model years

There were a total of 23 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 158 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 318 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 318 vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Bmw 318 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2011-11-12
  • Date Complaint: 2011-11-14
  • VIN: WBACC0324VE
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED. IT WON'T BUDGE. YOU CAN CRANK THE CAR..NO PROBLEM, BUT THE WHEEL IS LOCKED. *TR
Bmw 318 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-08-19
  • Date Complaint: 2004-08-19
  • VIN: WBAA740XE90
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFT UP THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Bmw 318 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2004-05-10
  • VIN: WBABE5316NJ
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE DOOR WILL NOT HOLD. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *JB
Bmw 318 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2003-08-18
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-18
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: TAIL LIGHTS COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. CAUSE OF FAILURE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK
Bmw 318 1996
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
  • Date Complaint: 2003-08-07
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE HAD A GAS LEAK IN THE TANK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER FILLED THE GAS TANK AND 15 MINUTES LATER ALL THE GAS LEAKED OUT. THE CONSUMER ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, ENGINE, AND THE A/C PANEL WHICH INTERMITTENTLY WENT OUT. *SCC *JB
Bmw 318 1984
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-05-22
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE ENGINE IDLED HIGH. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS DUE TO THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Bmw 318 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-24
  • Date Complaint: 2003-01-08
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4USCC8322SL
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS IN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON TIME.THE CONSUMER STATES HER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL THEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. ALSO PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AT 30MPH DURING IMPACT. CONSUMER ALSO STATES THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK UP. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Bmw 318 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2002-06-30
  • VIN: 4USCC7324SL
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE BEGAN BLOWING FUSES CAUSING MANY OF THE SYSTEMS TO QUITE FUNCTIONING. WE REPLACE WITH FUSES THE SAME SIZE AS IT ASK FOR AND IT STARTED MELTING FUSES CAUSING FUEL PUMP TO QUIT WORKING ADQUATELY. *AK
Bmw 318 1995
  • Date Of Incident: 2002-05-04
  • Date Complaint: 2002-05-09
  • VIN: WBACA632XSF
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT SHIFTS AROUND WHILE DRIVING, MAKING DRIVER LOSE PEDAL, AND STEERING CONTROL.*AK *MJ
Bmw 318 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-08-04
  • Date Complaint: 2001-08-17
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: WBABS53421E
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NEW BMW COMBUSTED -- ELECTRICAL FIRE DUE TO DEFECT IN FAN ASSEMBLY ALREADY KNOWN TO BMW. HAD I BEEN DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME, IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATALITY.
Bmw 318 1997
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-22
  • Date Complaint: 2001-06-27
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 55MPH ON HIGHWAY THERE WAS A FLYING TIRE ON THE ROAD, AND TIRE HIT VEHICLE. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Bmw 318 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-31
  • Date Complaint: 2001-06-15
  • VIN: WBABN53471J
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MY CAR WAS SIMPLY IDLING IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE A/C ON FOR A FEW MINUTES WHEN I RETURNED TO FIND MY CAR WITH SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY RAN TO THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF. I NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ALL THE WAY TO THE RED ZONE. I THEN NOTICED RADIATOR FLUID SPILLING TO THE GROUND. I OPENED THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE FLUID WAS RELEASING FROM THE RADIATOR CAP. MY CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE COOLING FAN. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS INCIDENTS ON THE INTERNET OF PEOPLE'S COOLING FANS FAILING AND THEIR BMW'S OVERHEATING. I'M SURPRISED BMW HAS NOT YET ISSUED A RECALL. THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE. MY CAR WAS NOT SOME CAR WAITING AT A DEALERSHIP TO BE BOUGHT. I ORDERED IT AND IT WAS ASSEMBLED IN A PLANT IN GERMANY. THEY ARE INSTALLING FAULTY FANS INTO NEW CARS. THEIR PROBLEM IS THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHICH FANS ARE THE BAD/FAILING FANS. THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL 3 SERIES BMW 2001 FANS AND REPLACE THEM. THIS UPSETS ME. MY CAR IS RUNNING FINE, BUT WHO KNOWS WHAT IF ANY, UNKNOWN LONG TERM DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED IN MY ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING!!!!!. *AK
Bmw 318 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-05
  • Date Complaint: 2001-06-07
  • VIN: WBABN53491J
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF OVERHEATING FOR SAME MODEL DUE TO FAILURE OF AUXILIARY COOLING FAN AS NOTED ON INTERNET BULLETIN BOARD WWW.BIMMER.ORG IN RECENT WEEKS/MONTHS
Bmw 318 1994
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-23
  • VIN: WBABK5321RE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WATER DRAINED INTO ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE, AND RESULTING IN VEHICLE STALLING.ALSO, LEAVING FUEL INJECTORS OPEN, COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Bmw 318 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Date Complaint: 2001-05-17
  • VIN: WBABN53431J
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Latest 5 recalls Bmw 318

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 16 recalls for different components of the Bmw 318.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Bmw 318 1992
  • Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
  • Model: Bmw 318 1991
  • Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
  • Model: Bmw 318 1990
  • Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
  • Model: Bmw 318 1993
  • Report Received Date: 1994-04-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
  • Model: Bmw 318 1993
  • Report Received Date: 1994-02-17
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: IF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL FROM THE FROZEN THROTTLE BODY OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: BMW DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY HEATER WITH A MODIFIED HEATER.

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