1984 Bmw 318 problems
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.
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Common 1984 Bmw 318 problems
The BMW 318i, produced in 1984, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from engine problems to general reliability concerns.
One of the most frequently reported engine problems is related to the 1.8L motor, which had issues with a lower gasket or cover blowing out unexpectedly, causing rapid loss of coolant. This issue can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Another engine-related problem is the M10 block, which can suffer from valve tick if badly adjusted. This issue can lead to poor performance and decreased fuel efficiency.
The EFI system, particularly in the early cars, can also cause problems. These issues include too fast of an idle and poor running in general. The ICV (Idle Control Valve) that belongs to the car is often missing, and the correct one isn't available. In such cases, an auxiliary air valve (AAV) from an earlier BMW with CIS injection can be used. These devices are thermostatic and electrically heated, similar to an electric choke used on a carburetor.
In addition to engine problems, the BMW 318i has been reported to have issues with its ignition switch. This problem can manifest as difficulty starting the car, especially when the engine is cold. In some cases, rapidly turning the switch on and off several times may help diagnose this issue.
When it comes to reliability, the BMW 318i can be a mixed bag. If well-maintained and with necessary parts replaced, a 318i with high mileage can still have some life left. However, older models may have been subjected to less-than-ideal maintenance and may require significant work to get them running properly.
Overall, the BMW 318i can be a reliable and enjoyable car with proper maintenance and care. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider the costs of any necessary repairs before making a purchase.
Is the BMW 318 reliable?
They tend to cause problems only after 180,000 miles. But other than that, the 318i didn't have major issues. It was just a stubborn engine that could last longer than its inline-six-powered siblings that are available for less than $15,000 on auction sites.
How many miles per gallon does a 1984 BMW 318i get?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 104 fuel-ups and 30,159 miles of driving, the 1984 BMW 318i gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.95 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error.
How good is BMW 318?
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.
What engine is in the 1984 BMW 318i?
M10 engine
318i (1984-1985 using the M10 engine, then 1991 using the M42 engine) 318is (1991 only) 325, 325e and 325es.
Is A BMW 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.
What engine is in the 1984 BMW 318i?
M10 engine
318i (1984-1985 using the M10 engine, then 1991 using the M42 engine) 318is (1991 only) 325, 325e and 325es.
How many miles per gallon does a 1984 BMW 318i get?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 104 fuel-ups and 30,159 miles of driving, the 1984 BMW 318i gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.95 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error.
What is the fuel consumption of BMW 318?
On the Cars Guide website, BMW claims that this engine gives 5.4l/100km with combined cycle of in-road and highway driving.
1984 Bmw 318 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 318 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Bmw 318 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1984 Bmw 318 complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Bmw 318.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBAAK8401E8
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE ON THE HEATER CORE, THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COOLING SYSTEM, CAUSING INCREASED PRESSURE THAT RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING ON CONSUMER'S FEET. RECALL#93V015000. *AK
1984 Bmw 318 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1984 Bmw 318.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
- Summary: THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
- Consequence: VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A COOLANT HOSE, (2) LEAKAGE OF THE RADIATOR OREXPANSION TANK, (3) DISCONNECTION OF A HOSE FROM A PIPE OR A FITTING, AND (4)CRACKS IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKAGE. IN SOME CASES,BOILING COOLANT CAN CONTACT THE LOWER RIGHT LEG OF THE DRIVER RESULTING INBURNS. ALSO, ESCAPING COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAN CAUSE VAPORFOGGING OF THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE WINDOWS, REDUCING DRIVER VISIBILITY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A THERMOSTATIC BYPASS VALVE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CONTROL COOLANT TEMPERATURE IN THE HEATER CORE. ALSO, A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP WILL BE INSTALLED, TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CONTROLS IDLE SPEED BY VARYING THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR THAT BYPASSES THE THROTTLE PLATE IS SUBJECT TO BACKFIRE INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. SUCH BACKFIRE CAN DAMAGE THE VALVE AND CAUSE THE IDLE VALVE PLATE TO REMAIN OPEN. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS WILL RESULT IN ABNORMALLY HIGH IDLE SPEED.
- Remedy: INSTALL A REDESIGNED IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CAN NOT STICK OPEN.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
- Summary: WATER CONTROL VALVE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM MAY NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. EXCESSIVE CURRENT MAY BEGIN TO FLOW THROUGH THE WIRING TO THE CONTROL VALVE RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE WIRING.
- Remedy: WIRING TO THE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A WIRE CONNECTOR THAT HAS A FUSE. THE FUSE WILL PREVENT THE OCCURENCE OF AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1984 Bmw 318 problems:
bmw 1984 318i reliability? - NASIOC
Aug 30, 2004 ... They're prone to slip sideways durring extended high revs. The tip of the rocker arm slips between the valve stem and the retainer and usually ...
My new 318i and all her problems
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Any common E30 problems?
Mar 2, 2006 ... I am about to own my first BMW ever. It's a 87 325IS with about 200k miles, 5pd. E30 is something I've always drooled on since high school. I ...
1984/85 318i M10 EFI/Idle Problems... and a solution - R3VLimited ...
May 29, 2023 ... What I ended up settling on was using an auxiliary air valve from an earlier BMW with CIS injection. These devices are thermostatic, and ...
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