1985 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 1985 Bmw 318 problems
The BMW 318 1985 is known for several engine problems, which can be categorized into issues with the ignition switch, head gasket, and mass air flow sensor.
- Head Gasket Problems: The head gasket is a critical component of the engine, and when it fails, it can cause various issues, including overheating, white smoke from the tailpipe, and difficulty starting. A blown head gasket can lead to an hydraulic lock in a cylinder, making it difficult to start the car. It's essential to check for a blown head gasket if you're experiencing starting problems, especially if you notice white smoke from the tailpipe when the engine is cold.
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Problems: The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine. If the MAF sensor fails, it can cause inconsistent performance, including hard starting, loss of power, and poor fuel economy. The rubber boot between the sensor and the intake can crack over time, leading to air leaks and performance issues. Replacing the MAF sensor or the cracked rubber boot can solve this problem.
In addition to these engine problems, the BMW 318 1985 models can also suffer from cooling-off period issues, where the buyer forfeits the right to the cooling-off period if they accept delivery of the car within the period. This can be a problem if the car has hidden issues that are not apparent during the initial inspection. It's essential to have the car professionally inspected before purchase to ensure that it has been serviced regularly and not driven without car, as this can affect the car's long-term reliability.
In conclusion, the BMW 318 1985 models can suffer from various engine problems, including ignition switch, head gasket, and mass air flow sensor issues. It's essential to address these problems promptly to ensure the car's long-term reliability and performance. Regular servicing and maintenance can also help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
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 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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1985 BMW 318i get?
Based on data from 6 vehicles, 218 fuel-ups and 54,377 miles of driving, the 1985 BMW 318i gets a combined Avg MPG of 22.28 with a 0.62 MPG margin of error.
What engine is in a 1985 BMW 318i?
318i (1984-1985 using the M10 engine, then 1991 using the M42 engine)
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 a 1985 BMW 318i?
318i (1984-1985 using the M10 engine, then 1991 using the M42 engine)
How many miles per gallon does a 1985 BMW 318i get?
Based on data from 6 vehicles, 218 fuel-ups and 54,377 miles of driving, the 1985 BMW 318i gets a combined Avg MPG of 22.28 with a 0.62 MPG margin of error.
What is the most common problems on a BMW 3 Series?
One of the most common issues across the whole 3 Series range, overheating tends to be a sign of a faulty water pump. These are resilient parts for BMW, but they eventually reach their end of life and need to be replaced.
1985 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Bmw 318 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Bmw 318 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Bmw 318.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-05
- VIN: WBAAC8402F0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FEMALE PART OF THE BUCKLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATES. BOTH PLASTIC SIDES FALL OFF WHICH CAUSED THE BUCKLE NOT TO LATCH. THE OWNER REPLACED THE PORTION OF BUCKLE WITH A USED PART IN MAY OF 97. THE PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-20
- VIN: WBAAC7401F0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR CAP FAILED AFTER RECALL WORK PERFORMED (93V-015), CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *SKD
1985 Bmw 318 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 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: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: THE TWO PARTS OF THE STEERING COLUMN DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT COULD COMPLETELY DISCONNECT IF THE CAR CONTACTS AN OBJECT IN THE ROADWAY OR ELSEWHERE OF SUFFICIENT MASS TO APPLY A SIGNIFICANT FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE STEERING GEARBOX. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE LOST.
- Remedy: BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Bmw 318 problems:
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Other years of Bmw 318
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