1992 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.

1992 Bmw 318

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Common 1992 Bmw 318 problems

Based on complaints from owners of the BMW 318i 1992, several common problems have been reported:

  • Engine Durability Concerns: Some owners have expressed doubts about the engine's durability, particularly with higher mileage vehicles like the 1992 BMW 318i. This raises questions about the long-term reliability and robustness of the engine.
  • Power Steering Hoses Failure: One of the most commonly reported problems with the BMW 318i is the simultaneous failure of multiple power steering hoses. This issue can lead to power steering problems and potentially affect the vehicle's handling and safety.
  • ABS Control Module Replacement: Another reported problem is the need for ABS control module replacement, which can be a costly repair for BMW 318i owners.
  • Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement: Owners have also faced issues with the clutch slave cylinder, requiring replacement to maintain proper clutch functionality.
  • Cooling System Problems: Complaints about the cooling system, including issues like a blown head gasket, hydraulic lock in cylinders, and white smoke from the tailpipe, have been raised by BMW 318i owners. These problems can impact the engine's performance and reliability.
  • Electrical Issues: Problems with the ignition switch have been reported, causing starting difficulties and potential reliability issues. Rapidly turning the switch on and off can sometimes help diagnose this problem.
  • General Maintenance Costs: The BMW 318i is associated with an average annual maintenance cost of $666, which can vary based on factors like age, mileage, and location. This cost, along with the overall reliability rating of BMW, should be considered by potential owners.

These common problems highlight various issues that owners of the BMW 318i 1992 may encounter, ranging from performance concerns to maintenance and reliability issues. Addressing these problems promptly and ensuring regular maintenance can help mitigate potential issues and prolong the lifespan of the vehicle.

1992 Bmw 318 engine

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.

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.

What engine is in the 1992 BMW 318i?

1.8 L 4-cylinder1992 BMW 318i / Engine

The 318i models were powered by the BMW M42 engine until 1995, and later the BMW M44 engine which was used in the 318is model sold in other countries. Coupé: 318is (1992–1997) - Canada only for 1999 model year. 323is (1998–1999)

What does 318 mean on BMW?

The 20 and 18 parts of the names refer to the engines under the bonnet, and they're available in petrol (318i/320i) and diesel (318d/320d) formats. The petrol models use different size engines – a 136hp 1.5-litre unit for the 318i, and a more powerful 184hp 2.0-litre engine for the 320i.

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 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.

Is 318i engine reliable?

Key Takeaways. The BMW E46 3 Series, particularly the 318i, was a reliable and affordable choice with good fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. The E46 was a significant improvement in comfort compared to its predecessor, the E36, offering better suspension, increased comfort, and a better balance.

Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?

J.D. Power has given the 2022 BMW 3 Series a predicted reliability score of 79 out of 100. A predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average. The BMW 3 Series comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

1992 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
  • Parking brake problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Fuel system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Bmw 318 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1992 Bmw 318 complaints

The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Bmw 318.

2004-05-10

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • 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
2001-04-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • VIN: WBACA5312NF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STARTER, SHE HAS TAKEN IT BACK TO DEALER TWICE ALREADY TO HAVE IT REPLACED.*AK
2001-04-27

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
  • VIN: WBACA5312NF
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK
1998-11-06

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-10-31
  • VIN: WBABE5319NJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE AFFECTED GASKET IS KNOWN TO BE OF A DEFECTIVE NATURE AND IS PRONE TO FAILURE AT SOME POINT IN THE VEHICLE'S LIFE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF COOLANT. THE ORIGINAL PART AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE REFERENCED IN A BMW TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 11 10 93 (3885). THUS FAR, BMW HAS CHOSEN ONLY TO EVALUATE EACH CASE INDIVIDUALLY AND SELECTIVELY REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS FOR VEHICLES WHICH ARE OUT OF WARRANTY.
1998-08-25

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
  • VIN: WBABE531ONJ
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
  • Summary: CLAMP AND HOSE FROM GASOLINE TANK FAILED.
1997-07-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBABE5315NJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLES HAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF COOLANT FROM THE ENGINE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER-BMW HAS ISSUED A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM. *AK
1997-07-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-16
  • VIN: WBABE5319NJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE TIMING CHAIN/ENGINE MAIN HEAD GASKET FAILED. *AK
1997-03-20

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-11-11
  • VIN: WBACA5316NF
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: A GASKET WEARS OUT IN THE ENGINE VALVE TRAIN, CAUSING COOLANT LOSS. *AK
1997-01-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBABE5313NJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET FAILED, ALLOWING A SUDDEN AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF MOST OR ALL OF THE COOLANT (RADIATOR) WHILE TRAVELING.
1996-12-10

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-03
  • VIN: WBABA7312NE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT LEAK. *AK
1996-10-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-12
  • VIN: WBABE5317NJ
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE, CAUSING LOSS OF HOT COOLANT, RESULTING IN A FOG OF WHITE STEAM WHICH COULD IMPAIR VISIBILITY. *AK
1996-05-20

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-19
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: WITH TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 95 DEGREES OR MORE REAR WINDOW EMPLODED WHILE NOT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996-03-13

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: 5-SPD MANUAL TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO 1ST GEAR WITHOUT DIFFICULTY WHICH IS NOW BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1996-01-11

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-11-15
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: M/TRANS: ACCELERATOR STICKS DURING COLD WEATHER; ENGINE SPEEDS UP, EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED;NEARLY CAUSED REAR END ACCIDENT;NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL #91V219000
1996-01-11

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-11-15
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: M/TRANS: ACCELERATOR STICKS DURING COLD WEATHER; ENGINE SPEEDS UP, EVEN WITH BRAKES APPLIED;NEARLY CAUSED REAR END ACCIDENT;NOT INCLUDED UNDER RECALL #91V219000
1995-07-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-07-14
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE HEAD AND THE GASKETS AND THEY ARE PORUS AND THEY FALL APART. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
1995-02-09

PARKING BRAKE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-01-27
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WBABE5316NJ
  • Components: PARKING BRAKE
  • Summary: WHILE PARKED WITH BRAKE ON, EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILED, VEHICLE ROLLED AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. TT

1992 Bmw 318 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1992 Bmw 318.

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.
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.
1993-02-01
  • 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.
1991-12-17
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE CRANKCASE VENTILATION SYSTEM, VENTED INTO THE INTAKE TRACT OF THE ENGINE AT THE BELLOWS BOOT AHEAD OF THE THROTTLE HOUSING, ALLOWS WARM WATER VAPOR FROM THE CRANKCASE VENT TO CONDENSE AND FREEZE IN THE COLDER BELLOWS BOOT WHEN THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 15 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR LESS. THE BUILD UP OF ICE CAN DISLODGE AND MOVE INTO THE THROTTLE HOUSING, PREVENTING THE THROTTLE PLATE FROM FULLY CLOSING WHEN THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL.
  • Consequence: IF THE THROTTLE PLATE IS PREVENTED FROM CLOSING, THEREIS AN INCREASE IN IDLE SPEED AS WELL AS SLOWER THAN NORMAL DECELERATION, WHICHOCCURS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE THROTTLE HOUSING WITH A VERSION CONTAINING A MODIFIED HEATING SYSTEM ALONG WITH REROUTING OF THE CVS HOSE. THIS WILL PREVENT ICE BUILD-UP IN THE INTAKE TRACT.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1992 Bmw 318 problems:

E36 318is problem areas?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
E36 318is problem areas?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/e36-318is-problem-areas/37766/page1/

E36 318is problem areas? · 1) Cooling system: if it's got 100k on it, the water pump, radiator, and expansion tank should have been replaced ...

1992 BMW 318i, thoughts? : r/cars
1992 BMW 318i, thoughts? : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/g2ue1/1992_bmw_318i_thoughts/

Mar 13, 2011 ... 1992 BMW 318i, thoughts? I have found one in my area that ... The late E30 318i (and 318is) with the M42 engine ... problems. Upvote 1. Downvote

1994 BMW 318i Potential Issues? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
1994 BMW 318i Potential Issues? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/1994-bmw-318i-potential-issues.6145016/

Sep 26, 2013 ... It's bad because it's been dependable for her and it is a known quantity. The car kind of sucks, but it works. The G/F is very good with money ...

list of all common E36 problems
list of all common E36 problems
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?813462-list-of-all-common-E36-problems

Aug 20, 2007 ... 1. rad plastic reservoir cracked. 2. oil filter housing gasket leak. 3. alternator & idler pulleys sounds like marbles rolling around in the can ...

Attention: ALL E36 owners beware - WIRING PROBLEM | BMW Werkz
Attention: ALL E36 owners beware - WIRING PROBLEM | BMW Werkz
https://www.bimmerwerkz.com/threads/attention-all-e36-owners-beware-wiring-problem.55136/

Jan 16, 2008 ... My 1992 e36 318i has had a few electrical problems recently, first is the fuel and temp gauges. One day the needles just didnt work and i ...

Other years of Bmw 318

bmw 318 1993 photo
318 1993
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bmw 318 1994 photo
318 1994
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bmw 318 1995 photo
318 1995
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bmw 318 1996 photo
318 1996
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bmw 318 1997 photo
318 1997
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bmw 318 1998 photo
318 1998
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