1997 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 1997 Bmw 318 problems
The BMW 318, produced in 1997, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues and their details:
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak: The valve cover gasket in the BMW 318 is prone to leaking, which can result in a noticeable smell and some oil loss, although it may not significantly affect the car's performance.
- Suspension Issues: The original suspension in the BMW 318 may wear out around the 100,000-mile mark, leading to less precise handling and potential tire wear issues. Replacing worn-out suspension components can help maintain the car's handling and performance.
- Manual Transmission Synchros: The manual transmission's synchros in the BMW 318 can wear out with high mileage, causing difficulty in shifting gears smoothly. Regular fluid changes and maintenance can help prolong the life of the synchros.
- Automatic Transmission Longevity: The automatic transmission in the BMW 318 has been known to have a lifespan of around 100,000 miles, with many owners reporting issues around this mileage. Regular maintenance and fluid changes can help extend the transmission's life.
- Ignition Barrel Failure: A common problem with the BMW 318 and other older 3-series models is ignition barrel failure, where a pin inside the ignition barrel can snap, making it difficult to turn the key or start the car . This issue can be expensive to fix, so it's essential to address it promptly.
- Volume Knob Failure: The volume knob on the original stereo in the BMW 318 can fail over time, making it impossible to adjust the volume or turn off the radio . Replacing the stereo or the faulty component can solve this problem.
- Radiator Hose Cracks: The plastic fittings of the radiator hoses in the BMW 318 can crack over time due to the cold environment and old age, potentially causing coolant leaks and affecting the car's cooling system . Regular inspections and replacement of worn-out hoses can prevent this issue.
- Power Steering Reservoir Bursts: The lower power steering fluid reservoir in the BMW 318 can burst, causing potential damage to the power steering pump and rack, as well as other components . Regular inspections and replacement of worn-out or damaged parts can help prevent this issue.
- Rust: The BMW E36, which includes the 1997 BMW 318, is known to have rust issues in certain areas, such as the sills, rear trailing arm mounts, front anti-roll bar mounts, and circular lifting pads underneath. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent or address rust issues.
By being aware of these common problems, potential buyers and current owners of the BMW 318 can take proactive steps to maintain their cars and address issues as they arise.
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.
What engine is in a 1997 BMW 318i?
1.9 L 4-cylinder1997 BMW 318i / Engine
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 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 reliable is an e36 318i?
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 BMW 318i underpowered?
It's underpowered. No two ways about it. You cannot drive it and not wish for a more power and it only gets 30mpg.
1997 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw 318 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Bmw 318 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw 318.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-12
- 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-22
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-04
- VIN: WBACG7323VA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONVERTER FAILURE AT <20000 MILES SEEMS UNUSAUL. IN TALKING TO TWO DEALERS, BOTH SERVICE DEPARTMENTS INDICATED THAT THE "318'S HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CONVERTERS THAT YEAR". SEEMS TO ME THAT IF THEY HAD A PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD FIX RATHER THAN WAITING FOR IT TO BREAK, THEN MY HAVING TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK, AND RENT A CAR WHILE MINE IS IN FOR REPAIRS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-04
- VIN: WBACG7323VA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CATALYIC FAILURE AT <20000 MILES SEEMS UNUSAUL. IN TALKING TO TWO DEALERS, BOTH SERVICE DEPARTMENTS INDICATED THAT THE "318'S HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CONVERTERS THAT YEAR". SEEMS TO ME THAT IF THEY HAD A PROBLEM, THEY SHOULD FIX RATHER THAN WAITING FOR IT TO BREAK, THEN MY HAVING TO TAKE TIME OFF FROM WORK, AND RENT A CAR WHILE MINE IS IN FOR REPAIRS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-31
- VIN: WBABH8321VE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG SAFETY LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. THE MANUAL STATES THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, COULD PREVENT SYSTEM FROM RESPONDING TO A HIGH INTENSITY FRONTAL IMPACT OCCURRING WITHIN NORMAL RESPONSE RANGE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED THREE TIMES AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE VEHICLE'S GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, WHEN THINKING OF STEPPING ON THE BRAKES DRIVER IS ACTUALLY STEPPING ON THE GAS PEDAL. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Bmw 318 problems:
Looking At 1997 318i
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Dec 31, 2011 ... otherwise, everything else is cheap and easy to fix. i say buy it...you'll love it! 1995 318ti Active what a nice e36 ...
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Mar 20, 2009 ... thermostats go and make a big difference to fuel economy, if it takes more that 5 mins of idling to get up to temp swap the 'stat. also the ...
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Apr 9, 2018 ... I have a E36 318i and it won't rev past 3000rpm. It's a 94. No I just got the car yesterday and I haven't have it check.
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