1984 Bmw 318i problems

General information about Bmw-318i
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars is designated under the model code E36, and was produced by the German automaker BMW from 1990 to 2000. The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupé, convertible, wagon ("Touring"), and eventually hatchback ("Compact").

The E36 was the first 3 Series to be offered in a hatchback body style. It was also the first 3 Series to be available with a six-speed manual transmission (in the 1996 M3), a five-speed automatic transmission, and a four-cylinder diesel engine. The multi-link rear suspension was also a significant upgrade as compared to the previous generations of the 3 Series. All-wheel drive was not available for the E36, unlike the previous (E30) and successive (E46) generations.

The E36 was named in Car and Driver magazine's 10Best list for every year it was on sale.

Following the introduction of its successor, the E46 3 Series in 1998, the E36 began to be phased out and was eventually replaced in 1999.

Social links

Common 1984 Bmw 318i problems

The 1984 BMW 318i is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and fuel system.

EFI/Idle Problems: The 1984 318i's EFI system can suffer from poor idle quality, including fast idling and poor running. This can be due to faulty components or a lack of maintenance, and can make the car difficult to drive and maintain.

Cooling System Issues: The 1984 BMW 318i's cooling system can have problems with the lower gasket or cover blowing out unexpectedly, causing rapid loss of coolant. This can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Central Locking Faults: Central locking faults can be caused by rust in the connectors between the door and body, which can lead to a short circuit and even pose a fire hazard in severe cases. This can affect the car's security and convenience, and may require expensive repairs.

Rust: As with many older cars, the 1984 BMW 318i can suffer from rust in various areas, including the sill jacking points, the area where the bottom corners of the windscreen meet the scuttle and wings, and the rubber strip under the rear window on tourings. This can affect the car's structural integrity and appearance, and may require expensive repairs.

Electrical Issues: Older BMWs, including the 1984 318i, can suffer from intermittent stalling due to dying relays or dirty wiring. This can be addressed by replacing aging relays and cleaning wiring connections and body grounds.

To avoid these common problems, it's important to maintain the car regularly and address any issues promptly. This can include replacing worn out components, addressing cooling system issues, and keeping the car's electrical system in good working order. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent rust and other issues from becoming major problems.

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.

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.

How much is a 1985 BMW 318i?

The 1985 318i four-door sedan had a list price of $16,925, with the two-door priced at $16,430 (that's about $44,725 and $43,420 in 2022 dollars, respectively). Moving up to the six-cylinder 325e four-door that year meant spending at least $21,105 (around $55,775 today).

Is the BMW 318i a reliable car?

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.

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.

What is the gas mileage on a 1984 BMW 318i?

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 much is a 1985 BMW 318i?

1984 Bmw 318i car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 318i problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Power train problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1984 Bmw 318i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1984 Bmw 318i complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1984 Bmw 318i.

2002-10-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-15
VIN: WBAAK8409E8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: NHTSA#93-V-015-000 COOLANT TEMPERATURE RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE OVERHEATED, ALL READY WAS CHANGE WATER PUMP, THERMOTATS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHEWR INFORMATION. TS

Add Complaint

2000-07-31

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBAAK7408E8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERNCE TO RECALL NUMBER 98V178000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 93V015. DEALER CORRECTED RECALL PROBLEM. HOWEVER, DEALER NEGLECTED TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR CAP WHICH HAS MELTED DUE TO RADIATOR OVERHEATING. PLEASE PROIVDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Add Complaint

2000-07-11

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-07-07
VIN: WBAAK7400E8
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE OVERHEATED. ENGINE WAS STEAMING AND THE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Add Complaint

1999-09-22

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: VEHICLE IS IDLING, AND WON'T MOVE. ALSO, SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER DON'T WORK, AND CONSUMER CAN'T DETERMINE HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS GOING. *AK

Add Complaint

1998-09-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBAAK8406E8
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: WHEEL CYLINDERS FAILED.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1984 Bmw 318i problems:

bmw 1984 318i reliability? - NASIOC

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=621812

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

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2054503-My-new-318i-and-all-her-problems

Nov 12, 2013 ... I've owned Porsches and Mercedes but never a bmw. So here's the scoop, I paid $2500 today for a 1984 318i and was told all was fine. Engine ...

84 318i alternator/voltage regulator problems | BimmerFest BMW ...

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/84-318i-alternator-voltage-regulator-problems.1392337/

Aug 2, 2020 ... 318i 1984. US When I got this car I drove it about a half mile down the road and it died. Got to a gas station and then towed it back to my ...

Any common E30 problems?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?493868-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 ...