1985 Bmw 318i problems
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.
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Common 1985 Bmw 318i problems
The BMW 318i 1985 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most significant issues is engine problems. The engine of the BMW 318i 1985 can have issues with the ignition switch, which can cause problems starting the car. The ignition switch can wear out over time, causing the car to have difficulty starting or not starting at all. The ignition switch can be checked by rapidly turning the switch on and off several times to see if there is any response. If there is a response, it's likely that the ignition switch is the problem.
Another common engine problem with the BMW 318i 1985 is a blown head gasket. A blown head gasket can cause a cylinder to lock up, making it difficult to start the car. This issue can also cause white smoke to come out of the tailpipe when the engine is cold. A blown head gasket can be checked by pressure testing for a leak. If a leak is found, the head gasket will need to be replaced.
The BMW 318i 1985 is also known to have issues with the cooling system. The cooling system can cause the car to overheat, which can lead to engine damage. The cooling system should be checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. If the cooling system is not functioning properly, it may need to be flushed or replaced.
The BMW 318i 1985 can also have issues with the transmission. The transmission can slip or fail, which can cause the car to have difficulty shifting or not shift at all. The transmission should be checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. If the transmission is not functioning properly, it may need to be rebuilt or replaced.
The BMW 318i 1985 can also have issues with the electrical system. The electrical system can cause problems with the lights, windows, and other electrical components. The electrical system should be checked regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. If the electrical system is not functioning properly, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
In addition to these common problems, the BMW 318i 1985 can also have issues with the body and interior. The body can rust, and the interior can wear out. The body and interior should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good condition. If there are any issues with the body or interior, they should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage
In conclusion, the BMW 318i 1985 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. These problems include engine issues, cooling system problems, transmission problems, electrical system problems, and body and interior issues. It is important to regularly check and maintain the BMW 318i 1985 to prevent these problems from occurring or to catch them early before they become more serious.
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 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.
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 a 1985 BMW 318i?
318i (1984-1985 using the M10 engine, then 1991 using the M42 engine)
What is the gas mileage on a 1985 BMW 318i?
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.
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).
1985 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:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Bmw 318i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Bmw 318i complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Bmw 318i.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-01
- VIN: WBAAC7400F0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1985 BMW 318I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ODOMETER FRAUD. *LD UPDATED 11/8/2017*JS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAAC8408F0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1/12/04 BRAKE REPLACEMENT. 3/16/04 -ENGINE SMOKING. 3/17/04 RADIATOR HOSE,CLAMPS ANTIFREEZE,NEW RADIATOR $368.17 - 7/28/04 VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND EXPLODED. MY DAUGHTER WAS SECONDS FROM BEING BURNED ALIVE. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-03
- VIN: POB88226
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I WAS TOLD A FEW YEARS BACK BY C.S.A.A. ABOUT A TSB ON THE BMW318I WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS HAD TO DO WITH THE HIGH SPEED IDLE TEST WHEN DOING THE SMOG TEST. I QUESTION THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEM THAT I JUST NOTICED ABOUT THE COOLENT SYSTEM FAILURE TSB. MY CAR HAS QUIT RUNNING TWICE ON ME AND RESULTED ME HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY AND FULE PUMP. CAN THIS BE A RESULT OF THE FUEL PUMP OVERHEATING?*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAAK7404F8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, UPON INSPECTION THE CONUSMER FOUND A SIX INCH PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE LEAKING. NLM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAAK7404F8
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE, UPON INSPECTION THE CONUSMER FOUND A SIX INCH PIECE OF RUBBER HOSE LEAKING. NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-04
- VIN: WBAAK8407F8
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE INSIDE OF THE CAR FILLED UP WITH STEAM. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER NOT TO BE ABLE TO SEE. CONSUMER WAS FORCED TO PULL CAR OVER. CAR WAS TOWED TO CONSUMER'S HOME. CONSUMER SAYS THAT THE HEATER CORE BLEW UP. SERVICE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS AFFECTED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBAAG3300C8
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED CAUSING HOT WATER TO HIT CONSUMER'S LEGS AND FOGGED WINDOWS RESULTING IN NO VISIBILITY AND INJURY TO CONSUMER (2ND DEGREE BURNS). *MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAAK7401E8
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SMOKE COMMING FROM DASH INTERIOR AND THEN FLAMES BURST OUT CONSUMED CAR IN 15 MINUTES, CAR TOTALED OUT
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Bmw 318i problems:
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Nov 27, 2010 ... If your heater valve is not opening then you will not get any flow into the heater coil and therefor no heater output.
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May 26, 2008 ... Once you are driving it goes through the gears fine and cruises down the road fine, problem only occurs at idle. Sometimes cold,the engine has ...
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Aug 30, 2004 ... bmw 1984 318i reliability? Newbies & FAQs. ... It was an early all-electronic fuel injection and there are bound to be some common problems with ...
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