1991 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 1991 Bmw 318i problems
The 1991 BMW 318i is a popular model among car enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Below is a list of issues that 318i owners frequently report, along with detailed explanations.
- Rust: E30 BMWs, including the 318i, are prone to rust in various areas, such as the front of the footwells, rear shock towers, door drains, sunroof drains, and the rear valance. Regular maintenance and inspection of these areas can help prevent rust from spreading and causing significant damage.
- Central Locking Faults: Rust in the connectors between the door and body can cause central locking faults in E30 BMWs. In severe cases, this can lead to a short circuit, which is a fire hazard. Regular inspection and maintenance of these connectors can help prevent these issues.
- Fuel System Issues: The fuel lines and tank in E30 BMWs, including the 318i, can corrode and leak, especially in the area where the filler pipe joins the tank. Regular inspection and maintenance of the fuel system can help prevent leaks and other issues.
- Braking System Issues: The brake fluid level warning light may come on in the 318i, indicating a potential issue with the braking system. This could be due to a leak in the brake lines or a problem with the brake fluid level sensor. Regular inspection and maintenance of the braking system can help prevent these issues.
- Steering Issues: The steering may become difficult in the 318i, especially after experiencing a racket or metallic rattle coming from beneath the car. This could be due to a problem with the steering system, such as a leak in the power steering fluid or a problem with the steering rack. Regular inspection and maintenance of the steering system can help prevent these issues.
In summary, the 1991 BMW 318i is a reliable and enjoyable car to drive, but like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance and inspection to prevent common issues from becoming major problems. Regular inspection and maintenance of the engine, electrical system, fuel system, braking system, and steering system can help ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
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 1991 318i?
Used 1991 BMW 3 Series 318i - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 134 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
What is the fuel consumption of the BMW 318i 1991?
Fuel consumption for the 1991 BMW 318i is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The BMW 318i currently offers fuel consumption from 7.6 to 8.5L/100km. The BMW 318i is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
How rare is a 1991 BMW 318iS?
Yes, they are quite rare, because the E30 318iS's were only offered in one year--1991. only made for 1 model year.
1991 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
- Unknown or other problems
- Seat belts problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Bmw 318i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Bmw 318i complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Bmw 318i.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-26
- VIN: WBAAJ9312ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE PROFILE GASKET FOR M42 ENGINE 4CYL, 16 VALVE HAS FAILED ALLOWING ALL COOLANT FLUID TO LEAK FROM ENGINE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-23
- VIN: WBAAJ9319ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK. *JB THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM A FAULTY PROFILE GASKET. THE FAULTY GASKET WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL BUT THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER REVIEWED THE CASE AND DECIDED NOT TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONSUMER HAS THE OLD PART IN HER POSSESSION. *TS *NLM
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- VIN: N/A
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WILL LATCH INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK MANUFACTUER AND DEALER UNWILLING TO HELP, CONSUMER REPLACED WITH SECOND HAND PARTS. *TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN STRIKING A WALL HEAD-ON AT 40 MPH DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-26
- VIN: WBAAJ931MEJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE (BMW E30 M42) HAVE BEEN PLAQUED WITH THIS EXACT FAILURE. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES AFFECTED ISN'T A RECALL IN ORDER? THIS REPAIR/FIX COST ME $1258.43 AND BMW KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED!
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-26
- VIN: WBAAJ931MEJ
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER VEHICLES OF THIS TYPE (BMW E30 M42) HAVE BEEN PLAQUED WITH THIS EXACT FAILURE. WITH SO MANY VEHICLES AFFECTED ISN'T A RECALL IN ORDER? THIS REPAIR/FIX COST ME $1258.43 AND BMW KNEW THE PROBLEM EXISTED!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-18
- VIN: WBAAJ9314ME
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER PUT KEY INTO IGNITION AND IT WOULDN'T TURN AT ALL. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE GASKET FAILURE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-16
- VIN: WBAAJ9315ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKETS FAILED WHICH IN TURN RELEASES ALL COOLANT IN THE SYSTEM.
1991 Bmw 318i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Bmw 318i.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
- Summary: DURING TESTING, INCORRECTLY INSTALLED DRIVER-SIDE KNEE BOLSTER PREVENTED STEERING COLUMN FROM MOVING FORWARD AS DESIGNED TO ABSORB IMPACT ENERGY FROM DRIVER DUMMY.
- Consequence: CHEST DECELERATION EXCEEDS MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE LIMIT WHICHRESULTS IN INCREASED RISK OF OCCUPANT INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPAIR THE KNEE BOLSTER TO ALLOW CLEARANCE AND AVOID IMPEDANCE OF STEERING COLUMN MOVEMENT DURING FRONTAL IMPACT.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Bmw 318i problems:
Any common E30 problems?
Mar 2, 2006 ... Subframe, control arm, sway bar. Also, other thing to look out for: Rear shock mounts tend to go bad, the flexible coupling between the trans ...
E36 318is problem areas?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |
A little more complicated and a little less over-engineered than the E30 (1985-1991) so they have some common problems like I described above, ...
318 common problems to look out for.
Dec 31, 2011 ... BMW Models · 3 series & 4 Series (E21, E30, E36, E46, E9x, F30, F32, F33, F36, F44) · 1991 - 1999 (E36) · Hatchback Haven. If this is your first ...
ECU common problem? | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Sep 9, 2013 ... E36 (1991 - 1999). JavaScript is disabled ... 318i grounded for about 3 months due to some "electrical" issue. ... issue is understandable, but is ...
Inspecting a 1995 BMW 318i | FinalGear.com Forums
... problems- they may be hard to inspect to the ... The M40 is the only post 1991 BMW engine with a belt. ... 1991 E30 318is. It has an airbag, is ...
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