1995 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 1995 Bmw 318i problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here is a list of common problems with the BMW 318i 1995 based on complaints from owners:
- Volume Knob Malfunction:
- Another common problem involves the volume knob on the original stereo of the BMW 318i. Over time, the volume knob may stop working, affecting the ability to adjust the volume or even turn the radio off. While this is a relatively easy fix, it's still something to be aware of when purchasing a vehicle with the original stereo.
- Radiator Hose Fittings and Power Steering Issues:
- The plastic fittings of the radiator hoses in BMW 3-series cars, including the 318i, are prone to cracking due to age and constant exposure to heat. Additionally, the lower aluminum fluid reservoir hoses can burst, potentially causing damage to the power steering pump, rack, and other components. These issues can lead to power steering problems and costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
- Automatic Gearbox Problems:
- The BMW 3-series automatic gearbox, including the 318i, can develop issues such as whining sounds while in gear, shaking or grinding of gears, and difficulty transitioning between gears. These gearbox problems can affect the driving experience and should be inspected by a professional when detected.
- Battery and Electrical Issues:
- The BMW 318i is known to have battery and electrical problems, including corrosion of the positive battery cable connector and fuse box terminal, leading to power loss and potential stalling. External devices plugged into the car can also drain the battery. Regular maintenance and inspection of the electrical system are crucial to prevent these issues.
- Headlights Condensation and Dashboard Warning Lights:
- Condensation in the headlights can affect visibility and beam patterns, requiring the headlights to be removed, cleaned, and resealed. Additionally, dashboard warning lights in the BMW 318i can indicate various issues that need attention, ranging from critical to non-critical warnings. Prompt action and professional assistance are necessary to address these concerns.
These common problems with the BMW 318i 1995 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and awareness of potential issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
Is BMW 318i fuel efficient?
With a fuel consumption rate of 5.4 liters per 100km, the BMW 318i is a fuel-efficient choice for those seeking a spacious and reliable four-door car.
What is a BMW 318i worth?
Pricing guides
| BMW 3 Series Model | Body Type | Price to |
|---|---|---|
| 318i | Convertible | $7,590 |
| 318i JPS | Convertible | $11,550 |
| 318i | Coupe | $5,720 |
| 318i | Coupe | $4,070 |
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.
Is the BMW 318i a good 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.
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 BMW 318i fuel efficient?
With a fuel consumption rate of 5.4 liters per 100km, the BMW 318i is a fuel-efficient choice for those seeking a spacious and reliable four-door car.
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.
1995 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1995 Bmw 318i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1995 Bmw 318i complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1995 Bmw 318i.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-19
- VIN: 4USCC8323SL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-01
- VIN: 4USCC8329SL
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FAILURE RECURRED ,AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 121,471, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDS A RING REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO REPAIR THE HORN WHICH IS INOPERABLE AND SEATBELT TENSION TO REPAIR AIRBAG LIGHT. UPDATED 05/23/07 *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-20
- VIN: 4USCC7321SL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THE CAR, HOWEVER, CAN BE DRIVEN WITHOUT AN ISSUE. THE ABS LIGHT THEN DISAPPEARS AFTER ABOUT THREE MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS TWICE TURNED-OFF THE LIGHT BY RESETTING THE VEHICLE COMPUTER. BOTH TIMES AFTER THE THE DEALER "FIXED" THE PROBLEM AND A PERSON SEATS ON THE BACK SEAT THE LIGHT WILL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON AGAIN. FOR CLARIFICATION: I JUST IMPORTED MY (U.S. SPECIFICATIONS) VEHICLE FROM GERMANY BOTH OF THESE OCCURENCES TOOK PLACE IN THE COUNTRY OF GERMANY, HOWEVER THE PREVIOUS OWNER WARNED ME ABOUT THE DEFECT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE U.S.A. USA DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. AT THIS POINT I AM UNSURE THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I HEARD NOISES COMING FROM AND GRINDING ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLLING DOWN OF FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW ON MY 1995 BMW 318I. IT FINALLY FAILED TO PROPERLY UP AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND REPLACED IT AT A COST OF $500. AFTER CHECKING MESSAGE BOARDS ON-LINE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE STATED THAT THE REGULATORS HAD GONE OUT ON ALL OF THE WINDOWS ON VARIOUS BMW MODELS. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4USCC8328SL
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING UP TO THE CURB TO LET A PASSENGER OUT DRIVER'S FRONT FLOOR MAT PUSHED UP AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL AND CAUSED CAR TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR, BUT WITH THE FLOOR MAT PRESSED AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, HITTING THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF IT. THE GAS PEDAL EXTENDS DOWN AND ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR SO THAT THE FLOOR MAT HAD NO PLACE TO GO, BUT AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL, IF IT GETS PUSHED FORWARD INADVERTANTLY AS IT DID IN THIS CASE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-04
- VIN: WBACA5329SF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR ABS AND AIRBAGS FAILED AT 124,000 MILES. *LA *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE STARTING VEHICLE. IT TAKES HER ABOUT 5-6 TIMES TURNING THE KEY BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START. IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: NOT AVAILBL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE'S FLOOR BOARDS FILL WITH WATER. THIS SHORTED OUT THE COMPUTER WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-28
- VIN: WBABK5323SE
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 1995 BMW 318I AND HAS 37,000 MILES. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH M/T AND FIRST GEAR POPS OUT OF GEAR WHICH CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE BEHIND YOU TO HIT YOUR CAR. I HAVE HAD MECHANICS DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED BMW THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS DESIGN PROBLEM TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEIR WAS A SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED IN 1999 AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT.(PERFECT TIMING). I THINK THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL CONSIDERING THE DANGER OF THIS ON THE OPEN ROAD. *NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT A LOW SPEED IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-25
- VIN: WBABE632XSJ
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FVOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-25
- VIN: NOT AVAILBL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND LEAVES THE CAR DISFUNCTIONAL.DEALEER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-10
- VIN: 4USCC8328SL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ALL THE LIGHTS WILLL GO OFF AND THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF. DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO START THE VEHICLE UP AGAIN. DEALER SAID SOMETIMES THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT WOULD HIT THE GAS PEDAL, AND THAT WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-06
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: OVERTIGHTENED LUG NUTS CAUSED BOLTS TO BE SEVERED.
1995 Bmw 318i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1995 Bmw 318i.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
- Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
- Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1995 Bmw 318i problems:
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