2001 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.

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Common 2001 Bmw 318i problems

The BMW 318i 2001, part of the E46 generation, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues can affect the reliability and overall driving experience of the vehicle.

One of the most common problems is related to the engine, specifically the timing chain and Vanos system. The timing chain can wear out over time, causing a rattling noise and potential engine damage. The Vanos unit, which controls variable valve timing, can also fail, leading to reduced performance and increased emissions.

Another issue is related to the cooling system, which is prone to early failure due to plastic components. This can result in overheating and potential engine damage, especially in the 318 model, which is known for being less powerful and feeling gutless. Regular maintenance and monitoring of the cooling system is crucial to prevent these issues.

The interior of the BMW 318i 2001 is also known for not being particularly durable, with wear and tear occurring over time. This can affect the overall appearance and value of the vehicle.

In addition, parts costs for the BMW 318i 2001 can be high, which can make repairs and maintenance more expensive than other vehicles in its class. This is especially true for the 4-cylinder engines, which are known for having more problems than the 6-cylinder engines.

Lastly, there have been reports of issues with the braking system, specifically with the connection clip between the brake pedal and the brake servo becoming loose, which can result in a complete loss of braking under heavy strain.

In summary, the BMW 318i 2001 is known for several common problems, including engine issues related to the timing chain and Vanos system, cooling system failures, interior durability concerns, high parts costs, and braking system issues. Regular maintenance and monitoring of these systems can help prevent these issues and ensure the reliability and longevity of the vehicle.

Is 2001 BMW 318i reliable?

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 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 problems did the 2001 BMW E46 have?

Common Issues on E46 BMWs

Oil Filter Housing. ...
VANOS Issues. ...
Throttle Body Actuator. ...
S54 Engine Bearings. ...
Combi Valve Problems. ...
Cooling System Leaks. ...
Cold Weather Crank Vent Kit. ...
Window Regulators.

How many miles per gallon does a 2001 BMW 318i get?

Based on data from 15 vehicles, 230 fuel-ups and 72,622 miles of driving, the 2001 BMW 318i gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.33 with a 0.36 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 13 outliers (5.35%) removed.

Is the 2001 BMW 318i reliable?

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 3 Series 318i reliable?

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 problems did the 2001 BMW E46 have?

Common Issues on E46 BMWs

Oil Filter Housing. ...
VANOS Issues. ...
Throttle Body Actuator. ...
S54 Engine Bearings. ...
Combi Valve Problems. ...
Cooling System Leaks. ...
Cold Weather Crank Vent Kit. ...
Window Regulators.

2001 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:

Exterior lighting problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Tires problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Bmw 318i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Bmw 318i complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Bmw 318i.

2002-04-01

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Crash: 1
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: I AM BLINDED BY THESE NEW HEADLAMPS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. THEY ARE VERY IRRITATING EVEN DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING. IT'S LIKE LOOKING AT AN ELECTRIC WELDING ARC. THEY CONTAIN TOO MUCH UV LIGHT. UV LIGHT IS VERY HARMFULL. HOW CAN THESE POSSIBLY BE LEGAL? I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN ONE NIGHT WHEN I WAS BLINDED BY A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THESE LIGHTS. I'M AFFRAID TO DRIVE AT NIGHT NOW. HOW CAN I FIND THE VEHICLE THAT BLINDED ME IF I HIT SOMEONE? THIS SITUATION NEEDS TO BE FIXED. IF SOMEONE BLINDS ME LIKE THAT AND A PEDESTRIAN IS STRUCK I HAVE NO WAY TO IDENTIFY THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS. THEY CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS AND NOT EVEN REALIZE IT. THESE LIGHTS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED. I CAN GET A SUMMONS FOR RIDING WITH MY BRIGHTS ON. THE BRIGHT BLUE HEADLAMPS ARE BRIGHTER THAN MY HIGHBEAMS. ON SOME SUV'S THEY SHINE RIGHT INTO MY BACK WINDOW AND ILLUMINATE THE INSIDE OF MY CAR SO BRIGHTLY THAT I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING OUTSIDE. WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER THEY HAD LITTLE VIOLET LENSES THAT WENT INTO THE TAIL LAMPS. THEY WERE AND PROBABLY STILL ARE ILLEGAL BECAUSE THEY ARE IRRITATING TO THE EYES. I DON'T SEE HOW THE ULTRA BRIGHT HEADLAMPS CAN POSSIBLY BE LEGAL BECAUSE THEY EMIT SO MUCH UV LIGHT. SOMEONE MUST HAVE RECEIVED A REAL BIG PAYOFF TO LEGALIZE THESE. TRY WATCHING SOMEONE ARC WELD FOR A WHILE AND TELL ME THAT UV ISN'T HARMFULL! YOURS, BLINDED. *AK

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2001-09-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-07-10
VIN: WBABN53461J
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: 2001 BMW 3 SERIES ENGINES HAVE AN ELECTRONIC DRIVE-BY-WIRE THROTTLE MECHANISHM. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS AN ELECTRONIC SENSOR, WITHOUT A DIRECT MECHANICAL LINKAGE TO THE ENGINE. THIS PEDAL HAS A STICKY, JERKY MECHANISM THAT IS MUCH WORSE IN HOT WEATHER. THIS RESULTS IN SURGES OF ACCELERATION AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FINELY CONTROL THE CAR'S SPEED. BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, BUT STATES THAT IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE IN ORDER TO DEFLECT ANY CRITICISM OR URGENCY. THEY WILL REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF THE OWNER INSISTS, BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE THE SAME DEFECT. BMW MUST BE FORCED, THROUGH EXTERNAL PRESSURE, TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS ISSUE AND IMPLEMENT A RAPID REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE PARTS.

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2001-07-07

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: WBAAV53441J
Components: TIRES
Summary: I HAD 2 TIRES GO SUDDENLY FLAT ON THE SAME DAY. CAR HAD ONLY 4500 MILES AT THE TIME. NO OBVIOUS PUNTURE OR DAMAGE. REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE AT LOCAL TIRE DEALER BECAUSE BMW DEALER DID NOT HAVE IN STOCK. 1 WEEK LATER, I READ ABOUT NHTSA RECALL #00V383 AND CONTACTED BOTH DEALER AND BMW USA AFTER DEALER REPLIED THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL. AFTER HAVING HIM RESEARCH FURTHER, I WAS SIMPLY TOLD THAT MY BMW 330XI, MANUFACTURED DURING THE QUESTIONED TIMEFRAME WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I GOT THE SAME FROM BMW USA. I QUESTION HOW 2 VIRTUALLY BRAND NEW TIRES WOULD BOTH GO FLAT ON THE SAME DAY AT THE SAME TIME? I CONTACTED CONTINENTAL TIRES WHO WERE ALSO UNAWARE OF THE RECALL AND AFTER EXPLAINING THEM THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY READILY AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME $100 AS A GOOD FAITH GESTURE. I PAID OVER $400 FOR THE TIRES, PLUS BALANCING, PLUS HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK SINCE BMW AND LOCAL TIRE CENTER DID NOT HAVE IN STOCK. I'M NOT CONVINCED THAT BMW HAS FAITHFULLY RESOLVED THIS ISSUE WITH ME, SINCE THEY DID NOT EVEN INSPECT THE WHEELS AFTER MY NEW TIRES WERE MOUNTED. I DON'T THINK THEY COULD TELL WHETHER OF NOT THE FIRST SET WERE MOUNTED PROPERLY OR NOT AND HAVE SIMPLY DISMISSED ME WITHOUT ANY ASSURANCE OR VERIFICATION THAT MY BMW WASN'T POSSIBLY AFFECTED BY THIS MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 630-620-7348 IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU CAN PROVIDE OR FOLLOW UP ON TO TRULY SEE WHETHER I AM OWED NEW WHEELS, REIMBURSEMENT, ETC. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, BARRY GLUSTOFF. *AK (TIRESIZE: 17)

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2001-05-17

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-05-03
VIN: WBAAV33471F
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: COOLING FAN FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND STRAND PASSENGERS AT SIDE OF ROAD IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Bmw 318i problems:

E46 318i - common problems | BMWFanatics

https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/e46-318i-common-problems.3173/

Dec 29, 2009 ... Between 1000-2000 rpm the car bogs and kicks when put under heavy load. If you ask for light acceleration then it is not so bad but when you ask ...

2001 BMW 318i E46 Problems HELP! | E46 Fanatics Forum

https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/2001-bmw-318i-e46-problems-help.836543/

Apr 12, 2011 ... Hi. When was the car last serviced what engine is in the car M43 or N42. Worth looking on UK sites as the 318i engine is more common. http://www ...

318i engine problems : r/e46

https://www.reddit.com/r/e46/comments/ytayh2/318i_engine_problems/

Nov 12, 2022 ... About the N42 in general, yes it is know to leak at different places like oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, o rings ...

Looking At 1997 318i

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?691115-Looking-At-1997-318i

Feb 18, 2007 ... Common problems with the e36 include the cooling system, motor mounts, and door panels that hate life . bluestormbmw said: 02-18-2007 01:34 AM.