Bmw 318ic 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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Bmw 318ic model years
Common Bmw 318ic problems
The BMW 318i is a popular model in the BMW 3 series, known for its mid-sized executive car design with sports car-like performance. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
- Rear offside indicator issues: Some BMW 318i owners have reported problems with the rear offside indicator, where there is no light, no warning on the dashboard, and the indicator noise is faster than usual.
- Engine performance issues: Some 318i models, particularly the 1985 coupe with an M10 engine, have issues with the engine not revving over 4000 RPM, even after replacing the sparkplugs, fuel pump, and fuel filter.
- Suspension and steering problems: Older BMW 318i models may have issues with the suspension and steering components, such as leaking front struts, which can affect the car's handling and ride quality.
- Cooling system issues: Some BMW 318i models, particularly the E46 318CI, may have problems with coolant leaks from the expansion tank and the pipe coming from the expansion tank.
- Powertrain issues: The BMW 318i's 4-cylinder engine has been criticized for being underpowered, and some owners have reported issues with the timing chain and Vanos units, which can be expensive to fix.
- Fuel efficiency issues: While the BMW 318i is known for its fuel efficiency, some owners have reported issues with the car's actual gas mileage not meeting the EPA's stated figures.
- General reliability issues: Some BMW 318i owners have reported issues with the car's long-term reliability, particularly if the car has not been serviced regularly or has been driven hard.
In summary, while the BMW 318i is a popular and capable car, it has its share of common problems that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance and careful driving can help mitigate some of these issues, but some problems, such as engine and powertrain issues, may require more significant repairs or replacements.
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.
Is the 318 a good car?
It really is a very good car. However, there are 3 things which are disappointing: 1) retraction of wing mirrors is not electronic 2) there are no sensors at the front even though there are at the rear. 3) there is no spare wheel at all.
Is the E46 318i a good car?
4 days ago
The gem of this car, and the reason I put up with everything that it's chucked at me, is simply the handling and ride. This car is the single best handling vehicle I've ever driven, by a lot. It doesn't just rip around corners, it eats corners.
What is the fuel consumption of BMW 318i?
The BMW 318i currently offers fuel consumption from 5.4 to 5.5L/100km.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 318ic years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 318ic cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 318ic model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 318ic model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 318ic years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 318ic car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 318ic , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 318ic vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by 318ic model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by 318ic model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 318ic . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 318ic vehicles.
List of Bmw 318ic complaints
Bmw 318ic 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2006-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBABK6328SE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 318IC FROM A USED CAR LOT AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. I HAVE OBTAINED INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE WHICH THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE MADE ME AWARE OF, INCLUDING RECALL INFORMATION. THE RECALL AND THE INFORMATION WAS NOT DISCLOSED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AS A RESULT OF THE OBTAINED INFORMATION. *NM
Bmw 318ic 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-08
- Date Complaint: 2006-09-09
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REPEATED INSTANCE OF SEAT BELT LOCK FAILURE AS RELATING TO AIR BAG. DRIVERS SIDE BRACKET HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. IT SEEMS THE WIRING OR SWITCH KEEPS FAILING AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON. ESPECIALLY TRUE AFTER HARD STOPS. SHOP SAYS AIR BAG MAY FAIL TO DEPLOY IF NOT REPAIRED. *JB
Bmw 318ic 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-12-02
- VIN: WBABK5326SE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE TWO FRONT SEAT BELTS AND THE TWO REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT RETRACT. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Bmw 318ic 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-02
- VIN: WBABK5329RE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WASHED BIRD POOP OFF THE HOOD WITH AN OPEN HOSE (NO SPRAYER). CAR WOULD NOT START AFTERWARDS. HAD CAR TOWED TO BMW REPAIR SHOP. THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM OF WATER GETTING INTO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. $2200 LATER (ENGINE HAD TO BE RETUNED BECAUSE OF FUEL INJECTED PROBLEMS) GOT IT BACK. HAD TO HANGLE WITH INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE OF HISTORY OF THESE PROBLEMS. SEEMS LIKE AND OBVIOUS DESIGN DEFECT. DID RESEARCH ON THIS SITE AND FOUND SIMILAR CASE ISSUES IN JUST THE 1994 AND 1995 YEARS. ISSUES WITH THE 3 SERIES. COULD BE WITH OTHERS. SEE THESE OTHER COMPLAINT NUMBERS. 888956 855790 855789 8006006 NUMBER WRONG? 710164 893434 POSSIBLE RELATED 701777 480715 *AK
Bmw 318ic 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-10
- Date Complaint: 2002-11-11
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: ON 11/10/02, DROVE VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE, STOPPED AND TURNED OFF ENGINE. I PULLED DOOR LATCH TO OPEN DOOR. DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK AND DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I PUSHED WHILE ENGAGING LATCH, BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAD TO STOP A PASSENGER, TO WHOM I GAVE MY CAR KEYS, TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR. NOTE: THIS SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH A RELATIVE WHO PURCHASED A 2000 328CI AT THE SAME TIME, FROM THE SAME DEALER. IN THAT CASE, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. SHE WAS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND HAD TO CLIMB OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE AND EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR. IN AN EMERGENCY, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. DT
Bmw 318ic 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-13
- VIN: WBAAV53471F
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRE FLEW OUT FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING AT 50M/HR. THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL AND DID NOT GIVING ANY WARNING. THE TREAD WAS SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, ONLY LITTLE REMNANTS REMAIN WITH ON THE REALM. *AK (TIRESIZE: 205/50R 17)
Bmw 318ic 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-30
- Date Complaint: 2001-08-07
- VIN: WBABK6326SE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN CRUISE CONTROL IS SET THE ONLY WAY TO TURN OFF IS TO MANUALLY PULL HANDLE DOWN. BRAKE PEDAL WILL NOT RELEASE CRUISE CONTROL. TOOK TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Bmw 318ic 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-07-07
- VIN: WBABK532XSE
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BMW 3 SERIES +Z3 KNOWM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM/DEALER WOULDN'T FIX NOT UNDER WARRANTY HAD TO FIX IT MYSELF. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Bmw 318ic 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-05-17
- VIN: WBAAV33461F
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MANUFACTURER IS INSTALLING BAD COOLING FANS THAT ALLOW THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT POSSIBLY CAUSING FIRE. THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE AND COULD PLACE OCCUPANTS IN DANGER DUE TO BOTH THE RESULTS OF THE OVERHEATING AS WELL AS ANY POTENTIAL DANGER FROM HAVING A VEHICLE STOP ON THE ROAD. UNFORTUNATELY, BMWNA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM AND IS EVEN INSTALLING THE SAME FAULTY PART NUMBER FANS, CONFIRMED BY SIEMENS THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FANS.*AK
Bmw 318ic 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-05
- VIN: WBABH7236TE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE. NLM
Bmw 318ic 1997
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-02
- Date Complaint: 1999-02-01
- VIN: WBABH8321VE
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD CRACKED. *YC
Bmw 318ic 1992
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-02
- Date Complaint: 1998-10-05
- VIN: WBABA7313ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE GASKET MALFUNCTION.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 318ic
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Bmw 318ic.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 318ic 1992
- Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
- 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.
- Model: Bmw 318ic 1994
- Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
- 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.
- Model: Bmw 318ic 1995
- Report Received Date: 1998-08-04
- 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.
- Model: Bmw 318ic 1994
- Report Received Date: 1997-08-19
- 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.
- Model: Bmw 318ic 1995
- Report Received Date: 1997-08-19
- 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.
Are you having problems with your Bmw 318ic?
