Bmw 318is 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 318is model years
Common Bmw 318is problems
The BMW 318is is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car. The following are the detailed descriptions of these problems:
- Cooling System: The cooling system in the BMW 318is can be prone to failure, especially if the car has high mileage. The water pump, radiator, and expansion tank should be replaced if the car has over 100,000 miles. If the cooling system fails, the car can overheat, potentially leading to a blown head gasket.
- Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: The valve cover gasket in the BMW 318is can leak, causing oil to leak and emit a smell. This is not a major issue but can be a nuisance and may require replacement.
- Suspension: The original suspension in the BMW 318is may wear out after 100,000 miles. While the car may still drive well, it may not handle like a BMW. Replacing the suspension can improve the car's handling and overall driving experience.
- Manual Transmission: The manual transmission in the BMW 318is is generally durable, but the synchros may wear out with high mileage. Fresh fluid can help extend the life of the transmission, and clutches are generally solid.
- Automatic Transmission: The automatic transmission in the BMW 318is has a lifespan of around 100,000 miles. After this point, the transmission may require replacement or rebuilding, which can be expensive.
- Brakes: The brakes in the BMW 318is are generally reliable and easy to fix. However, the brake pads have a wear sensor that sets off a yellow donut-shaped light on the dashboard when they are near the end. If the donut is red, it indicates a hydraulic issue.
- Electrical Issues: The E36 generation of BMWs, including the 318is, is known for electrical gremlins. These issues can range from minor problems like the ABS light being on to more significant issues like airbag light problems.
- Interior: The interior of the BMW 318is, specifically the door cards and headliners, can suffer from bad glue and may come apart. There are DIY fixes available for both problems.
- Rust: While the BMW 318is is generally rust-resistant, it is still possible for rust to form in common areas like the rear wheel arches and subframes. It is essential to inspect these areas for signs of rust or repair.
In summary, the BMW 318is is known for several common problems, including engine issues, cooling system failures, suspension wear, and electrical gremlins. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be mitigated, and the car can provide a reliable and enjoyable driving experience.
What does the S mean in 318is?
The “I” is injected (fuel) and the “S” is sport meaning it had sport tuning trim either standard or as an option. My 318IS (E36) came with factory welded triY headers, as opposed to most cars of the era having cast manifolds, and an LSD in the rear.
What is the difference between 318is and 318i?
The late 91 318i is always a four door while the 318is is a 2 door coupe. Generally the coupe had the sport seats, sport suspension, basket weave wheels and a rear trunk spoiler. They even came without a sunroof in some cases.
Is the 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.
What does 318is stand for?
In Europe, including Munich, a car was given a simple 'i' suffix (for fuel injection) unless it had a sport engine in which case it got an 'is'. All the E36 318's sent to the U.S. had M42/M44 sport engines, so they are actually 'is' models: the 318is sedan, the 318is (coupe) and the 318is cabrio.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw 318is years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw 318is cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw 318is model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw 318is model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw 318is years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw 318is car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw 318is , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw 318is vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by 318is model years
A total of 3 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. 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 318is 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 32 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw 318is . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw 318is vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw 318is 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-27
- Date Complaint: 2008-07-30
- Components: VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
- Summary: PASSENGER WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACKS - RESULTS IN HIGH BILLS TO GET IT FIXED. NUMEROUS INCIDENTS. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT WINDOW OR ANYTHING RELATED TO IT IN THE DROP DOWN MENUS. TO PROCEED I HAVE HAD TO MAKE SELECTIONS THAT HAVE NO RELEVANCE. *TR
Bmw 318is 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-17
- Date Complaint: 2005-03-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABE7327VE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SUDDENLY A POPPING NOISE OCCURRED IN THE FRONT END, THE STEERING WHEEL SHUTTERED BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH ASC PLUS T (AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL PLUS TRACTION) AND IT WAS TRYING TO GAIN BACK CONTROL. THIS RESULTED IN THE DRIVER CRASHING INTO A TREE HEAD ON. DRIVER SIDE TIE ROD BROKE WHICH CAUSED THIS TO OCCUR. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED, UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DEPLOYED.. THE CAUSE OF THE TIE ROD BREAKING WAS STILL BE INVESTIGATED.*AK
Bmw 318is 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-28
- Date Complaint: 2005-01-04
- VIN: WBABE6324RJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED ANTIFREEZE ON THE GROUND IN THE GARAGE, TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS DETERMINED TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK...THIS GASKET HAS CAUSED PROBLEM UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED IN MIDDLE OF 1994. THIS WAS A FREQUENT FAILURE ON 318 VEHICLES. BMW WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED SHE WAS NOT ALLOWED TO DISCUSS THE PROFILE GASKET PROBLEM. *AK
Bmw 318is 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2004-09-02
- VIN: WBABH832XVE
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL WON'T RELEASE. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. *AK
Bmw 318is 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2004-05-06
- VIN: WBABE5316NJ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: MAY 5, 2004 INCIDENT: DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH FAILS TO WORK ... SO THAT THE DOOR FLIES OPEN WHILE DRIVING ... AND CAN NOT BE COMPLETELY CLOSED AND/OR LOCKED WHEN PARKED. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1992 BMW 318IS 2-DOOR SEDAN WITH ONLY 34,319 MILES. THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN OCCASIONALLY OVER THE YEARS (ONLY BY MYSELF) AND HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM: I UNLOCKED AND DROVE MY CAR TODAY (MAY 5, 2004). I WENT TO TWO DESTINATIONS AND CLOSED AND LOCKED THE CAR EACH TIME WITHOUT A PROBLEM. AFTER MY SECOND STOP, I UNLOCKED THE CAR, ENTERED IT, AND CLOSED THE DOOR BEHIND ME WITHOUT REALIZING THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I DROVE AWAY AND WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE DOOR SUDDENLY FLEW OPEN. I WAS ABLE TO STOP IN A SAFE AREA WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT. I LOOKED AT THE DOOR'S LATCH AND WHERE IT CONNECTS WITH THE BODY AND SAW NOTHING WRONG ... BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE OR LATCH SECURELY. I CHECKED THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR AND IT LOOKED SIMILAR TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I THEN DROVE MY STICK-SHIFT CAR HOME, WHILE HOLDING THE DRIVER'S DOOR AS CLOSED AS POSSIBLE WITH MY (RECENTLY, SURGICALLY OPERATED ON) LEFT ARM. I THEN PHONED THE NHTSA. OBVIOUSLY, A CAR'S DOORS MUST CLOSE AND LOCK PROPERLY TO KEEP ITS PASSENGERS SAFE. A CAR DRIVEN OCCASIONALLY, WITH ONLY 34,319 MILES, CERTAINLY SHOULDN'T HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST A FEW MILES FROM HOME AND THE CAR IS ALWAYS GARAGED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR REVIEWING THIS CASE. SINCERELY, CHARLES DREYFUSS P.S. I'VE INDICATED '3 FAILURES' ONLY BECAUSE I'VE TRIED TO CLOSE AND LOCK THIS CAR SEVERAL TIMES ONCE I GOT IT IN MY HOME'S GARAGE WITH NO SUCCESS.
Bmw 318is 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-15
- Date Complaint: 2003-11-19
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CAR ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. MADE SURE CARPET WASN'T ON PEDAL. HAPPENED FEW TIMES DURING WINTER. RPM'S GOING VERY HIGH. VERY HARD TO STOP THE CAR. VERY UNSAFE. BMW TOLD ME THERE IS RECALL BUT MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED. DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT CAR. TOLD ME TO CALL BACK WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN*AK
Bmw 318is 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-19
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED TWICE. *JB
Bmw 318is 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-23
- Date Complaint: 2002-08-16
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND NO WARNING COOLING SYSTEM CRACKED, CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Bmw 318is 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-21
- Date Complaint: 2002-03-22
- VIN: WBAAF9310ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THIS HAS BEEN A WIDELY REPORTED FAILURE ON EARLY 1990S 318 MODELS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Bmw 318is 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-02
- Date Complaint: 2001-11-16
- VIN: WBAAF9312ME
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE IS VERH HIGH FOR THE MOTOR. UNEXPECTED LOSS OF ENGINE COOLANT, WHICH LEAKS SLOWLY OR ALL AT ONCE IS DUE TO GASKETS DESIGN.
Bmw 318is 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-17
- Date Complaint: 2001-10-05
- VIN: WBABE6311PJ
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERE IS A COOLANT LEAK IN ENGINE BECAUSE AN INFERIOR FORM OF RUBBER SEALANT IS USED ON ENGINE. COOLANT GOES BACK INTO ENGINE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THEY KNEW ABOUT LEAK AND ITS A FREQUENT PROBLEM, BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK THE HEAD HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM IS A RUBBERIZED GASKET, KNOWN AS THE TIMING CASE PROFILE GASKET. *JB
Bmw 318is 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-30
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-06
- VIN: WBABE6320RR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER VEHICLE WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT DME UNIT WAS SOAKED.*AK
Bmw 318is 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2001-03-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABE5313PJ
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BOTH FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. EHICLE ALSO SLIDES AND FISHTAILS ON OTHER THAN DRY ROAD. CONSUMER HAS HAD 3 ACCIDENTS. *AK
Bmw 318is 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-18
- Date Complaint: 2001-01-20
- VIN: WBABE5328RJ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Bmw 318is 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-08
- Date Complaint: 2000-11-09
- VIN: WBABE5316NJ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE WHICH CAUSED DOOR NOT TO OPEN FROM INSIDE. IN EVENT OF A EMERGENCY DRIVER CANNOT GO OUT FROM DRIVER'S DOOR. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Latest 5 recalls Bmw 318is
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the Bmw 318is.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw 318is 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 318is 1993
- 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 318is 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 318is 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 318is 1992
- 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.
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