1991 Bmw 318is problems

Common 1991 Bmw 318is problems

The BMW 318is, produced in 1991, is equipped with the M42 engine, which is known for several common problems. Here are some of the most frequent issues, based on complaints from owners of this car:

• Valve cover gasket leaks: The valve cover gasket on the M42 engine is known to leak, causing oil to seep out and potentially leading to a strong smell.

• Suspension issues: At around 100,000 miles, the original suspension on the 318is may be worn out, leading to less precise handling and the need for replacement.

• Cooling system issues: The cooling system, including the water pump, radiator, and expansion tank, may need to be replaced around the 100,000-mile mark to prevent overheating and potential head gasket failure.

• Automatic transmission issues: The automatic transmissions in BMWs, including the 318is, have a reputation for having a lifespan of around 100,000 miles. Manual transmissions are generally more durable, but synchros may wear out with high mileage.

• Brakes: While the brakes themselves are typically fine, the brake pedal may become spongy or soft, indicating a hydraulic issue that needs to be addressed.

• Electrical gremlins: The E36 generation of BMWs, including the 318is, is known for having various electrical issues, such as the ABS light staying on and electrical gremlins that can be difficult to diagnose and fix.

• Rust: While E36 BMWs are generally considered to be solid cars, they can still suffer from rust issues, particularly around the rear wheel arches, subframes, and front shock towers.

In summary, the BMW 318is, powered by the M42 engine, has several common problems that owners should be aware of, including timing chain and idler gear failure, valve cover gasket leaks, suspension issues, cooling system problems, and electrical gremlins. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or mitigate these issues.

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.

How many 1991 318is were made?

Eventually, it was sold in most markets but was most popular in Italy, Spain, Portugal, UK, Ireland and North America. Even so, the 318is is a relatively rare car with 41,234 being made (out of a total of 2.2 million E30's = 1.86%). 9,442 were made in 1990, 29,171 in 1991 and 2,621 in 1992.

What is the top speed of a 1991 318is?

Engine & Performance

• RWD. Manual, 5-speed.
• Material. Plastic.
• Yes.
• 202 km/h. 9.9 sec. 126 mph.

What engine is in a 1991 BMW 318is?

Powering the 1991-model-year-only 318is was the M42B18 engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder—and the most evolved engine to find its way into the E30.

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.

How many 1991 318is were made?

29,171

Worldwide, the model sold 41,234 units from 1989-'91, 29,171 of them in 1991, the one and only model year the 318is was available here. (Exact stateside numbers are elusive, but somewhere between 15,000 to 20,000 is considered in the neighborhood among those in the know.)

What engine is in a 1991 BMW 318is?

Powering the 1991-model-year-only 318is was the M42B18 engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder—and the most evolved engine to find its way into the E30.

What is the top speed of a 1991 318is?

Engine & Performance

• RWD. Manual, 5-speed.
• Material. Plastic.
• Yes.
• 202 km/h. 9.9 sec. 126 mph.

1991 Bmw 318is car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 318is problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Bmw 318is vehicle components and the number of complaints received.