1994 Bmw 318is problems

General information about Bmw-318is
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls 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 1994 Bmw 318is problems

The BMW 318is, produced in 1994, is part of the E36 generation of the BMW 3 Series. While generally considered a solid car, there are common problems that owners have reported. These issues span across various components, including the cooling system, suspension, transmission, brakes, and interior.

Valve Cover Gasket: The valve cover gasket on the 318is is prone to leaking. While it may not cause significant oil loss, it can produce a noticeable smell. Replacing the gasket is a relatively straightforward fix.

Suspension: The original suspension components, such as bushings and shock mounts, may wear out around the 100,000-mile mark. This can affect handling and ride quality. Replacing these parts can improve the car's driving dynamics and make it feel more like a factory-fresh BMW.

Transmission: The manual transmission in the 318is is generally durable, but the synchros may wear out with high mileage. Fresh fluid can help prolong the life of the transmission. Automatic transmissions, however, have a reputation for failing around the 100,000-mile mark. Be prepared for this possibility if the car is equipped with an automatic transmission.

Brakes: The brakes on the 318is are reliable and easy to maintain. However, the brake pads have a wear sensor that triggers a warning light on the dashboard when they need to be replaced. If the sensor is red, it indicates a hydraulic issue, which requires immediate attention.

Interior: The E36 generation, including the 318is, is known for having issues with door cards and headliners. The glue used in their construction can deteriorate over time, causing them to come apart. There are DIY fixes available for both problems. Additionally, the seats may show signs of wear in the covering but should still be comfortable and supportive.

Rust: While not as common as in some other models, rust can still be an issue in the BMW 318is. Check the usual suspect areas, such as the rear wheel arches, subframes, and front shock towers. Cracks or signs of repair in these areas can indicate potential structural issues.

In summary, the BMW 318is is a solid car with a few common issues to be aware of. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems, and parts are generally affordable and designed for easy replacement.

How many miles per gallon does a 1994 BMW 318is get?

Based on data from 9 vehicles, 406 fuel-ups and 120,594 miles of driving, the 1994 BMW 318is gets a combined Avg MPG of 24.53 with a 0.45 MPG margin of error.

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 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 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.

What is the fuel consumption of the 1994 BMW 318is?

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1994 BMW 318i/318is
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Fuel Economy
EPA MPG	Premium Gasoline 22 combined city/highway MPG 19 city 27 highway 4.5 gals/100 miles

What is the difference between 318is and 318i?

Is the BMW 318i a reliable Car?

What does 318is stand for?

1994 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
Electrical system problems
Power train problems
Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Bmw 318is vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Bmw 318is complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Bmw 318is.

2005-01-04

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2004-12-28
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

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2001-04-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-03-30
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

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2001-01-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-01-18
VIN: WBABE5328RJ
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

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1999-04-28

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JC16456 1 0
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOV. 1994 FROM GEARHART BMW IN DENVILLE, NEW JERSEY. FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASED DATE, I DISCOVERED A NOISE THAT WAS COMING FROM BEHIND ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN THE SITUATION AND THEY SAID THE NOISE YOU HEARD WAS PROBABLY THE TIRE NOISE. I STOPPED AT ONE OF THE NEAREST TIRE'S DEALER AND HAD THEM CHECKED MY VEHICLE. THEY SAID THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN. I REQUESTED THE TIRE'S DEALER TO TYPE UP A SUMMARY FOR MY RECORD. I SHOWED IT TO THE GEARHART DEALER THEN THEY DENIED IT. HOWEVER, I STILL HEARD THE NOISE SO I KEPT GOING BACK TO THE DEALER AND TRIED ANOTHER DEALER FOR A SECOND OPINION. I EVEN TRIED TO CALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE OF BMW HEADQUARTER, .. NO SOLUTION ! ! !.... FINALLY WHEN THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY OF MY VEHICLE ALMOST CAME TO BE EXPIRED, THE MORRISTOWN BMW REVEALED THE PROBLEM TO ME AND TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. AT THAT TIME, I WAS SO ANGRY BECAUSE FOR ONLY ONE REASON THAT I AM 100% BELIEVE THAT THE DEALER HAD THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE NOISE, HOWEVER, FAILED TO DISCLOSE THE INFORMATION TO ME AS THE CUSTOMER. AT THIS MOMENT AS I AM WRITING THE LETTER, I ONLY HAVE ONE HOPE THAT MAYBE YOU WANT TO INVESTIGATE TO SEE IF THERE IS ANY SAFETY HAZARD. IF YOU NEED FURTHER ASSISTANCE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME AT MY WORK #: (973) 966-2501. I GREATLY APPRECIATE FOR YOUR TIME IN INVESTIGATING THIS MATTER. BEST REGARDS, ELIA IMAN , QUALITY ENGINEER.

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1999-01-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-12-31
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THE PROFILE GASKET FAILURE IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL ENGINE...AND WHILE BMW ACKNOWLEDGES IT IS BECAUSE OF BA MATERIALS USED FOR THIS GASKET, NO RECALL NOR OFFER TO REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE HAS APPARENTLY BEEN MADE.

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1994 Bmw 318is recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1994 Bmw 318is.

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.

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Bmw 318is problems:

1994 BMW 318i Potential Issues? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum

https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/1994-bmw-318i-potential-issues.6145016/

Sep 26, 2013 ... The common issues are going to be the same as other E36s - cooling system, suspension bushings and shock mounts, windows coming out of their ...

E36 318is problem areas?| Grassroots Motorsports forum |

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/e36-318is-problem-areas/37766/page1/

E36 318is problem areas? · 1) Cooling system: if it's got 100k on it, the water pump, radiator, and expansion tank should have been replaced ...

Would you consider the E36 3 Series "Reliable"?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1334519-Would-you-consider-the-E36-3-Series-quot-Reliable-quot

Oct 27, 2009 ... I've had my '96 318is for 50k miles now (it's at 150k now.) ... The car has lots of common problems, luckily ... It failed at 90k miles -- I should ...