1997 Bmw 318ti problems

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

The BMW 3 Series Compact is a car which was produced from 1994 through 2004 by BMW. It is a 3-door hatchback version of the BMW 3 Series through two generations, for the E36 platform in 1993 and E46 platform in 2001. Unlike most hatchback competitors which were transverse engine front-wheel drive, the 3 Series Compact uses the longitudinal engine rear-wheel drive layout.

In 2004, the 3 Series Compact was replaced by the 1 Series which encompassed 3-door and 5-door hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles (the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the 2 Series since 2014) as BMW's entry-level cars; a new nameplate was created since the 1 Series is smaller than the contemporary 3 Series despite sharing mechanical components. The 3 Series GT, introduced in 2013, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, despite also using a hatchback rear opening.

First generation (E36; 1994)

Launched in March 1994, the E36 3 Series Compact (model code E36/5), was BMW's first hatchback since the 2002 Touring model was discontinued in 1974. It reportedly cost BMW $500 million USD to develop the hatchback from the E36 platform.

From the front bumper to the A-pillar, the E36/5 is identical to the E36 saloon. From the A-pillar back, the E36/5 is unique. Although the overall length of the E36/5 is approximately 200 millimetres (7.9 in) shorter than the rest of the E36 3 Series range, the length of the wheelbase is the same. There is a unique set of doors with framed windows for the E36/5, rather than adopting those of the E36 saloon/wagon or the frameless ones of the E36 coupé.

The interior is mostly similar to the E36 saloon models, apart from the folding rear seats and dashboard which share some elements with the previous generation E30 3 Series. Some cost-cutting was employed in the E36/5 dashboard such as manual air conditioning, compared to the rest of the E36 lineup which had automatic climate control.

The E36/5 front suspension uses the E36's MacPherson strut design, while the rear suspension uses a semi-trailing arm from the previous generation E30 models instead of the Z-Axle multi-link suspension used by the rest of the E36 range. The E36/5's rear suspension arrangement - which was also used on the Z3 - was more compact and cheaper to produce. Some reviewers believed that this arrangement caused the E36/5's to be prone to oversteer.

The launch models were powered by four-cylinder petrol engines, with the range expanded over the years to include a four-cylinder compressed natural gas engine, four-cylinder diesel engines, and six-cylinder petrol engines. In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) inline-four BMW M42 engine. In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant with OBD-II, the M42 was replaced by the 1.9-litre M44 engine.

A large sunroof, covered by a folding canvas roof was available from mid-1995. This model was known as either the California Top Edition or the Open Air Edition.

In September 1996 (for model year 1997), the 3 Series Compact received a facelift in line with the remainder of the E36 range. Changes included revised tail-lights, grille, bumpers and mirrors.

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Common 1997 Bmw 318ti problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the BMW 318ti 1997:

Mounts: Owners have experienced issues with various mounts in the car, which can affect the overall performance and stability of the vehicle. Mount problems can lead to vibrations, noise, and discomfort while driving.
Fuel Filter: Problems with the fuel filter have been highlighted as a common issue. A clogged or faulty fuel filter can result in poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential stalling of the vehicle.
Water Pump: The water pump is another component that owners have reported problems with. A malfunctioning water pump can lead to engine overheating, coolant leaks, and ultimately engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Clutch: Issues with the clutch system have been noted by some owners. A worn-out or failing clutch can cause difficulty in shifting gears, slippage, and ultimately affect the drivability of the car.
Timing Belts: Timing belt replacement is crucial maintenance for the BMW 318ti 1997. Neglecting to replace the timing belt at the recommended intervals can result in severe engine damage if the belt breaks.
Oil Leaks: Some owners have reported oil leaks, particularly at the front of the engine. Oil leaks can lead to low oil levels, engine overheating, and potential damage if not addressed promptly.
Ignition System: Problems with the ignition system, such as key ignition issues, have been highlighted in some cases. Ignition problems can cause starting issues, stalling, and overall reliability concerns.

These common problems with the BMW 318ti 1997 can vary in severity and impact on the vehicle's performance and longevity. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and addressing these issues promptly can help owners maintain the reliability and performance of their BMW 318ti.

Is the 1998 BMW 318ti reliable?

The 318ti is a fun, reliable, and efficient car to both own and drive. I have over 129,000 miles on my 1998 318ti that I purchased new and it's still running strong. An excellent car that I would recommend to anyone!

Is 318ti rare?

Unfortunately, Americans were characteristically preoccupied with grunge music and buying pickup trucks, and the 318ti's introduction largely fell on non-existent ears. Under 25,000 of them were produced and sold for the US, out of around 375,000 total 3 Series sold in the world market.

What does the TI stand for in BMW 318ti?

t/T = touring; touring could mean hatchback (318ti), wagon (525iT), or sport versions of early models (2002tii) so you were right steven and hotdog19d. "ti" means "touring international".

What is the top speed of the BMW 318ti?

130 mph

Models

Name	Years	Top speed
318ti	1994–1995	209 km/h (130 mph)
1995–1998	209 km/h (130 mph)
323ti	1997–2001	230 km/h (143 mph)
318tds (diesel)	1995–2001	175 km/h (109 mph)

Is BMW 318ti reliable?

Is 318ti rare?

What engine is in a BMW 318ti?

In North America, the sole model available was the 318ti, initially powered by a DOHC 1.8 litre, 138 hp (103 kW; 140 PS) inline-four BMW M42 engine. In 1996, in conjunction with making the car compliant with OBD-II, the M42 was replaced by the 1.9-litre M44 engine.

What does the TI stand for in BMW 318ti?

t/T = touring; touring could mean hatchback (318ti), wagon (525iT), or sport versions of early models (2002tii) so you were right steven and hotdog19d. "ti" means "touring international".

1997 Bmw 318ti car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Bmw 318ti vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Bmw 318ti complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Bmw 318ti.

2006-04-23

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-04-23
VIN: WBACG8329VK
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: MY 1997 BMW 318TI SUFFERED FROM UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. HERE'S HOW IT HAPPENED: I PULLED OUT ONTO THE STREET AFTER GETTING MY CAR WASHED. I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR DOWN HARD AS I PULLED OUT. THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AND THE WET TIRES SPUN ON THE PAVEMENT. I LET OFF ON THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR RACED FORWARD ON ITS OWN. I APPLIED BOTH FEET TO THE BRAKES. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT ITS MAXIMUM POSSIBLE REVOLUTIONS AND THE WHEELS WERE SCREECHING FORWARD. THE ABS SYSTEM WAS KICKING IN CONTINUALLY IN AN EFFORT TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULD NOT STOP AND I COULD BARELY CONTAIN IT. THE ODOMETER KICKED UP TO 130 MPH EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT GOING MORE THAN 25 MPH. I TRIED TO PULL THE SHIFT LEVER INTO NEUTRAL BUT THE ENGINE JUST REVVED FASTER AND WOULD NOT STOP LUNGING FORWARD. WHILE STANDING ON THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET, I SHUT THE IGNITION OFF. THE ACCELERATION IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND THE CAR SHUT DOWN. MY HAZARD LIGHTS WERE TURNED ON AT THE TIME BECAUSE THE CAR WASH PEOPLE TOLD ME TO TURN THEM ON (APPARENTLY TO ALERT THE STAFF PEOPLE THAT I HAD PAID EXTRA FOR A CLEAR COAT FINISH...). AFTER I GOT THE CAR SHUT OFF AND TURNED THE HAZARD LIGHTS OFF, THE CAR RESTARTED NORMALLY. I AM AWARE OF A VERY FAMOUS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CASE ALSO INVOLVING HAZARD LIGHTS CALLED THE "HOLIDAZZLE ACCIDENT" IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA ON DECEMBER 5, 1998. THE BEHAVIOR OF MY VEHICLE WAS THE SAME AS THAT REPORTED BY THE MINNEAPOLIS POLICE DURING THIS PARADE ACCIDENT THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE. THE ULTIMATE FINDING IN THE CASE WAS THAT THE USE OF HAZARD BLINKERS CAUSED THE FORD VAN TO SUFFER UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I AM NOT AN ENGINEER, BUT I THINK THE HAZARD LIGHTS MIGHT HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THERE WAS ALSO NOTHING OBSTRUCTING THE GAS PEDAL SUCH AS FLOOR MATS OR ANYTHING ELSE. THERE DOES APPEAR TO BE A STICKINESS TO THE GAS PEDAL SWITCH ITSELF THAT WILL BE EXAMINED BY THE DEALER. BY PETER F. BARRY (612) 379-8800. *JB

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1997 Bmw 318ti recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Bmw 318ti.

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 1997 Bmw 318ti problems:

common problems - 318ti.org forum

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18971

Oct 26, 2007 ... '95 BMW 318ti. iTrader: (2). Photo Gallery. Default common problems. im looking at a 1998 318ti and it has 167,000 miles on it i have a few ...

318 common problems to look out for.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1765736-318-common-problems-to-look-out-for

Dec 31, 2011 ... i say buy it...you'll love it! 1995 318ti Active what a nice e36. i've never seen compact which would be so angry.

just bought a 1995 318Ti, Problems to look out for? - 318ti.org forum

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=36417

Jun 10, 2012 ... Overheating due to failed cooling system components is the number one killer of these engines. While you're replacing the cooling system, you ...

How reliable is a 1996 BMW 318ti? What are some common ...

https://www.quora.com/How-reliable-is-a-1996-BMW-318ti-What-are-some-common-problems-with-the-car

Sep 4, 2015 ... Cooling System Failures: BMWs are notorious for cooling system issues, including water pump failure, leaking coolant hoses, and radiator ...