Feed fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting is unable to compensate for the hardening of the feed fuel hose.
1984-2001 · 13 model years
BMW 318 Problems by year
Owners have filed 121 complaints about the BMW 318 across 13 model years, and it has 7 recalls. The 1991 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (22), while 1990 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling, followed by the airbags.
- Complaints
- 121
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 18
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 17
- Deaths
- 0
318 complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common 318 problems
BMW 318 recalls 7
The adhesive material of the two piece throttle body heater migrates into the circulation chamber causing build up of impurities and restriction of flow within the chamber. This condition and water vapors from the crank that freezes at low ambient air...
The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
The crankcase ventilation system, vented into the intake tract of the engine at the bellows boot ahead of the throttle housing, allows warm water vapor from the crankcase vent to condense and freeze in the colder bellows boot when the ambient air temperature...
The two parts of the steering column disengagement element could completely disconnect if the car contacts an object in the roadway or elsewhere of sufficient mass to apply a significant force directly to the steering gearbox...
The idle control valve which controls idle speed by varying the amount of intake air that bypasses the throttle plate is subject to backfire into the intake manifold. Such backfire can damage the valve and cause the idle valve plate to remain open...
Covers1984 BMW 318
Water control valve in the heating system may not close completely. Excessive current may begin to flow through the wiring to the control valve resulting in overheating of the wiring.
Covers1984 BMW 318
Latest 318 complaints
Steering wheel is locked. It won't budge. You can crank the car..No problem, but the wheel is locked. *Tr
While driving, the consumer noticed smoke coming from the vents. The consumer was able to pull over and lift up the hood. The consumer noticed steam coming from the engine. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the radiator needed replacement. Please fill in additional information. *Jb
The drivers side front door will not latch properly. The door will not hold. Please describe further. *Jb
Tail lights come on and off intermittently while traveling on the highway. Cause of failure is undetermined at this time. *Ak
The vehicle had a gas leak in the tank. The dealer was notified. *Ak the consumer filled the gas tank and 15 minutes later all the gas leaked out. The consumer also experienced problems with the brakes, engine, and the a/c panel which intermittently went out. *Scc *jb
The engine idled high. The dealer stated it was due to the idle control valve which needed to be replaced. *Jb
Questions about the BMW 318
Which BMW 318 years have the most problems?
Which BMW 318 years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common BMW 318 problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the engine & cooling (51), airbags (19), electrical system (16) most often.
How many recalls does the BMW 318 have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls across all BMW 318 model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data