- The problem
- The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
- The risk
- Vehicles operated under this increased cooling systempressure condition can suffer damage or failure of parts of the cooling systemsuch as (1) leakage from a coolant hose, (2) leakage of the radiator orexpansion tank, (3) disconnection of a hose from a pipe or a fitting, and (4)cracks in the heater core end piece resulting in coolant leakage. In some cases,boiling coolant can contact the lower right leg of the driver resulting inburns. Also, escaping coolant in the passenger compartment can cause vaporfogging of the interior surface of the windows, reducing driver visibility.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. Also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Vehicle safety record
1985 BMW 318 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1985 BMW 318 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (1) and the seats & seat belts (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in February 1993 for the heater core. For comparison, the 1984 has 3.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical 318 year, for its age
#95 most complained-about 1985 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1985 BMW 318 problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1985 BMW 318 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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. Consequence of defect: steering control would be lost.
- The fix
- Bolt two specially formed plates to the disengagement element so that steering capability will be retained.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1985 BMW 318
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The female part of the buckle on the driver's side completely disintegrates. Both plastic sides fall off which caused the buckle not to latch. The owner replaced the portion of buckle with a used part in may of 97. The part needs to be replaced again. *Ak
Radiator cap failed after recall work performed (93v-015), causing vehicle to overheat. *Skd
BMW 318: every year compared
All 318 years1985 BMW 318 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 BMW 318 | 2 | 2 | C | |
| 1985 BMW 318I | 7 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 325E | 3 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 635 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 535 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 325 | 1 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 525 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1985 BMW 323I | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1985 BMW 318
Does the 1985 BMW 318 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1985 BMW 318: heater core (February 1993); steering wheel / handle bar (October 1986). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1985 BMW 318?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (1), seats & seat belts (1).
How many complaints has the 1985 BMW 318 had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 20, 1995 and the latest on May 27, 1998. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1985 BMW 318 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 54 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical BMW 318 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which BMW 318 years have the most complaints?
1991 (22), 1994 (22), 1995 (19). See every BMW 318 year compared.
What should I do if my 1985 BMW 318 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data