- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Fuel seepage between the feed fuel hose and the engine fitting can result in free fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
- The fix
- A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
Vehicle safety record
1992 BMW 318 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1992 BMW 318 with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (8) and the brakes (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in April 1994 for the hoses, lines / piping, and fittings. For comparison, the 1991 has 22 and the 1993 has 17.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical 318 year, for its age
#122 most complained-about 1992 vehicle
- Complaints
- 16
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1992 BMW 318 problems
Share of all 16 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1992 BMW 318 recalls 4
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 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 temperatures prevents the throttle plate from closing as the driver releases the gas pedal, causing loss of throttle control.
- The risk
- If loss of throttle control from the frozen throttle body occurs while the vehicle is in motion, a vehicle crash could occur.
- The fix
- Bmw dealers will replace the throttle body heater with a modified heater.
- 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.
- The problem
- 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 is 15 degrees fahrenheit or less. The build up of ice can dislodge and move into the throttle housing, preventing the throttle plate from fully closing when the driver releases the gas pedal.
- The risk
- If the throttle plate is prevented from closing, thereis an increase in idle speed as well as slower than normal deceleration, whichoccurs without prior warning and could result in an accident.
- The fix
- Replace the throttle housing with a version containing a modified heating system along with rerouting of the cvs hose. This will prevent ice build-up in the intake tract.
What owners say
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16 complaints about the 1992 BMW 318
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The drivers side front door will not latch properly. The door will not hold. Please describe further. *Jb
Parking brake does not work. Dealer is not willing to do anything.*Ak
Consumer is having problems with starter, she has taken it back to dealer twice already to have it replaced.*Ak
The affected gasket is known to be of a defective nature and is prone to failure at some point in the vehicle's life, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of coolant. The original part and replacement parts are referenced in a bmw technical service bulletin 11 10 93 (3885). Thus far, bmw has chosen only to evaluate each case individually and selectively reimburse owners for the cost of repairs for vehicles which are out of warranty.
CLAMP AND HOSE FROM GASOLINE TANK FAILED.
Vehicles has a sudden loss of coolant from the engine due to a defective design. The manufacturer-bmw has issued a tsb on this problem. *Ak
Engine timing chain/engine main head gasket failed. *Ak
A gasket wears out in the engine valve train, causing coolant loss. *Ak
Timing case profile gasket failed, allowing a sudden and immediate release of most or all of the coolant (radiator) while traveling.
ENGINE GASKET FAILED, CAUSING COOLANT LEAK. *AK
Engine profile gasket failure, causing loss of hot coolant, resulting in a fog of white steam which could impair visibility. *Ak
With temperatures ranging from 95 degrees or more rear window emploded while not in direct sunlight. Please describe details. *Ak
5-Spd manual transmission will not go into 1st gear without difficulty which is now becoming more frequent. Please describe details. *Ak
M/trans: accelerator sticks during cold weather; engine speeds up, even with brakes applied;nearly caused rear end accident;not included under recall #91v219000
The head and the gaskets and they are porus and they fall apart. Please describe. Tt
While parked with brake on, emergency brake failed, vehicle rolled and hit another vehicle, once resulting in an accident. Tt
BMW 318: every year compared
All 318 years1992 BMW 318 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 BMW 318 | 16 | 4 | F | |
| 1992 BMW 325I | 74 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 525I | 18 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 525 | 14 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 318I | 8 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 318IS | 3 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 318IC | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1992 BMW 525IA | 1 | 1 | D | 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 1992 BMW 318
Does the 1992 BMW 318 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1992 BMW 318: hoses, lines / piping, and fittings (April 1994); fuel injection system (February 1994); heater core (February 1993); vehicle speed control (December 1991). 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 1992 BMW 318?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (8), brakes (2), fuel system (1).
How many complaints has the 1992 BMW 318 had?
16 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 9, 1995 and the latest on May 10, 2004. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1992 BMW 318 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 14 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than 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 1992 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