- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 BMW 318IS Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 BMW 318IS with NHTSA, most often about the acceleration & cruise control (1) and the steering (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in August 1997 for the vehicle speed control. For comparison, the 1996 has 0.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical 318IS year, for its age
#268 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 BMW 318IS problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 BMW 318IS recalls 1
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
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 1997 BMW 318IS
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
While driving at 45 mph, suddenly a popping noise occurred in the front end, the steering wheel shuttered because vehicle was equipped with asc plus t (automatic stability control plus traction) and it was trying to gain back control. This resulted in the driver crashing into a tree head on. Driver side tie rod broke which caused this to occur. No injuries were sustained, upon impact, air bag deployed.. The cause of the tie rod breaking was still be investigated.*Ak
While driving the vehicle with cruise control on consumer applied the brakes and cruise control won't release. Also, air bag light illuminated on the dash board. *Ak
BMW 318IS: every year compared
All 318IS years1997 BMW 318IS vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 BMW 318IS | 2 | 1 | B | |
| 1997 BMW 528I | 41 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 328I | 35 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 540I | 27 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 528 | 13 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 540 | 7 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 318 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 318I | 5 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 1997 BMW 528IA | 3 | 0 | - | 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 1997 BMW 318IS
Does the 1997 BMW 318IS have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 BMW 318IS: vehicle speed control (August 1997). 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 1997 BMW 318IS?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the acceleration & cruise control (1), steering (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 BMW 318IS had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 2, 2004 and the latest on March 28, 2005. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 BMW 318IS a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 66 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical BMW 318IS 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 318IS years have the most complaints?
1993 (13), 1991 (6), 1994 (5). See every BMW 318IS year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 BMW 318IS 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