1991 BMW 318 Problems: 20 Complaints, 3 Recalls

The worst 1991 BMW 318 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Engine
14
Airbags
4
Electrical
3
Visibility
3
Fuel system
2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Engine
14
Airbags
4
Electrical
3
Visibility
3
Fuel system
2
Seats
2
Lights
1
Seat belts
1
Steering
1
Transmission
1

Recalls 3

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 11, 1994 · 116,300 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.
Remedy: A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.

Recall number 94V066000 · Recall details

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater coreReported February 1, 1993 · 375,000 vehicles affected

What is wrong: The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 93V015000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported December 17, 1991 · 15,200 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall number 91V219000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1991 BMW 318

Defect investigations

Air bag wiring failureOpened March 31, 1995, closed July 15, 1996

There is no summary currently available

EA95013

Heater core failureOpened June 2, 1992, closed March 30, 1993

There is no summary currently available

EA92017

Technical service bulletins for the 1991 BMW 318 4

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

Oct 1, 1996 Service bulletinRecall 96V110 - bmw of north america has initiated a recall campaign which involves the airbag contact...
Oct 1, 1996 Service bulletinRecall 96V111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch
Jan 1, 1995 Service bulletinEngine will not start
Jan 1, 1993 Service bulletinVarious malfunctions of the "one touch" window operation

What 1991 BMW 318 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 31, 1997 · Engine · NC · crash · 1 injury

Vehicle was involved in a collision. Immediately after impact, vehicle began to leak anti-freeze due to dfective engine profile gasket.

Filed Oct 2, 1997 · Engine · TX

While driving vehicle the consumer found out, vehicle was dripping coolin fluid. The consumer stopped and saw the cooling fluid was coming out of the radiator. Dealer was contacted.

Filed Sep 23, 1997 · Engine · MO

Engine profile gasket malfunctioned, causing engine to overheat, resulting in coolant leaking from under vehicle.

Filed Aug 28, 1997 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Vehicle has blown two head gaskets.

Filed Jul 2, 1997 · Engine · CA

Timing case profile gasket malfunctioned due to manufacturer's defective parts.

Filed Feb 28, 1997 · Engine · NJ

Head gasket failed.

Filed Jan 30, 1997 · Engine · 00

Timing case profile gasket failed, causing coolant to leak.

Filed Jan 6, 1997 · Engine · MN

Engine gasket failure.

Filed Jan 6, 1997 · Engine · FL

Engine gasket failed/replaced; also replaced water pump.

Filed Nov 5, 1996 · Engine · AL

Engine gasket failed, resulting in a coolant leak.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1991 BMW 318 before you buy

Compare the 1991 BMW 318

Other model years

199019911992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 2001

Questions about the 1991 BMW 318

Is the 1991 BMW 318 reliable?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1991 BMW 318, 3.3 times a typical 318 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1991 BMW 318?

Engine and cooling, with 14 complaints. Next is airbags (4).

How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318 have?

3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, visibility and vehicle speed control.

What year does the BMW 318 have bad engine?

The BMW 318 model years with the most engine complaints are 1991 (14 complaints) and 1993 (13 complaints).

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1991 BMW 318 problems