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1992 BMW 318 problems

The most common problem on the 1992 BMW 318 is engine and cooling. It has 2.7 times the complaints of a typical 318 model year.

Typical year2.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
16
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Engine

The worst 1992 BMW 318 problems

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

  • Engine
    8
  • Brakes
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    8
  • Brakes
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 4

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

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection systemReported February 17, 1994 · 23,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If loss of throttle control from the frozen throttle body occurs while the vehicle is in motion, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Bmw dealers will replace the throttle body heater with a modified heater.

Recall number 94V037000 · 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 4 recalls for the 1992 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 1992 BMW 318 4

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

What 1992 BMW 318 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 10, 2004 · Locks · CA

The drivers side front door will not latch properly. The door will not hold. Please describe further.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Brakes · NJ

Parking brake does not work. Dealer is not willing to do anything.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Electrical · NJ

Consumer is having problems with starter, she has taken it back to dealer twice already to have it replaced.

Filed Nov 6, 1998 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Aug 25, 1998 · Fuel system · NY

Clamp and hose from gasoline tank failed.

Filed Jul 14, 1997 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Jul 1, 1997 · Engine · NJ

Engine timing chain/engine main head gasket failed.

Filed Mar 20, 1997 · Engine · CA

A gasket wears out in the engine valve train, causing coolant loss.

Filed Jan 31, 1997 · Engine · PA

Timing case profile gasket failed, allowing a sudden and immediate release of most or all of the coolant (radiator) while traveling.

Filed Dec 10, 1996 · Engine · RI

Engine gasket failed, causing coolant leak.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1992 BMW 318 before you buy

Compare the 1992 BMW 318

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719982001

Questions about the 1992 BMW 318

Is the 1992 BMW 318 reliable?

Owners have filed 16 complaints about the 1992 BMW 318, 2.7 times a typical 318 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1992 BMW 318?

Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints. Next is brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 318 have?

4 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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