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1994 BMW 318 problems

The most common problem on the 1994 BMW 318 is electrical system. It has 3.3 times the complaints of a typical 318 model year.

Typical year3.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
20
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 1994 BMW 318 problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    10
  • Airbags
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 BMW 318

Stalling 5

Recalls 1

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

See all 1 recalls for the 1994 BMW 318

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 BMW 318 7

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

What 1994 BMW 318 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 23, 2001 · Electrical, Fuel system · NC

Water drained into electronic control module, causing an electrical shortage, and resulting in vehicle stalling.also, leaving fuel injectors open, could cause fuel leakage. Please give any further details.

Filed Jan 31, 2000 · Electrical · NC

When there is a heavy down pour or taking car to the car wash, the computer gets wet which won't allow the vehicle to start. Contacted dealer. Dealer had the computer replaced.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Fuel system · NJ

I have experienced the same problem for many times ( repeatable ). I am really hoping that you can help me to investigate this problem. The problem is that the fuel gauge does not show accurate level of the fuel in the tank. I have two different dealers to try tackle this problem and solve them; however, I am still experiencing it right now. It's a quality issue. Thank you for your time and consideration in investigating this matter for me and other owner who may not want to report this matter to you.

Filed May 18, 1999 · Visibility · FL

Bumper around windshield flaked off in 3 years. Presently, the bumper is gone, and water is entering into the wiring harness, which may cause electrical problems. Please provide further information.

Filed Dec 31, 1998 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

No summary provided by consumer

Filed Nov 23, 1998 · Engine · CA

Profile gasket failed, causing the engine to overheat. Much of the antifreeze leaked onto the roadway. Other gaskets, etc. Also had to be replaced: valve cover gaskets, thermostat, intake manifold gas, throttle body gasket, exhaust pipe gasket, valve cover gasket, chain tensioner, and more. The repair bill was $950 in labor and $426.00 in parts. In researching the internet and the federal safety agency web site, I found many other bmw 318 owners that had the same problem; most of them with 1993 models. I spoke to the dealer and bmw customer service and they say they can't do anything because the car is no longer under warranty.

Filed Oct 15, 1998 · Electrical · OK

Water leaking into the e-box on several occasions. Bulletin 410393.

Filed Jan 8, 1998 · Engine · CA

Profile gasket failed, leaking all of the coolant from the engine.

Filed Mar 6, 1997 · Airbags · DC · crash · 2 injuries

During frontal impact at speeds of 30mph, the driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy.

Filed Jan 7, 1997 · Body · CA

Defective spot welds at the firewall and driver's side door causing clunking noise. Problem was serviced but unable to be fixed.

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Compare the 1994 BMW 318

Other model years

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Questions about the 1994 BMW 318

Is the 1994 BMW 318 reliable?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the 1994 BMW 318, 3.3 times a typical 318 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 318?

Electrical system, with 10 complaints. Next is airbags (3).

How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 318 have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

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