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BMW 318I problems by year

Owners have filed 78 complaints about the BMW 318I since 1991, and 4 recalls have been issued. The 1994 model year has 14 complaints, more than any other year, led by engine and electrical problems.

No year stands outAll years close to typical
Owner complaints
78
Recalls
4
Worst year
1994
Model years
1991-2003

BMW 318I years to avoid

No model year of the BMW 318I stands out with more than twice its typical number of complaints.

Best BMW 318I years

Not enough model years on the road yet to compare.

BMW 318I complaints by model year

Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.

1991199219931994199519961997199820012003

How we calculate this

Year to avoidFewest complaintsOther years

Most common BMW 318I problems

All model years combined.

  • Engine
    29
  • Electrical
    15
  • Airbags
    11
  • Acceleration
    8
  • Transmission
    5
  • Visibility
    4
  • Tires
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Body
    2

BMW 318I problems year by year

Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.

YearScoreComplaintsTop problemTypical mileageRecallsCrashes
2003-3Brakes00
2001-4Acceleration01
1998-8Acceleration02
1997-5Electrical10
1996-3Airbags12
1995-14Airbags135,00022
1994-14Engine22
1993-11Engine20
1992-8Engine30
1991-8Engine11

Recalls 4

See all 4 recalls for the BMW 318I

Questions about the BMW 318I

What years of the BMW 318I should you avoid?

No single model year of the BMW 318I has more than twice its typical number of owner complaints.

What is the best year for a used BMW 318I?

There are not enough model years on the road yet to compare.

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

Engine, with 29 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (15) and airbags (11).

How many recalls does the BMW 318I have?

4 recalls between 1991 and 2003. The 1992 model year has the most, with 3.

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