Engine profile gasket for m42 engine 4cyl, 16 valve has failed allowing all coolant fluid to leak from engine.
The worst 1991 BMW 318I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Seat belts1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
- Seat belts1
Recalls 1
Air bags: knee bolster
- What is wrong
- During testing, incorrectly installed driver-side knee bolster prevented steering column from moving forward as designed to absorb impact energy from driver dummy.
- Risk
- Chest deceleration exceeds maximum allowable limit whichresults in increased risk of occupant injury in a sudden stop or accident.
- Remedy
- Repair the knee bolster to allow clearance and avoid impedance of steering column movement during frontal impact.
Recall number 91V054000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 BMW 318I 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1991 BMW 318I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The vehicle experienced a coolant leak. *jb the coolant leaked from a faulty profile gasket. The faulty gasket was the subject of a recall but the consumers vehicle was not included due to VIN. The consumer paid for the repairs and requested reimbursement. The manufacturer reviewed the case and decided not to offer any assistance. The consumer has the old part in her possession. *ts
Driver's side seat belt buckle will not latch and passenger's side seat belt will latch intermittently. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. *ak manufactuer and dealer unwilling to help, consumer replaced with second hand parts.
When striking a wall head-on at 40 MPH driver's air bag did not deploy. Dealer has not been contacted.
I have recently discovered how many other vehicles of this type (bmw e30 m42) have been plaqued with this exact failure. With so many vehicles affected isn't a recall in order? This repair/fix cost me $1258.43 and bmw knew the problem existed!
Consumer put key into ignition and it wouldn't turn at all.
Engine gasket failure.
Timing case profile gaskets failed which in turn releases all coolant in the system.
Compare the 1991 BMW 318I
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Questions about the 1991 BMW 318I
Is the 1991 BMW 318I reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1991 BMW 318I, 2.0 times a typical 318I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 BMW 318I?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is airbags (1).
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318I have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
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