Faulty profile gasket on 1992 bmw 318i engine.
The worst 1992 BMW 318I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine5
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine5
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Electrical1
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
- Risk
- If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Recall number 98V178000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. In this case, during application of the throttle pedal without cruise control being engaged, the outer tube could catch on the edge of the broken bushing.
- Risk
- This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. It his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. The clip is designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
Recall number 97V131000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
- Risk
- If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (SRS or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
Recall number 96V110000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 BMW 318I 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1992 BMW 318I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Onboard computer failed when got wet at a car wash.
Air bag contact ring on the driver's side broke. When the air bag warning light came on, vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ring was replaced at owner's expense. Vehicle not included in recall 96v110000 bmw/interior; passive restraint: air bag:driver. *ak
The profile head gasket is a widely reported defect on bmw 318i engines. For me its a serious problme now that this is the second head gasket to blow. The first was replaced under warranty, the second may or may not be replaced under warranty. In anny event the repair work has not yet been done. Based on the web pages I have read this is a widespread problem and bmw is not reacting properly. I think you should consider a class-action law suit to make them act properly for such a major defect.
Profile gasket failure. The part fails on all m42 engines produced by bmw between 1991 and 1992. Was made aware via technical bullletin sent to dealers. A recall needs to be issued.
I have done some research over the internet for this problem and it appears to be a very common one. I am completely amazed that bmw is not covering this repair of this, even though they are aware of the defect.
When driving at 30 MPH the vehicle surges, the engine races to high RPM and the vehicle cuts off without warning. Contacted the dealer, cause of problem was yet to be determined.
Vehicle experienced coolant loss and low coolant levels but the temperature guage did not rise above normal. Loss was due to engine gasket failure.
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Questions about the 1992 BMW 318I
Is the 1992 BMW 318I reliable?
Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1992 BMW 318I, 2.0 times a typical 318I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 BMW 318I?
Engine and cooling, with 5 complaints. Next is acceleration (1).
How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 318I have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 1992 BMW 318I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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