This common defect has struck my vehicle. This defect should be recalled, bmw acknowledges problem, but won't recall. No safety defect listed.
The worst 1993 BMW 318I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine10
- Electrical2
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine10
- Electrical2
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
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
Technical service bulletins for the 1993 BMW 318I 3
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1993 BMW 318I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
All coolant lost, suddenly & w/o warning; coolant lost into the environment; sudden engine temperature rise required dangerous emergency manouver to reach side of road before engine damage; following vehicles may have been damaged & drivers blinded by lost coolant
Well known m42 engine profile gasket failure allows coolant to spill and renders vehicle undrivable without warning.
Alternator had to be replaced, along with regulator. Power windows and sunroof stopped working shortly after that. Is there some electrical problem with this car that would have caused the alternator to short out.
Vehicle had blown an engine head gasket at 46,000 miles.also, ignition was not working. Had no warning prior to seeing steam coming from under the hood. Shut vehicle down & then restarted. Engine check light still came back on.
Head gasket failure causing coolant to leak. Yh
Timing case profile gasket had catastrophic failure. All coolant was lost. Complete damage (warped head, etc) unknown at this time. Dealer estimates $1000 to repair gasket. This is a well known problem with this vehicle (as I have recently discovered). Bmw hasn't issued a recall. Since these usually go bad after the warranty period, bmw should issue a recall. Bmw has a reputation for quality cars. In this case they have a defective product and it's costing consumers many dollars due to their design flaws. If bmw willn't voluantarily issue a recall notice then the federal safety agency please assist us consumers and put pressure on them to do so.
Water leaks out of the engine gasket right above the air conditioning compressor. It leaks when the vehicle is off and will drain the radiator down to the level of the gasket.
Water leaks out of the engine gasket right above the air conditioning compressor. It leaks when the vehicle is off and will drain the radiator down to the level of the gasket.
Head gasket leaks right above the air conditioning compressor. It leaks when the vehicle is off and drains the radiator.
Compare the 1993 BMW 318I
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Questions about the 1993 BMW 318I
Is the 1993 BMW 318I reliable?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the 1993 BMW 318I, 2.8 times a typical 318I model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 BMW 318I?
Engine and cooling, with 10 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 318I have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1993 BMW 318I engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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