This common defect has struck my vehicle. This defect should be recalled, bmw acknowledges problem, but won't recall. No safety defect listed.
1993 BMW 318I engine problems
10 complaints (91% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 91%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine7
- Cooling system3
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW 318I engine problems in other years
Related recalls
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
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.
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.
Engine gasket leaks water when vehicle is off and will drain down to the level of the gasket.
Questions about the 1993 BMW 318I engine
Does the 1993 BMW 318I have engine problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the engine of the 1993 BMW 318I, 91% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1993 BMW 318I engine problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
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.
Other 1993 BMW 318I problems
Electrical 2Visibility 1
VIN decoder
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