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1995 BMW 318I problems

The most common problem on the 1995 BMW 318I is airbags. It has 3.5 times the complaints of a typical 318I model year.

Typical year3.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 1995 BMW 318I problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Electrical
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    5
  • Electrical
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 2

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported August 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles affected
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 controlReported August 19, 1997 · 410,000 vehicles affected
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

See all 2 recalls for the 1995 BMW 318I

Technical service bulletins for the 1995 BMW 318I 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 1995 BMW 318I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 19, 2016 · Acceleration, Electrical · 358,000 miles · CA

The gas pedal is stuck and cannot stop and RPM are red lining. Car is unsafe to drive. Luckily I was pulling into work to park and that's when the gas pedal got stuck and the engine started revving up high to 500 RPM.

Filed May 1, 2007 · Airbags, Engine · 80,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 bmw 318i. The contact stated that the vehicle had the same failure as noted in recall # 98v178000 concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system. He stated that the water pump failed and would cost $800.00 to repair. However, the repair was performed free of charge because the vehicle was under warranty. He first noticed the failure approximately one year ago. As a result, his vehicle stalled on the highway , and had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer replaced the pump. Approximately a week ago the failure recurred ,and would cost $800.00 to repair. The dealer stated that they would not service the recall, and that the vehicle not included in the recall due to the VIN. The current mileage is 121,471, and failure mileage was 80,000. *ak the consumer has provided the invoice for repairs. The dealer states that the consumer needs a ring replaced in the steering column to repair the horn which is inoperable and seatbelt tension to repair airbag light. Updated 05/23/07

Filed Mar 16, 2007 · Airbags · 144,500 miles · TX

Air bag light comes on when the car is started. The car, however, can be driven without an issue. The ABS light then disappears after about three minutes. The dealer has twice turned-off the light by resetting the vehicle computer. Both times after the the dealer "fixed" the problem and a person seats on the back seat the light will automatically come on again. For clarification: I just imported my (u.s. Specifications) vehicle from germany both of these occurences took place in the country of germany, however the previous owner warned me about the defect while the vehicle was in the u.s.a. Usa dealer has yet to be contacted. At this point I am unsure that the airbags will deploy in the case of an accident.

Filed Feb 1, 2005 · Visibility · 135,000 miles · AL

I heard noises coming from and grinding associated with the rolling down of front driver's side window on my 1995 bmw 318i. It finally failed to properly up and I had to take it to the dealership. The dealer told me it was the window regulator and replaced it at a cost of $500. After checking message boards on-line I discovered that this is a very common problem. Many people stated that the regulators had gone out on all of the windows on various bmw models.

Filed Apr 15, 2004 · Acceleration · RI · crash · 1 injury

While pulling up to the curb to let a passenger out driver's front floor mat pushed up against the gas pedal and caused car to accelerate. The driver stepped on the brake to stop the car, but with the floor mat pressed against the gas pedal, the car continued to accelerate, hitting the vehicle parked in front of it. The gas pedal extends down and attached to the floor so that the floor mat had no place to go, but against the gas pedal, if it gets pushed forward inadvertantly as it did in this case.

Filed Mar 17, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · 124,000 miles · MD

Electrical components for ABS and airbags failed at 124,000 miles. *la

Filed Mar 15, 2004 · Electrical · CO

Consumer has trouble starting vehicle. It takes her about 5-6 times turning the key before vehicle will start. It sounds as if there is an electrical short in the ignition switch.

Filed Aug 8, 2003 · Electrical · GA · fire

Consumer stated under rainy conditions, the vehicle's floor boards fill with water. This shorted out the computer when the vehicle was started which resulted in a fire. Please provide any further information.

Filed Mar 31, 2003 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · CA

I have a 1995 bmw 318i and has 37,000 miles. I have a problem with m/t and first gear pops out of gear which can cause the vehicle behind you to hit your car. I have had mechanics diagnose the problem and they say to replace the transmission. I called bmw they will not cover this design problem to replace the transmission. Their was a service bulletins issued in 1999 after the warranty had run out.(perfect timing). I think this should have been a recall considering the danger of this on the open road.

Filed Dec 5, 2002 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

Consumer states that when hit at a low speed in the front center of the vehicle the air bag did not deploy causing minor injuries to the consumer. Dealer notified. Ts

Compare the 1995 BMW 318I

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Questions about the 1995 BMW 318I

Is the 1995 BMW 318I reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 1995 BMW 318I, 3.5 times a typical 318I model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 BMW 318I?

Airbags, with 5 complaints. Next is electrical (3).

How many recalls does the 1995 BMW 318I have?

2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.

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