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1996 BMW 318I problems

The most common problem on the 1996 BMW 318I is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical 318I model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Airbags

The worst 1996 BMW 318I problems

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

  • Airbags
    2
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    2
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

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 1 recalls for the 1996 BMW 318I

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 BMW 318I 6

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

See all 6 bulletins for the 1996 BMW 318I

What 1996 BMW 318I owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Transmission · 26,653 miles · CA

When the consumer shifted gears, the gear went into neutral. *jb replaced manual transmission and throw-out bearing due to excessive wear .

Filed May 30, 2002 · Airbags · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Consumer states while driving approximately 40mph, she hit a cement wall and the airbags did not deploy.*jb vehicle totalled and consumer was injured..

Filed Sep 3, 1999 · Airbags · AL · crash

While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle pulled to the left and lost control. Hit an embankment. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's airbags did not deploy, which did not protect the occupant in this crash. Please provide further information.

Compare the 1996 BMW 318I

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Questions about the 1996 BMW 318I

Is the 1996 BMW 318I reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 1996 BMW 318I, fewer than a typical 318I model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW 318I?

Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is transmission (1).

How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 318I have?

1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.

Share your experience with the 1996 BMW 318I

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