Washed bird poop off the hood with an open hose (no sprayer). Car would not start afterwards. Had car towed to bmw repair shop. They were familiar with the problem of water getting into the engine control unit. $2200 later (engine had to be retuned because of fuel injected problems) got it back. Had to hangle with insurance company because of history of these problems. Seems like and obvious design defect. Did research on this site and found similar case issues in just the 1994 and 1995 years. Issues with the 3 series. Could be with others. See these other complaint numbers. 888956 855790 855789 8006006 number wrong? 710164 893434 possible related 701777 480715
The worst 1994 BMW 318IC problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
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 1994 BMW 318IC 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1994 BMW 318IC owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 1994 BMW 318IC
Other model years
Questions about the 1994 BMW 318IC
Is the 1994 BMW 318IC reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1994 BMW 318IC, fewer than a typical 318IC model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 318IC?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 318IC have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1994 BMW 318IC?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history