Repeated instance of seat belt lock failure as relating to air bag. Drivers side bracket has been replaced 4 times. It seems the wiring or switch keeps failing and the airbag light stays on. Especially true after hard stops. Shop says air bag may fail to deploy if not repaired.
The worst 1996 BMW 318IC problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Seat belts2
- Electrical1
Problems by type
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- Seat belts2
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
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 1996 BMW 318IC 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1996 BMW 318IC owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The drivers side seat belt broke. Nlm
Compare the 1996 BMW 318IC
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Questions about the 1996 BMW 318IC
Is the 1996 BMW 318IC reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1996 BMW 318IC, close to a typical 318IC model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 BMW 318IC?
Seat belts, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 318IC have?
1 recall, covering vehicle speed control.
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