The head gasket was replaced twice.
The worst 1991 BMW 318IS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Visibility1
Recalls 1
Air bags: knee bolster
- What is wrong
- During testing, incorrectly installed driver-side knee bolster prevented steering column from moving forward as designed to absorb impact energy from driver dummy.
- Risk
- Chest deceleration exceeds maximum allowable limit whichresults in increased risk of occupant injury in a sudden stop or accident.
- Remedy
- Repair the knee bolster to allow clearance and avoid impedance of steering column movement during frontal impact.
Recall number 91V054000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1991 BMW 318IS 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1991 BMW 318IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
This has been a widely reported failure on early 1990s 318 models. No safety defect listed.
Timing case profile gasket failure is verh high for the motor. Unexpected loss of engine coolant, which leaks slowly or all at once is due to gaskets design.
While driving at high speed, 65mph, the profile gasket in my engine failed. Large amounts of steam came out of the engine compartment and resulted in a condition of almost zero visibility. My windshield was covered with antifreeze and I could not see throught he steam. I believe this failure to be a serious safety issue.
Engine gasket failure, causing a sudden loss of coolant on the roadway under the driving wheels.
Timing case profile gasket failure is verh high for the motor. Unexpected loss of engine coolant, which leaks slowly or all at once is due to gaskets design.
Compare the 1991 BMW 318IS
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Questions about the 1991 BMW 318IS
Is the 1991 BMW 318IS reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 1991 BMW 318IS, 1.2 times a typical 318IS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 BMW 318IS?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is visibility (1).
How many recalls does the 1991 BMW 318IS have?
1 recall, covering air bags.
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