While driving car accelerates by itself. Made sure carpet wasn't on pedal. Happened few times during winter. Rpm's going very high. Very hard to stop the car. Very unsafe. Bmw told me there is recall but my car was not affected. Didn't even look at car. Told me to call back when it happens again
The worst 1993 BMW 318IS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine9
- Electrical2
- Acceleration1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1993 BMW 318IS
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 1993 BMW 318IS 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1993 BMW 318IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving at any speed and no warning cooling system cracked, causing fluid to leak out. Dealer notified.
There is a coolant leak in engine because an inferior form of rubber sealant is used on engine. Coolant goes back into engine. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated they knew about leak and its a frequent problem, but not under warranty.*ak the head had to be replaced due to this problem, the problem is a rubberized gasket, known as the timing case profile gasket.
Both front ball joints were replaced. Ehicle also slides and fishtails on other than dry road. Consumer has had 3 accidents.
Engine gasket failed. Bmw denies defect.
While driving car overheated. Had vehicle towed to the dealer, and was told that there was an engine head gasket failure.
Profile gasket material weak causing it to leak antifreeze resulting in smoke coming from the car.
The vehicle's electronic command control box was flooded due to water entering the box. Dealer contacted and aware of the problem. Consumer had repair work done at owner's exspense. Tsb 410393 (3914).
When driving the vehicle through a carwash the computer for the vehicle short circuited and shut completely down. Dealer has to replace total computer.
Timing case profile gasket failed causing loss of coolant on the roadway and vehicle overheating.
Compare the 1993 BMW 318IS
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Questions about the 1993 BMW 318IS
Is the 1993 BMW 318IS reliable?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the 1993 BMW 318IS, 2.6 times a typical 318IS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1993 BMW 318IS?
Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints. Next is electrical (2).
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 318IS have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.
Was there a recall on the 1993 BMW 318IS engine?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V178000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
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