Consumer noticed antifreeze on the ground in the garage, took vehicle to the dealer, and it was determined timing case profile gasket was defective.*ak...this gasket has caused problem until it was replaced in middle of 1994. This was a frequent failure on 318 vehicles. Bmw was aware of the problem. Their representative indicated she was not allowed to discuss the profile gasket problem.
The worst 1994 BMW 318IS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
- Transmission1
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 318IS 1
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 1994 BMW 318IS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After vehicle went through a car wash vehicle would not start. Contacted dealer, and dealer stated that dme unit was soaked.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
I purchased the car in nov. 1994 from gearhart bmw in denville, new jersey. Four months after the purchased date, I discovered a noise that was coming from behind me while I was driving approximately 50 MPH. I went back to the dealer to complain the situation and they said the noise you heard was probably the tire noise. I stopped at one of the nearest tire's dealer and had them checked my vehicle. They said that the noise was coming from the drive train. I requested the tire's dealer to type up a summary for my record. I showed it to the gearhart dealer then they denied it. However, I still heard the noise so I kept going back to the dealer and tried another dealer for a second opinion. I even tried to call the customer service of bmw headquarter, .. No solution ! ! !.... Finally when the manufacturer's warranty of my vehicle almost came to be expired, the morristown bmw revealed the problem to me and told me there was nothing they could do. At that time, I was so angry because for only one reason that I am 100% believe that the dealer had the knowledge about the noise, however, failed to disclose the information to me as the customer. At this moment as I am writing the letter, I only have one hope that maybe you want to investigate to see if there is any safety hazard. If you need further assistance please feel free to call me at my work #: (973) 966-2501. I greatly appreciate for your time in investigating this matter. Best regards, elia iman , quality engineer.
The profile gasket failure is apparently a common problem on this model engine...and while bmw acknowledges it is because of ba materials used for this gasket, no recall nor offer to repair free of charge has apparently been made.
Compare the 1994 BMW 318IS
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Questions about the 1994 BMW 318IS
Is the 1994 BMW 318IS reliable?
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1994 BMW 318IS, close to a typical 318IS model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1994 BMW 318IS?
Electrical system, with 2 complaints. Next is engine (2).
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 318IS have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.
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