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BMW 318IS recalls

There are 4 safety recalls on record for the BMW 318IS, covering 838,500 vehicles in total across all the models in each campaign. Newest first.

BMW 318IS recalls by model year

1997 11996 11995 21994 21993 21992 31991 1

All recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling systemReported August 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles affected
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 controlReported August 19, 1997 · 410,000 vehicles affected
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

Air bags: frontalReported July 1, 1996 · 75,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Risk
If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (SRS or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.

Recall number 96V110000 · Recall details

Air bags: knee bolsterReported April 10, 1991 · 13,500 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the BMW 318IS recalls

How do I check if my BMW 318IS has an open recall?

Enter your VIN in the VIN decoder on this page to see the recalls for your exact model and year, then confirm with any dealer of the brand or the manufacturer, who can tell you whether the repair was already done on your car.

Do I have to pay for a recall repair?

No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer of the brand, even if the car is out of warranty or you are not the first owner.

How many recalls does the BMW 318IS have?

4, covering engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control and air bags.

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