1990-1993 BMW 318, BMW 325 and others recall: heater core

Bayerische Motoren Werke reported this safety recall on February 1, 1993. It covers about 375,000 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 375,000
reported: Feb 1, 1993
owners notified: Jun 4, 1993
related complaints: 10

Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core

What is wrong: The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
Risk: Vehicles operated under this increased cooling systempressure condition can suffer damage or failure of parts of the cooling systemsuch as (1) leakage from a coolant hose, (2) leakage of the radiator orexpansion tank, (3) disconnection of a hose from a pipe or a fitting, and (4)cracks in the heater core end piece resulting in coolant leakage. In some cases,boiling coolant can contact the lower right leg of the driver resulting inburns. Also, escaping coolant in the passenger compartment can cause vaporfogging of the interior surface of the windows, reducing driver visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. Also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Recall number 93V015000

Affected vehicles

BMW 318 1991-1992 1991 1992
BMW 325 1990-1993 1990 1991 1992 1993
BMW M3 1990-1991 1990 1991

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 10 complaints about visibility problems.

1991 BMW 318 1992 BMW 318 1990 BMW 325 1991 BMW 325 1992 BMW 325 1993 BMW 325 1990 BMW M3 1991 BMW M3

Questions about recall 93V015000

Is there a recall on the 1990-1993 BMW 318, BMW 325 and others heater core?

Yes. Recall 93V015000, reported on February 1, 1993, covers about 375,000 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 93V015000?

Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. Also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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