1984 BMW 318
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 0 |
| 1987 | 0 |
| 1988 | 0 |
| 1989 | 0 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 16 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 2001 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE ON THE HEATER CORE, THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COOLING SYSTEM, CAUSING INCREASED PRESSURE THAT RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING ON CONSUMER'S FEET. RECALL#93V015000. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961231
1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ENGINE IDLED HIGH. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS DUE TO THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030522
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFT UP THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040819
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE ON THE HEATER CORE, THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COOLING SYSTEM, CAUSING INCREASED PRESSURE THAT RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING ON CONSUMER'S FEET. RECALL#93V015000. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961231
SAFETY TIMELINE
WATER CONTROL VALVE IN THE HEATING SYSTEM MAY NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. EXCESSIVE CURRENT MAY BEGIN TO FLOW THROUGH THE WIRING TO THE CONTROL VALVE RESULTING IN OVERHEATING OF THE WIRING.
Remedy: WIRING TO THE VALVE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A WIRE CONNECTOR THAT HAS A FUSE. THE FUSE WILL PREVENT THE OCCURENCE OF AN ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD.
Campaign 84V107000 — check if this car was fixed
HEATER CORE FAILURE
THE MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT RESULTS IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND A RESULTING INCREASE IN SYSTEM PRESSURE.
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 AN
Campaign 93V015000 — check if this car was fixed
THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CONTROLS IDLE SPEED BY VARYING THE AMOUNT OF INTAKE AIR THAT BYPASSES THE THROTTLE PLATE IS SUBJECT TO BACKFIRE INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Remedy: INSTALL A REDESIGNED IDLE CONTROL VALVE WHICH CAN NOT STICK OPEN.
Campaign 85V058000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1984 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V058000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 84V107000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V015000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1984 BMW 318 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1984 BMW 318?
The most-reported component is visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:heater core, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 BMW 318 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.