MYRModel Year Report

1984 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1984 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:56.745Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1984

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 3 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 17 complaints 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints
1984: 3 complaints 1984 3 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1984: 3 complaints 1984 3 1985: 2 complaints 1985 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1987 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1989 1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 16 complaints 1992 1993: 17 complaints 1993 1994: 20 complaints 1994 1995: 19 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 2001: 6 complaints 2001

1984: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19843
19852
19860
19870
19880
19890
19901
199121
199216
199317
199420
199519
19965
19975
19983
20016

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly and cooling system.

INJURY
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-31

Also filed under Visibility

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, 2004-08-19

Visibility

1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.

INJURY

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 3 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.

Show complaint excerpts

The engine idled high. The dealer stated it was due to the idle control valve which needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-22

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1984-12-14Visibility84V107000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-03-30 Heater core failure
  3. R
    1993-06-04Visibility93V015000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline85V058000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1984 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V058000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 84V107000 · Visibility
  • Recall 93V015000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 BMW 318 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.