MYRModel Year Report

1985 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1985 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:32:21.691Z

Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
2

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 1986: 0 complaints 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 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 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 1985: 2 complaints 1985 2 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

1985: 2 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 2 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seat belts

1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

The female part of the buckle on the driver's side completely disintegrates. Both plastic sides fall off which caused the buckle not to latch. The owner replaced the portion of buckle with a used part in may of 97.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-27

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing radiator assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Radiator cap failed after recall work performed (93V-015), causing vehicle to overheat.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-25

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-02-19Steering86V138000 The two parts of the steering column disengagement element could completely disconnect if the car contacts an object in the roadway or elsewhere of sufficient mass to apply a…

    Remedy: Bolt two specially formed plates to the disengagement element so that steering capability will be retained.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-12-23Engineering analysisClosed 1989-07-26 Brake light switch
  3. I
    1992-06-02Engineering analysisClosed 1993-03-30 Heater core failure
  4. 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

1985 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V138000 · Steering
  • Recall 93V015000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1985 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 1985 BMW 318?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 BMW 318 have?
2 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.