1985 BMW 318
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.
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 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts.
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, 19980527
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
RADIATOR CAP FAILED AFTER RECALL WORK PERFORMED (93V-015), CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950525
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SIGNIFICAN
Remedy: BOLT TWO SPECIALLY FORMED PLATES TO THE DISENGAGEMENT ELEMENT SO THAT STEERING CAPABILITY WILL BE RETAINED.
Campaign 86V138000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1985 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts 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 86V138000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V015000 (visibility) has been completed.
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:front:buckle assembly, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.