MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:18:51.459Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 318 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 2 complaints 1986: 0 complaints 1986 1987: 0 complaints 1988: 0 complaints 1988 1989: 0 complaints 1990: 1 complaints 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 2001
1998: 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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 3 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING A COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980505

POWER TRAIN

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

TRANSMISSION KEPT POPPING OUT OF GEAR. ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FAILED IN 1 YEAR. BMW STATES THAT IT ISN'T WORTHY OF RECALL BECAUSE IT IS TOO RARE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990617

AIR BAGS

1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 10 MPH. WHILE PULLING FROM A STOP LIGHT ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE RIGHT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990929

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 BMW 318?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 318 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.