MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW 318

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW 318
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:10.637Z

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
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 3 complaints 1984 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 3 2001: 6 complaints
1984: 3 complaints 1984 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 3 2001: 6 complaints 2001
1984: 3 complaints 1984 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 3 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-05-05

Power train

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission.

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, 1999-06-17

Air bags

1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-29

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

1998 BMW 318 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 1 report 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.