1985 BMW 318I
Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 7 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1991 | 8 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 11 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 14 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2003 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility
2 of 7 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing heater core.
Show complaint excerpts
Heater core failed causing hot water to hit consumer's legs and fogged windows resulting in no visibility and injury to consumer (2ND degree burns).
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-22
While driving heard a loud noise and the inside of the car filled up with steam. This caused the driver not to be able to see. Consumer was forced to pull car over. Car was towed to consumer's home. Consumer says that the heater core blew up.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-12-27
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel pump.
Electrical system
2 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Smoke comming from dash interior and then flames burst out consumed car in 15 minutes, car totaled out
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-08
1985 BMW 318I. Consumer writes in regards to odometer fraud. *ld updated 11/8/2017
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-08
Service brakes
1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
1/12/04 brake replacement. 3/16/04 -engine smoking. 3/17/04 radiator hose,clamps antifreeze,new radiator $368.17 - 7/28/04 vehicle caught on fire and exploded. My daughter was seconds from being burned alive.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-08-21
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
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
1985 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1985 BMW 318I 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 318I?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 BMW 318I 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.