MYRModel Year Report

1985 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1985 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:37:08.789Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, BMW 318I Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1985: 7 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19845
19857
19918
19928
199311
199414
199514
19963
19975
19988
20014
20033

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.

INJURY
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). *MJS

NHTSA ODI report, 20000322

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, 19991227

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.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

SMOKE COMMING FROM DASH INTERIOR AND THEN FLAMES BURST OUT CONSUMED CAR IN 15 MINUTES, CAR TOTALED OUT

NHTSA ODI report, 19990108

1985 BMW 318I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ODOMETER FRAUD. *LD UPDATED 11/8/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI report, 20171108

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

FIRE INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE INJURY
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. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040821

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.