1992 BMW 318I
Only 8 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 8 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 | 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 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
PROFILE GASKET FAILURE. THE PART FAILS ON ALL M42 ENGINES PRODUCED BY BMW BETWEEN 1991 AND 1992. WAS MADE AWARE VIA TECHNICAL BULLLETIN SENT TO DEALERS. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980818
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED COOLANT LOSS AND LOW COOLANT LEVELS BUT THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE DID NOT RISE ABOVE NORMAL. LOSS WAS DUE TO ENGINE GASKET FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970216
1 of 8 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE SURGES, THE ENGINE RACES TO HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. CONTACTED THE DEALER, CAUSE OF PROBLEM WAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970522
1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
FAULTY PROFILE GASKET ON 1992 BMW 318I ENGINE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040710
1 of 8 total reports mentions: electrical system.
1 of 8 total reports mentions: air bags.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
Campaign 96V110000 — check if this car was fixed
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM TH
Campaign 97V131000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERAT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Campaign 98V178000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1992 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control 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 96V110000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1992 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 1992 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 318I have?
3 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.