1993 BMW 318I
Only 11 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 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WATER LEAKS OUT OF THE ENGINE GASKET RIGHT ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. IT LEAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF AND WILL DRAIN THE RADIATOR DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE GASKET.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980128
WATER LEAKS OUT OF THE ENGINE GASKET RIGHT ABOVE THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. IT LEAKS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OFF AND WILL DRAIN THE RADIATOR DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE GASKET.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980128
ENGINE GASKET LEAKS WATER WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF AND WILL DRAIN DOWN TO THE LEVEL OF THE GASKET.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980127
3 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: electrical system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1993 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V178000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1993 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 1993 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 BMW 318I have?
2 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.