1994 BMW 318I
Only 14 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 14 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 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 14 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE OVERHEATED RANDOMLY. THE ENGINE HEAD WAS REPLACED TWICE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE REPAIRS WERE COSTLY. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER FOR ONE REPAIR, BUT WILL NOT DO IT AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050812
VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and module.
2 of 14 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN ONSUMER'S SON GOT INSIDE OF VEHICLE AND LOCKED DOORS MANUALLY. THEN TRIED TO TURN ON ENGINE, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT START. DRIVER TRIED TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE, AND HE COULDN'T BECAUSE THE DOOR WON'T UNLOCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990902
2 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT HILL AND THE HAND BRAKE WAS PULLED UP TO ITS FULL CAPACITY. MY BROTHER SAT IN THE CAR AND SMOKED A CIGARETTE BEFORE GOING TO HIS APPOINTMENT. AFTER HE RETURNED FROM HIS APPOINTMENT, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE FOUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121219
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
2 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors and delivery.
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
1994 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (2 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 1994 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 1994 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 BMW 318I have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.