MYRModel Year Report

1994 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1994 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:57.829Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
14

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1994

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1994: 14 complaints 1994 14 1995: 14 complaints 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 14 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1985 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1994 14 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003

1994: 14 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19845
19857
19918
19928
199311
199414
199514
19963
19975
19988
20014
20033

Known problem areas

Only 14 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

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, 2005-08-12

Vehicle has had continued problems with engine shutting down, unable to determine cause.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-14

Electrical system

3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and module.

Structure

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, 1999-09-02

Power train

2 of 14 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH
Show 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, 2012-12-19

Also filed under Service brakes

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 14 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing injectors and delivery.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-10-30Vehicle speed control97V131000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1999-03-31Engine and engine cooling98V178000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1994 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.