MYRModel Year Report

1996 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1996 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:45:32.891Z

Only 3 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 3 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, 1996 highlighted. 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 7 complaints 1991: 8 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1993: 11 complaints 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003
1996: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19845
19857
19918
19928
199311
199414
199514
19963
19975
19988
20014
20033

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

AIR BAGS

2 of 3 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40MPH, SHE HIT A CEMENT WALL AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB VEHICLE TOTALLED AND CONSUMER WAS INJURED.. *TT

NHTSA ODI report, 20020530

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND LOST CONTROL. HIT AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990903

POWER TRAIN

1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN THE CONSUMER SHIFTED GEARS, THE GEAR WENT INTO NEUTRAL. *JB REPLACED MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THROW-OUT BEARING DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR . *TT

NHTSA ODI report, 20030508

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19971030 — vehicle speed control

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 97V131000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 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 1996 BMW 318I?

The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 BMW 318I have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.