MYRModel Year Report

1998 BMW 318I

○ Not enough data
1998 BMW 318I
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:53:02.802Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

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 1993 1994: 14 complaints 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1997: 5 complaints 1998: 8 complaints 1998 8 2001: 4 complaints 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 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 8 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 1995: 14 complaints 1995 1996: 3 complaints 1996 1997: 5 complaints 1997 1998: 8 complaints 1998 8 2001: 4 complaints 2001 2003: 3 complaints 2003

1998: 8 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Vehicle speed control

3 of 8 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

BMW is currently denying that this has been a problem in the past, despite NHTSA campaign number 97V131000. Currently, they are refusing to provide anything on this vehicle which is still warrantied. No summary listed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-02-14

Cruise control does not disengage when brakes are applied and obviously does not decelerate when expected. I would like to refer to NHTSA recall no.: 97V131.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-29

Electrical system

3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

Ignition switch failure while driving vehicle key started rotating in ignition while driving vehicle. Pulled off to the side of road and removed key. Engine would not shut off. Only way to shut off vehicle was to disconnect battery.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-11-14

Visibility

1 of 8 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing fan/motor.

Power train

1 of 8 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Show complaint excerpts

Automatic trans pops out of 1ST gear while accelerating (Loud noise).

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-10-02

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

Buy-smart checklist

1998 BMW 318I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 1 report on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 BMW 318I?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 BMW 318I have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.