1992 BMW 318IS
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.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1992
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1992: 3 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Structure
2 of 3 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and body.
Show complaint excerpts
Driver's inside door handle broke which caused door not to open from inside. In event of a emergency driver cannot go out from driver's door. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-11-09
After car passed through car wash, would not start; towed car to dealer and was advised this is a common occurrence is 3-series models and was quoted $1500 to repair.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-03-02
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 3 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
May 5, 2004 incident: driver's door latch fails to work ... So that the door flies open while driving ... And can not be completely closed and/or locked when parked.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-06
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-09-30Air bags96V110000 The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
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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…
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1992 BMW 318IS — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V110000 · Air bags
- Recall 97V131000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 98V178000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 1992 BMW 318IS 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 1992 BMW 318IS?
- The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1992 BMW 318IS have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.