1995 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 PER YEAR
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.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACKS - RESULTS IN HIGH BILLS TO GET IT FIXED. NUMEROUS INCIDENTS. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT WINDOW OR ANYTHING RELATED TO IT IN THE DROP DOWN MENUS. TO PROCEED I HAVE HAD TO MAKE SELECTIONS THAT HAVE NO RELEVANCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080730
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FIRST PROBLEM IS THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS FAIL CAUSING THE DOOR PANELS TO COME LOSE AND FALL OR CRACK. THE SECOND PROBLEM IS THE HEAT SHIELD RATTLES CAUSING A RATTLING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 5 MPH. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI report, 19990302
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER WINDOW FALLS OFF THE TRACKS - RESULTS IN HIGH BILLS TO GET IT FIXED. NUMEROUS INCIDENTS. I AM UNABLE TO SELECT WINDOW OR ANYTHING RELATED TO IT IN THE DROP DOWN MENUS. TO PROCEED I HAVE HAD TO MAKE SELECTIONS THAT HAVE NO RELEVANCE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080730
1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DURING FRONTAL COLLISION INTO REAR OF LEADING CAR AT 35MPH, MY BMW FAILED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS AND DRIVER SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING DRIVER TO COME VIOLENTLY FORWARD TO WITHIN 1 INCH OF STEERING WHEEL, THEN THROWN HARD BACK INTO SEAT CAUSING NECK...
NHTSA ODI report, 19990416
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
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
1995 BMW 318IS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 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 1995 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 1995 BMW 318IS?
The most-reported component is visibility:power window devices and controls, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 BMW 318IS have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.