MYRModel Year Report

1997 BMW 318IS

○ Not enough data
1997 BMW 318IS
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:21:29.817Z

Only 2 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 2 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 318IS Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 13 complaints 1993 1994: 5 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997
1997: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19916
19923
199313
19945
19953
19960
19972

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 2 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL WON'T RELEASE. ALSO, AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH BOARD. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040902

STEERING

1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, SUDDENLY A POPPING NOISE OCCURRED IN THE FRONT END, THE STEERING WHEEL SHUTTERED BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH ASC PLUS T (AUTOMATIC STABILITY CONTROL PLUS TRACTION) AND IT WAS TRYING TO GAIN BACK CONTROL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20050328

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

1997 BMW 318IS — pre-purchase inspection

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

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 BMW 318IS?

The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:cruise control, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 BMW 318IS 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.