1995 BMW 318I Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1995 BMW 318I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags527.8%
- Electrical316.7%
- Driver assistance211.1%
- Fuel system15.6%
- Other / unspecified15.6%
- Seat belts15.6%
- Steering15.6%
- Transmission15.6%
- Visibility15.6%
- Brakes15.6%
- Engine15.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FAILURE RECURRED ,AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 121,471, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDS A RING REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO REPAIR THE HORN WHICH IS INOPERABLE AND SEATBELT TENSION TO REPAIR AIRBAG LIGHT. UPDATED 05/23/07 *TR
AIR BAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THE CAR, HOWEVER, CAN BE DRIVEN WITHOUT AN ISSUE. THE ABS LIGHT THEN DISAPPEARS AFTER ABOUT THREE MINUTES. THE DEALER HAS TWICE TURNED-OFF THE LIGHT BY RESETTING THE VEHICLE COMPUTER. BOTH TIMES AFTER THE THE DEALER "FIXED" THE PROBLEM AND A PERSON SEATS ON THE BACK SEAT THE LIGHT WILL AUTOMATICALLY COME ON AGAIN. FOR CLARIFICATION: I JUST IMPORTED MY (U.S. SPECIFICATIONS) VEHICLE FROM GERMANY BOTH OF THESE OCCURENCES TOOK PLACE IN THE COUNTRY OF GERMANY, HOWEVER THE PREVIOUS OWNER WARNED ME ABOUT THE DEFECT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE U.S.A. USA DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. AT THIS POINT I AM UNSURE THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR
CONSUMER HAS TROUBLE STARTING VEHICLE. IT TAKES HER ABOUT 5-6 TIMES TURNING THE KEY BEFORE VEHICLE WILL START. IT SOUNDS AS IF THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE GAS PEDAL IS STUCK AND CANNOT STOP AND RPM ARE RED LINING. CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. LUCKILY I WAS PULLING INTO WORK TO PARK AND THAT'S WHEN THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK AND THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP HIGH TO 500 RPM. *TR
WHILE PULLING UP TO THE CURB TO LET A PASSENGER OUT DRIVER'S FRONT FLOOR MAT PUSHED UP AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL AND CAUSED CAR TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR, BUT WITH THE FLOOR MAT PRESSED AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL, THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, HITTING THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF IT. THE GAS PEDAL EXTENDS DOWN AND ATTACHED TO THE FLOOR SO THAT THE FLOOR MAT HAD NO PLACE TO GO, BUT AGAINST THE GAS PEDAL, IF IT GETS PUSHED FORWARD INADVERTANTLY AS IT DID IN THIS CASE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO SUMMARY LISTED FVOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
OVERTIGHTENED LUG NUTS CAUSED BOLTS TO BE SEVERED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FAILURE RECURRED ,AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 121,471, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDS A RING REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO REPAIR THE HORN WHICH IS INOPERABLE AND SEATBELT TENSION TO REPAIR AIRBAG LIGHT. UPDATED 05/23/07 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FAILURE RECURRED ,AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 121,471, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDS A RING REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO REPAIR THE HORN WHICH IS INOPERABLE AND SEATBELT TENSION TO REPAIR AIRBAG LIGHT. UPDATED 05/23/07 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 1995 BMW 318I AND HAS 37,000 MILES. I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH M/T AND FIRST GEAR POPS OUT OF GEAR WHICH CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE BEHIND YOU TO HIT YOUR CAR. I HAVE HAD MECHANICS DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND THEY SAY TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED BMW THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS DESIGN PROBLEM TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THEIR WAS A SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED IN 1999 AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT.(PERFECT TIMING). I THINK THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL CONSIDERING THE DANGER OF THIS ON THE OPEN ROAD. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HEARD NOISES COMING FROM AND GRINDING ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLLING DOWN OF FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW ON MY 1995 BMW 318I. IT FINALLY FAILED TO PROPERLY UP AND I HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR AND REPLACED IT AT A COST OF $500. AFTER CHECKING MESSAGE BOARDS ON-LINE I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. MANY PEOPLE STATED THAT THE REGULATORS HAD GONE OUT ON ALL OF THE WINDOWS ON VARIOUS BMW MODELS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR ABS AND AIRBAGS FAILED AT 124,000 MILES. *LA *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL # 98V178000 CONCERNING ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM. HE STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY. HE FIRST NOTICED THE FAILURE APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. AS A RESULT, HIS VEHICLE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY , AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE PUMP. APPROXIMATELY A WEEK AGO THE FAILURE RECURRED ,AND WOULD COST $800.00 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT SERVICE THE RECALL, AND THAT THE VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 121,471, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *AK THE CONSUMER HAS PROVIDED THE INVOICE FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATES THAT THE CONSUMER NEEDS A RING REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN TO REPAIR THE HORN WHICH IS INOPERABLE AND SEATBELT TENSION TO REPAIR AIRBAG LIGHT. UPDATED 05/23/07 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .