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1984 BMW 318Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1984 BMW 318, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1984 BMW 318 has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling21
Fuel system, gasoline10
Visibility11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1984 BMW 318 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core

Recall 93V-015 · Feb 1, 1993 · 375,000 vehicles

Risk. VEHICLES OPERATED UNDER THIS INCREASED COOLING SYSTEMPRESSURE CONDITION CAN SUFFER DAMAGE OR FAILURE OF PARTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEMSUCH AS (1) LEAKAGE FROM A…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

1984 vs. every other 318 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 318 median. How we score

'84'85'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1984 BMW 318, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015
In owners' words

What 318 owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFT UP THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE RADIATOR NEEDED…
Complaint 10089328 · Aug 19, 2004
AFTER HAVING THE RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE ON THE HEATER CORE, THERE IS A MALFUNCTION IN THE COOLING SYSTEM, CAUSING INCREASED PRESSURE THAT RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING ON CONSUMER'S FEET. RECALL#93V015000. *AK
Complaint 806929 · Dec 31, 1996

Own a 1984 318?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.