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1985 BMW 318Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 1985 BMW 318, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 27, 1998. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 BMW 318 has problems

2 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 cooling10
Seat belts10

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

2 recalls

1985 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

1985 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 BMW 318, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHEA89007 · closed Jul 26, 1989
    No recall
  2. HEATER CORE FAILUREEA92017 · closed Mar 30, 1993
    Led to recall 93V-015

Own a 1985 318?

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