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1993 BMW 318iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 1993 BMW 318i, 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 complaints110 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem10Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 11, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1993 BMW 318i has problems

11 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 cooling100
Electrical system20
Visibility10

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

2 recalls

1993 BMW 318i 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

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system

Recall 98V-178 · Aug 4, 1998 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY…

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

1993 vs. every other 318i 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 318i median. How we score

'84'85'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'01'03
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 318i owners report

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

VEHICLE HAD BLOWN AN ENGINE HEAD GASKET AT 46,000 MILES.ALSO, IGNITION WAS NOT WORKING. HAD NO WARNING PRIOR TO SEEING STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHUT VEHICLE DOWN & THEN RESTARTED. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STILL CAME BACK ON. *AK
Complaint 832725 · Dec 28, 1998
THIS COMMON DEFECT HAS STRUCK MY VEHICLE. THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE RECALLED, BMW ACKNOWLEDGES PROBLEM, BUT WON'T RECALL. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Complaint 758073 · Feb 11, 2002
ALL COOLANT LOST, SUDDENLY & W/O WARNING; COOLANT LOST INTO THE ENVIRONMENT; SUDDEN ENGINE TEMPERATURE RISE REQUIRED DANGEROUS EMERGENCY MANOUVER TO REACH SIDE OF ROAD BEFORE ENGINE DAMAGE; FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED & DRIVERS BLINDED BY LOST COOLANT
Complaint 714056 · Oct 29, 1999

Own a 1993 318i?

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