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1998 BMW 318iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 1998 BMW 318i, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has no vehicle safety recalls on record.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls0None on recordOwner complaints83 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage79kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 19, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 BMW 318i has problems

8 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
Vehicle speed control31
Electrical system30
Air bags11
Visibility10
Power train10
Engine and engine cooling10

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

0 recalls

1998 BMW 318i recalls and how many were fixed

No vehicle safety recalls are on record for this model year.

Best & worst years

1998 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 vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT DISENGAGE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED AND OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT DECELERATE WHEN EXPECTED. I WOULD LIKE TO REFER TO NHTSA RECALL NO.: 97V131. *NM
Complaint 10138097 · Sep 29, 2005 · 78,500 miles
BMW IS CURRENTLY DENYING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST, DESPITE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 97V131000. CURRENTLY, THEY ARE REFUSING TO PROVIDE ANYTHING ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH IS STILL WARRANTIED. NO SUMMARY LISTED.
Complaint 740722 · Feb 10, 2001
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED CONTINUALLY FOR EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME FOR ENGINE/THROTTLE RELATED PROBLEMS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE INTERMITTENTLY AND EXPERIENCE NO START CONDITIONS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING, THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED VEHICLE HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DOES NOT FEEL VEHICLE…
Complaint 559680 · Feb 14, 2001

Own a 1998 318i?

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