NHTSA recall 98V178000
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
BMW 318I and 35 more
The defect
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. a malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. if the indications of a critical overheating condition IS not noticed by the driver, it IS possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
The 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 to a vehicle occupant.
The remedy
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.