1992 BMW 318
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1992 BMW 318. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1992 BMW 318. Newest first.
Feed fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time, allowing a seepage of fuel at the connection between the hose and the engine fitting. The clamp used to hold the hose to the fitting IS unable to compensate for the hardening of the feed fuel hose.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel seepage between the feed fuel hose and the engine fitting can result in free fuel in the engine compartment, which could result in a fire when exposed to a source of ignition.
Remedy
A redesigned feed fuel hose and hose clamp will be installed to alleviate the fuel seepage.
The adhesive material of the two piece throttle body heater migrates into the circulation chamber causing build up of impurities and restriction of flow within the chamber. This condition and water vapors from the crank that freezes at low ambient air temperatures prevents the throttle plate from closing as the driver releases the gas pedal, causing loss of…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If loss of throttle control from the frozen throttle body occurs while the vehicle IS in motion, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
BMW dealers will replace the throttle body heater with a modified heater.
The malfunction or failure of a coolant system component results in significantly increased coolant temperature and a resulting increase in system pressure.
Risk and remedy
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 coolant hose, (2) leakage of the radiator orexpansion tank, (3) disconnection of a hose from a pipe or a fitting, and (4)cracks in the heater core end piece resulting in coolant leakage. In some cases,boiling coolant can contact the lower right leg of the driver resulting inburns. Also, escaping coolant in the passenger compartment can cause vaporfogging of the interior surface of the windows, reducing driver visibility.
Remedy
Dealers will install a thermostatic bypass valve in the engine compartment to control coolant temperature in the heater core. also, a new design radiator cap will be installed, to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
The crankcase ventilation system, vented into the intake tract of the engine at the bellows boot ahead of the throttle housing, allows warm water vapor from the crankcase vent to condense and freeze in the colder bellows boot when the ambient air temperature IS 15 degrees fahrenheit or less. The build up of ice can dislodge and move into the throttle…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the throttle plate IS prevented from closing, thereis an increase in idle speed as well as slower than normal deceleration, whichoccurs without prior warning and could result in an accident.
Remedy
Replace the throttle housing with a version containing a modified heating system along with rerouting of the cvs hose. This will prevent ice build-up in the intake tract.
Owner complaints
16 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
The drivers side front door will not latch properly. the door will not hold. please describe further. *Jb
- Parking brake › Conventional
Parking brake does not work. dealer IS not willing to do anything.*ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
Consumer IS having problems with starter, she has taken it back to dealer twice already to have it replaced.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The affected gasket IS known to be of a defective nature and IS prone to failure at some point in the vehicle's life, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of coolant. the original part and replacement parts are referenced in a BMW technical service bulletin 11 10 93 (3885). thus far, BMW has…
The affected gasket IS known to be of a defective nature and IS prone to failure at some point in the vehicle's life, possibly resulting in a sudden loss of coolant. the original part and replacement parts are referenced in a BMW technical service bulletin 11 10 93 (3885). thus far, BMW has chosen only to evaluate each case individually and selectively reimburse owners for the cost of repairs for vehicles which are out of warranty.
- Fuel system, other › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Clamp and hose from gasoline tank failed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicles has a sudden loss of coolant from the engine due to a defective design. the manufacturer-bmw has issued a tsb on this problem. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine timing chain/engine main head gasket failed. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Timing case profile gasket failed, allowing a sudden and immediate release of most or all of the coolant (radiator) while traveling.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
A gasket wears out in the engine valve train, causing coolant loss. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine gasket failed, causing coolant leak. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine profile gasket failure, causing loss of hot coolant, resulting in a fog of white steam which could impair visibility. *ak
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
With temperatures ranging from 95 degrees or more rear window emploded while not in direct sunlight. Please describe details. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly
5-SPD manual transmission will not go into 1ST gear without difficulty which IS now becoming more frequent. Please describe details. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
M/trans: accelerator sticks during cold weather; engine speeds up, even with brakes applied;nearly caused rear end accident;not included under recall #91v219000
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The head and the gaskets and they are porus and they fall apart. Please describe. tt
- Parking brake › Conventional
While parked with brake on, emergency brake failed, vehicle rolled and hit another vehicle, once resulting in an accident. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air bag wiring failure
There is no summary currently available
- Heater core failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 50897Recall 96v111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch.
- 50896Recall 96v110 - BMW of north america has initiated a recall campaign which involves the airbag contact ring locking tab.
- 39115Engine will not start.
- 39114Engine will not start, primarily during cold weather or high altitude.
Every BMW 318 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.