1992 BMW 318I
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 1992 BMW 318I. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1992 BMW 318I. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. it IS possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. if the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can separate from the bushing. in this case, during application…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause the throttle valve to remain partially open. it his were to occur, the car might not decelerate as expected increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a spring steel clip on the outer tube of each cable in the area of the adjusting screw and plastic bushing. the clip IS designed to prevent the outer tube from dislodging from the bushing.
The air bag contact ring locking tab located in the steering wheel assembly can break without warning.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this happens, the contact ring wiring could eventually break. The air bag readiness indicator lamp (srs or airbag) in the instrument cluster will illuminate, and the air bag would not deploy in the event of a frontal impact vehicle collision.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the locking tab with one of a different design.
Owner complaints
8 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Faulty profile gasket on 1992 BMW 318I engine. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module
Onboard computer failed when got wet at a car wash.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag contact ring on the driver's side broke. When the air bag warning light came on, vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ring was replaced at owner's expense. Vehicle not included in recall 96v110000 bmw/interior; passive restraint: air bag:driver. *ak *ML
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have done some research over the internet for this problem and it appears to be a very common one. I am completely amazed that BMW IS not covering this repair of this, even though they are aware of the defect.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The profile head gasket IS a widely reported defect on BMW 318I engines. for me its a serious problme now that this IS the second head gasket to blow. the first was replaced under warranty, the second may or may not be replaced under warranty. in anny event the repair work has not yet been done.…
The profile head gasket IS a widely reported defect on BMW 318I engines. for me its a serious problme now that this IS the second head gasket to blow. the first was replaced under warranty, the second may or may not be replaced under warranty. in anny event the repair work has not yet been done. based on the web pages I have read this IS a widespread problem and BMW IS not reacting properly. I think you should consider a class-action law suit to make them act properly for such a major defect.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Profile gasket failure. the part fails on all M42 engines produced by BMW between 1991 and 1992. was made aware via technical bullletin sent to dealers. a recall needs to be issued.
- Vehicle speed control
When driving at 30 mph the vehicle surges, the engine races to high rpm and the vehicle cuts off without warning. Contacted the dealer, cause of problem was yet to be determined. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle experienced coolant loss and low coolant levels but the temperature guage did not rise above normal. loss was due to engine gasket failure.
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.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 53501M42 fault code 200/333. Dme control unit memory chip IS faulty.
- 50897Recall 96v111 - this recall campaign involves the brake light switch.
Every BMW 318I model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.